A delightful and nutritious option for breakfast or a quick snack. Besan chillas, also known as gram flour pancakes, are a popular dish from Indian cuisine that offers a healthy twist. Made from besan (gram flour) and a blend of spices, these savoury pancakes are not only delicious but also suitable for individuals with various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free.
Servings: 3
Calories: 263
Total Fat: 4.5g (6% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 0.5g (2%)
Cholesterol: 0mg (0%)
Sodium: 74mg (3%)
Total Carbohydrate: 44.4g (16%)
Dietary Fiber: 12.7g (45%)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 13.6g
Vitamin D: 0mcg (0%)
Calcium: 85mg (7%)
Iron: 5mg (26%)
Potassium: 716mg (15%)
Besan chillas, or chickpea flour pancakes, can be a diabetes-friendly recipe. Chickpea flour, also known as besan, has a lower glycemic index compared to wheat flour, meaning it has a slower impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, chickpea flour is high in fiber and protein, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Here's a simple recipe for besan chillas:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed for desired consistency)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, water, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Whisk until you have a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter. Add more water if needed.
- Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin pancake (chilla).
- Sprinkle some chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves on top of the chilla.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the chilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the chilla from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve the besan chillas hot with mint chutney, yogurt, or any other diabetic-friendly toppings of your choice.
Besan chillas are a good choice for people with diabetes due to the lower glycemic index of chickpea flour and its high fiber and protein content. They can provide sustained energy and help control blood sugar levels. However, it's still important to be mindful of portion sizes and consider the overall balance of your meal in terms of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Additionally, toppings or fillings can affect the glycemic load, so choose toppings wisely and monitor your blood sugar levels accordingly.
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