Besan Chilla/Besan Omelette Recipe

Besan, in its cooked form, is very tasty and is known to attract toddlers for its yummy taste. It is also a healthy staple, considering it is rich in protein. Also, it is gluten-free if you want to give a vegan diet to your kid. The protein-rich ingredient is sure to build strong muscles in your little one. Besan chilla or besan omelette for toddlers is a delicious breakfast or brunch recipe to improve the child’s stamina. Also, this can replace an eggless omelette in vegetarian households. Adding finely chopped vegetables of your choice will make this recipe more nutritious and colourful. Here’s a besan cheela recipe for babies that can offer a delicious and healthy meal option for their growing palates.

How to Make Besan Chilla/Besan Omelette for Babies?

Cooking Time 

Cooking Method 

Gas Stove

Type of Meal 

Vegetarian

Suitable For 

Babies above the age of 12 months

Meal Schedule 

Breakfast or brunch

Recipe Type 

Main Dish

Ingredients

Instructions

Now let’s look at how to make besan chilla. As mentioned earlier, it’s easy to make, and the recipe does not require any prior preparation.

Below are the step-by-step instructions to prepare besan chilla:

1. Sieve besan flour so that there are no lumps.
2. Add water, salt, ajwain, and coriander leaves to it.
3. Mix well and keep it aside for 15 minutes.
4. You can add finely chopped vegetables, such as onion, carrot, tomato, capsicum, etc., to make them more nutritious, depending on your baby’s taste.
5. Heat a pan and pour some ghee on it.
6. Take the mixed flour and adjust it to a flowing consistency.
7. Pour the batter over the heated pan and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Wait until it turns to a light brownish colour, then flip it.
9. Cook on the other side for another minute.
10. Fold it in half and take it out from the pan.
11. Hot besan chilla/besan omelette is ready to be served.
12. It can be served with any sauce or chutney.

It is best to use the whole batter at once and make as many chillas as possible. The batter loses its taste if refrigerated for later use.

Recipe Tips

Before making this easy besan chilla recipe, here are a few tips.

• Do not use the besan without sieving it. It is important to use lump-free flour for easy mixing.
• It is best to add boiled and cooled water as you are making this for babies.
• Only roast the chilla a little, as roasting too much will give a burnt smell, and kids may not like it.
• Use vegetables wisely. Make sure you wash all the vegetables before chopping them.
• While mixing the flour, use a whisker and mix briskly so that lumps do not form after adding water.

Nutrition Information (Per 100 Grams)

Health Benefits

This Home-made besan chilla/besan omelette recipe brings a lot of goodness in it for the health of your little one:

• Besan is rich in protein and will give your toddler instant energy after playtime (1).
• It is a healthy gluten-free (2) diet for vegans and an eggless alternative.
• It can fight colds and coughs and clear the nasal tract, as besan is a powerhouse of antioxidants.
• Added with nuts and seeds, they are great immune boosters, especially during winter (4).
• Ajwain or Carom seeds will aid digestion (3). If your baby is constipated, besan chilla can be the best breakfast you should give.

Buying Guide

• Check the expiry date of all products before you buy.
• Try to purchase organic besan flour from a good store.
• Make sure the flour is packed neatly.
• Check for any insects in carom seeds before buying.
• All the ingredients that are stored in the store should be packed hygienically.
• Do not buy roasted gram flour for this recipe.

FAQs

1. Are besan chillas suitable for baby-led weaning?

Yes, besan chillas can be suitable for baby-led weaning, especially when cut into small, manageable pieces. Ensure the chilla is cooked until soft and easy to chew, and always supervise your baby during feeding to prevent choking hazards.

2. Can besan chilla be made ahead of time and reheated?

Yes, besan chilla can be made ahead of time and reheated. Allow the chilla to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

3. Can I customise the filling ingredients in a besan chilla?

Absolutely! Besan chilla is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customise the filling ingredients to suit your preferences. Popular options include chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, or grated cheese for added flavour.

Introducing a simple besan chilla recipe for toddlers can be a delightful way to incorporate healthy ingredients into their diet while exploring new flavours and textures. It is a good breakfast option, and your baby will love eating it without fuss. Besan tastes yummy in fritters, and adding ghee to this recipe will make it tastier. Use fresh besan as stored ones may have worms in them. Check the flour before you use it. After all, the health of our kids is of utmost importance.

References/Resources:

1. Malunga. L. N, Bar-El Dadon. S, Zinal. E, et al.; The potential use of chickpeas in development of infant follow-on formula; Nutrition Journal; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3913840/; January 2014

2. Is Chickpea Flour / Gram Flour Gluten-Free?; Beyond Celiac; https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/gram-flour/

3. Yadav. R, Pradhan. C, Gupta. D, Kaushik. R; Health benefits of Indian aromatic plant Ajwain (Trachycpermum ammi); International Journal of Pharmacy and Technology; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317041607_Health_benefits_of_Indian_aromatic_plant_Ajwain_Trachycpermum_ammi

4. Using Nuts and Seeds for Immune Support; Institute for Natural Medicine; https://naturemed.org/using-nuts-and-seeds-for-immune-support/

Also Read:

Besan Laddoo Recipe
How to Make Besan Palak Dhokla Recipe
Besan Dhokla Recipe for Babies and Toddlers