Mediterranean Diet Besan Cheela (Savory Gram Flour Pancake)

Infuse your mealtime with a healthy twist by trying this Mediterranean Diet Besan Cheela, a vibrant take on the traditional savory gram flour pancake! Packed with wholesome ingredients like spinach, parsley, tomatoes, and red onions, this protein-rich dish is seasoned with a flavorful blend of cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Olive oil lends a Mediterranean flair, while a splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang. With its quick 15-minute prep time and a golden, crispy finish, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe makes a perfect light lunch, hearty snack, or even a unique breakfast option. Pair these nourishing pancakes with a dollop of creamy yogurt or a zesty tomato salsa for an irresistible burst of flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 0.75 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour, water, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 2

Add finely chopped tomato, onion, spinach, parsley, and cumin seeds to the batter. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 4

Pour a ladle of the batter onto the skillet and spread it gently in a circular motion to form a thin pancake.

Step 5

Cook the cheela for about 3-4 minutes on medium heat until edges start to lift and the bottom turns golden brown.

Step 6

Drizzle a few drops of olive oil around the edges, then flip the cheela using a spatula. Cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7

Repeat the process for the remaining batter, adding more olive oil as needed for each cheela.

Step 8

Serve hot with a side of yogurt or a tangy tomato salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(616.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	817.4

Total Fat 36.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1334.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.4g	0%
Total Sugars 19.8g
Protein 32.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 211.2mg	0%
Iron 12.2mg	0%
Potassium 2027.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.4%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 44.7%