
Besan Puda or Vegan Pancakes or Besan Chilla is a delectable Indian recipe often served in breakfast. This is made by adding some chopped veggies in the gram flour-based paste along with some spices and then grilling them in the skillet like a pancake.
This is one of my favorite breakfast recipes. I use extra vegetables to make it healthier. Adding vegetables not only makes these pancakes healthy but also gives crunch to them. I usually add some chopped onions, along with shredded zucchini and carrots. These are savory pancakes, so you can serve them with some ketchup. Or it can also be served as a sandwich by placing the pancakes between two slices of bread.
There are some recipes that take you on a trip down memory lane. Besan Puda is one of those dishes for me. When I was a kid, my Mom made these Besan Puda or Besan Chilla or Savory Vegan Pancakes often. This is one of those special breakfasts we always look forward to. I'm sharing this recipe so that you can also experience the amazing flavor of these savory pancakes.
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR MAKING BESAN PUDA OR VEGAN PANCAKES
- GRAM FLOUR: I have used Gram Flour for making Besan Puda, but if you don't have it or if you prefer you can also add Chickpea Flour. Sift the flour before using it.
- SPICES: I usually add spices like Garam Masala Powder, Red Chili Powder, Roasted Cumin Powder, and Amchur/ Mango Powder along with some fresh Cilantro & Mint Leaves.
- VEGETABLES: Besan Puda is often made by adding only some chopped onions. But I have added some sliced Zucchini and Carrots to the batter. They add a crunch in these vegan pancakes. You can add some spinach leaves too.
HOW TO MAKE BESAN PUDA
- SIFT FLOUR: Sift gram flour so that batter should of even consistency. You can use gram flour or chickpea flour in the recipe.
- MAKE BATTER: The batter should be medium consistency meaning it should be too thick or too watery. Instead, the batter should be of pancake consistency.
- ADD VEGGIES: Add veggies that you want to include in the puda. I have added onions, shredded carrots & zucchini. Also, add spices too at this point & whisk until well combined.
- COOK: Pour the batter into the skillet and cook until both the sides are cooked and a little brown in color. Repeat the process for all the batter and serve.
CHICKPEA FLOUR vs GRAM FLOUR
You can make Besan Pooda or Vegan Pancake using either gram flour or chickpea flour. I have used gram flour for the recipe. Both are pretty much the same. There's just a little difference in the color and the smell of the flour. If you want to check other gram flour recipes, CLICK HERE.
Chickpea Flour is flour made of chickpeas. While gram flours made using split black chickpeas. Both are easily available in any Indian store.
Besan Puda or Besan Chilla or Vegan Pancakes
Equipment
Instructions
- Add Zucchini & Carrots in a bowl and add 1-2 tablespoon of salt in it. Leave it for 10- 15 minutes. After 10 minutes, transfer them in a muslin cloth. Wrap all the sides together, drain all the excess liquid out, and keep it aside.
- In another bowl, add gram flour and water (as needed). And whisk it in a smooth batter, free of any lumps.
- ( Note: The batter should not be too thick and not too thin. It should be of usual pancake batter consistency).
- Then add all the spices, onions, zucchini & carrots, and cilantro & mint leaves and whisk the batter again until combined properly.
- Heat Tawa/ Griddle and sprinkle some oil. Pour 2 tablespoon of batter on the griddle and spread like an omelet. Spray some oil on the top of Puda and flip the puda once the bottom side is cooked. Cook the other side until well cooked and evenly browned. Or you can also grill them on a skillet.
- Repeat the process for the rest of the batter. Serve the Puda with some Ketchup and Green Chutney.
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