5 Easy Steps for Indian Chickpea Cake

Chickpeas, known as channa or gram in India, are a staple in Indian cuisine, offering a rich source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. With the growing interest in plant-based diets and vegetarian dishes, the traditional Indian chickpea cake, often called besan ka chilla or gram flour pancake, has gained popularity both within and outside India. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to make this delectable dish in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To begin crafting your Indian chickpea cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• ¹⁄₄ cup finely chopped onions
• 1-2 finely chopped green chilies (adjust to taste)
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro (coriander)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cumin seeds
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt (or to taste)
• Water (for consistency)
• Oil or ghee (for cooking)

🍎 Note: Ensure you use finely ground chickpea flour for a smoother texture. You can also add other ingredients like grated carrot or finely chopped spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Here’s how to prepare the batter for your chickpea cake:

1. Mix the gram flour, turmeric, cumin seeds, and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, until you have a batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
3. Stir in the onions, green chilies, and cilantro. Allow the batter to rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and the gram flour to absorb the liquid better.

🍎 Note: The resting period can be extended for better results. For an even smoother texture, you can blend the batter after resting.

Step 3: Cooking the Chickpea Cake

Now, let’s cook the chickpea cake:

1. Heat a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat and grease it lightly with oil or ghee.
2. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan, spreading it in a circular motion to form a pancake.
3. Let the cake cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip it over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from the pan and serve hot.

🍎 Note: You can keep the cakes warm in an oven set to low temperature or cover them with a cloth to retain heat.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor

To elevate the taste, you can do the following:

• Sprinkle some fresh coriander, red chili powder, or chaat masala on top of the chickpea cake after cooking.
• Serve with green chutney, tomato ketchup, or your favorite sauce.

🍎 Note: If you like it spicy, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder to the batter.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Here are some innovative ways to enjoy your chickpea cake:

• Wrap: Serve it as a wrap by placing the chickpea cake inside roti or paratha with veggies and chutney.
• Filled Snacks: Make mini versions as appetizers and fill them with a spiced potato filling.
• Sandwich: Use them as bread for a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
• Side Dish: Accompany with yogurt, raita, or a simple curry.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the delicate flavors of the Indian chickpea cake, a dish that combines health benefits with the traditional taste of Indian cuisine. This versatile recipe can be tweaked to suit your palate, making it a great addition to any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Furthermore, its protein-rich nature ensures that it's not just delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Is chickpea cake the same as falafel?

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No, chickpea cake, also known as besan ka chilla, is different from falafel. While both use chickpeas, falafel is made from ground chickpeas mixed with spices and deep-fried, whereas chickpea cake is made from chickpea flour batter and is usually pan-cooked or grilled.

Can I make the batter in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the texture might change slightly, so you might need to adjust the consistency by adding some water if it becomes too thick.

What can I substitute for gram flour?

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If gram flour (besan) is not available, you can try using all-purpose flour with added chickpeas or even ground lentils. However, the taste and texture will differ.

Can this be a gluten-free option?

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Yes, besan or chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, making chickpea cake a suitable dish for those following a gluten-free diet.

What are the health benefits of chickpeas?

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Chickpeas are high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and phosphorus. They can help in weight management, improve digestion, and promote heart health.