Delicious Chana Pudla Recipe for a Nutritious Meal

Ingredients You'll Need

Before diving into the actual preparation of Chana Pudla, a nutritious and protein-rich Gujarati dish, let’s list out all the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing) (optional)
• Water, as needed to make batter
• Oil for greasing the pan

🌱 Note: Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Preparation of Chana Pudla Batter

Preparing the batter for Chana Pudla is straightforward but requires attention to detail:

1. Sieving Chickpea Flour: Start by sieving the chickpea flour into a large mixing bowl to remove any lumps.
2. Adding Spices and Herbs: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt to the flour.
3. Mixing in Vegetables: Mix in the chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
4. Gradual Addition of Water: Slowly add water while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. The consistency should be like pancake batter - pourable but not too runny.

Cooking Chana Pudla

Now that your batter is ready, here's how to cook Chana Pudla:

1. Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water; if they sizzle, the pan is ready.
2. Greasing the Pan: Lightly grease the pan with oil.
3. Pouring the Batter: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan, spreading it out to make a round, thin pancake.
4. Cooking: Drizzle some oil around the edges of the pudla. Cook until the top surface starts to look set and the edges turn golden brown, usually 2-3 minutes.
5. Flipping and Cooking: Gently flip the pudla using a spatula and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until you see brown spots.

Serving Suggestions

Chana Pudla can be served in several delightful ways:

• As a quick breakfast with mint chutney or tomato ketchup.
• With a side of yogurt or cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Stuffed with paneer or mashed potatoes to make it more filling.

To summarize, Chana Pudla is not only a simple dish to prepare but also packs a punch with its nutritional content, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. With the right blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this Gujarati pancake can be enjoyed in many forms, from breakfast to a light dinner. So, why not give it a try and see how versatile and delicious it can be?

What is the role of asafoetida in Chana Pudla?

+

Asafoetida, or hing, is added for its unique flavor, which helps in digestion and reduces the gas-causing properties of chickpeas.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

+

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead, but it should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours for freshness. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.

Is there a vegan option for Chana Pudla?

+

Chana Pudla is already vegan by nature. Just ensure to use oil instead of butter for cooking if there’s any doubt about vegan-friendly oil.