Perfectly soft Masoor Dal Chilla lightly spiced with green chili and ginger. These protein-packed savory lentil pancakes are excellent for breakfast, snack, or with main meals. They make for a delicious gluten-free and vegan substitute for the traditional Indian roti, parathas, or naan.
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What is Chilla
Chilla or Cheela also known as Puda or Pudla are savory pancakes made with lentils. In India, Pudla is often enjoyed for breakfast with chutney and pickles. I love serving them in place of naan or parathas as a gluten-free, and vegan flatbread. I am using red lentils or Masoor Daal in this recipe but you can also make them with Moong Dal or even gram flour.
Moong Dal Chilla and Besan Chilla are on repeat in my kitchen for breakfast and lunch. I often add finely diced red onions to them but you can also add other veggies like spinach, carrots, and tomatoes just to name a few.
Ingredients to make Masoor Dal Chilla
- Masoor Dal - Dry split red lentils. You can also use Moong Dal instead.
- Green Chili - Indian green chili adds earthy flavors and spicy to these pancakes. You can add more or less depending on the spice level you like.
- Ginger - Fresh ginger adds a hint of spice and a peppery aroma.
How to make Masoor Dal Chilla
- Rinse and drain masoor dal and soak in water overnight or for at least 4 hours
- Drain out all the water. Add the lentils to a blender jar.
- Add green chili, ginger, salt, and water.
- Make a fine batter with a pourable consistency.
- Add cilantro and give a quick stir. Rest the batter for five minutes.
- Pour around ⅓ cup of batter and spread it into a 5 to 6-inch pancake.
- Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a few drops of oil.
- Carefully flip the chilla and a few more drops of oil on top.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until you see light brown marks.
Serving
Serve hot chillas with your favorite pickle, chutney, or peanut kharda as a breakfast or snack along with a cup of ginger chai. They are also amazing served with main meals along with curries like paneer makhani, aloo rasedar, palak paneer or potato masala. They also pair well with kheema and chicken karahi.
Storing
These savory pancakes are a perfect make-ahead recipe. Refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. To reheat simply place them on a hot pan and cook on both sides for 1 to 2 minutes.
More Indian Bread Recipes
- Moong Dal Chilla - Savory Lentil flatbreads
- Jowar Roti - Gluten-free sorghum flatbreads
- Parathas - Layered whole wheat flatbreads
- Roti - Whole wheat flatbreads
- Puri - Deep-fried wheat bread
Recipe
Masoor Dal Chilla | Savory Red Lentil Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup split red lentils masoor dal
- 3 cups water for soaking lentils
- 1 green chilli
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup water for grinding
- 2 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Rinse and drain masoor dal and soak in water overnight or atleast 4 hours
- Drain out all the water. Add the lentils to a blender jar.
- Add green chili, ginger, salt, and water and make a fine batter with a pourable consistency. Add cilantro and give a quick stir. Rest the batter for five minutes.
- Preheat the pan to low-medium heat.
- Pour around ⅓ cup of batter and spread it into a 5 to 6-inch pancake. Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a few drops of oil and then carefully flip the chilla.
- Add drizzle some oil on the top and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the chilla has light brown marks. Take the chilla out and repeat with remaining batter.
Jennifer Lumley says
Loved this recipe! Made for a very delicious and nutritious breakfast. I will definitely be making these again.
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you!
Bonnie says
225 calories for 1 pancake or 2?
Archana Mundhe says
For 2 pancakes.
Julia says
These were so easy to make and so delicious! Thank you for sharing all your recipes!
Archana Mundhe says
I'm so happy to hear that you found them easy and delicious! Thank you for trying out the recipe and for your kind words. It means a lot to me that you're enjoying the recipes I share!
Ad says
Hi what is the red chutney on the picture?
Archana Mundhe says
Its roasted garlic pickle from Brooklyn Delhi.
Sumreen Khan says
Excellent super yummy recipe for adults and toddlers alike.
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you!
Sumreen Khan says
Wonderful recipe. Please recommend how to make and freeze them !
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you! To make and freeze Masoor Dal Chilla, cook them as usual and let them cool completely. Stack them with parchment paper between each chilla to prevent sticking, and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, just reheat in a pan.
Srividya says
Just made this recipe - so easy, healthy and delicious!!! Served it with tomato chutney!!! Can’t wait to try your other chilla recipes!!
Archana Mundhe says
I’m so glad you loved it! Tomato chutney sounds like the perfect pairing! Can’t wait for you to try my other chilla recipes—let me know which one you make next!