Ingredients & Ayurvedic Properties
| Ingredient | Weight | Ayurvedic Profile |
|---|---|---|
 Chickpea flour | 260 g | Sweet, Astringent · Cooling |
 Fresh cilantro, chopped | 20 g | Astringent, Bitter · Cooling |
 Ajwain seeds | 2 g | Pungent, Bitter · Heating |
 Cumin seeds | 3 g | Pungent, Bitter · Heating |
 Fresh ginger | 5 g | Pungent · Heating |
 Rock salt | 4 g | Salty · Cooling |
 Ghee | 18 g | Sweet · Cooling |
| Water | 420 g | Whole culinary ingredient |
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Rinse the chickpea flour if whole, or sift it if flour; soak whole grains or pulses until pliable, then grind or whisk with the measured water to a smooth batter.
- Stir in the cumin, ginger, rock salt, and chopped fresh cilantro, ajwain seeds; rest the batter for 15 minutes.
- Heat a heavy griddle and spread a thin film of ghee.
- Pour and spread each pancake; cook until the surface sets, then turn and cook the second side.
- Serve immediately while the center is tender and the edges are lightly crisp.
Dosha Modifications & Seasonal Guidance
Vaidya Culinary Note (North Indian chilla tradition)
Besan Chilla is a griddle-cooked breakfast made from a rested grain or pulse batter. Vata: make smaller, softer pancakes and add ghee. Pitta: omit chilies and add coriander. Kapha: spread thinly and use minimal fat.
USDA Nutrition Facts for Besan Chilla
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving (1 serving (183g)) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (Calories) | 163 kcal | 298 kcal |
| Protein | 8.1 g | 14.9 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.1 g | 38.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 7.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | 7.1 g |
| Total Fat | 5.0 g | 9.2 g |
| Calcium | 27.9 mg | 51.0 mg |
| Iron | 2.07 mg | 3.79 mg |
| Magnesium | 63.1 mg | 115.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 117.9 mg | 215.7 mg |
| Potassium | 329 mg | 602 mg |
| Sodium | 239 mg | 438 mg |
| Zinc | 1.05 mg | 1.93 mg |
| Copper | 0.34 mg | 0.63 mg |
| Manganese | 0.60 mg | 1.10 mg |
| Selenium | 3.0 µg | 5.5 µg |
| Vitamin C | 0.8 mg | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 30.8 µg | 56.4 µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.45 mg | 0.82 mg |
| Vitamin K | 12.1 µg | 22.1 µg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.18 mg | 0.33 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.04 mg | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.68 mg | 1.25 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.18 mg | 0.33 mg |
| Folate (DFE) | 157.0 µg | 287.4 µg |
| Choline | 1.2 mg | 2.2 mg |
