Savory Masoor Dal Chilla | Fluffy Red Lentil Pancakes Made Easy Recipe

Introduction

Masoor Dal Chilla are fluffy red lentil pancakes that make for a nutritious and savory meal any time of day. These easy-to-make pancakes have a delicate texture and a gentle spice, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Masoor Dal (soaked overnight)
• 3 cups Water (for soaking)
• 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger (fresh)
• 1-2 Green Chili (adjust to spice preference)
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup of masoor dal under cold water to remove impurities. Place lentils in a bowl and cover with 3 cups of water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Step 2: Drain and rinse soaked lentils. In a blender, combine them with enough fresh water to make a pourable batter. Add ginger, green chilies, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. Step 3: Transfer batter to a bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with oil.
5. Step 5: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet, spreading into a 6-inch circle. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove chilla from skillet and serve warm with chutney, yogurt, or salad.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the number of green chilies to control the spiciness.
• For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro or a pinch of cumin seeds to the batter before cooking.
• Serve with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite chutney for a delicious accompaniment.
• If batter is too thick, add a little water to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Storage

Store cooked chillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a skillet or in the microwave before serving to maintain their softness. The batter itself should be used fresh for best results and is not recommended for storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other lentils instead of masoor dal?

While masoor dal is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can try yellow moong dal or red split lentils, but soaking and cooking times may vary.

How do I prevent the chilla from sticking to the pan?

Use a good quality non-stick skillet and lightly brush oil before cooking each chilla. Make sure the pan is properly heated before pouring the batter.

Savory Masoor Dal Chilla | Fluffy Red Lentil Pancakes Made Easy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

Savory Masoor Dal Chilla are fluffy red lentil pancakes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Made from soaked red lentils blended with ginger and green chili, these protein-rich pancakes are perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack. Cooked on a non-stick skillet to a golden brown, they can be paired with chutney, yogurt, or salad for a delicious and nutritious meal.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding soaking time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including soaking time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dal Batter

• 1 cup Masoor Dal (red lentils), soaked overnight
• 3 cups Water (for soaking)
• 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger (fresh)
• 1–2 Green Chilies (adjust to spice preference)
• Salt, to taste

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Rinse and Soak Dal: Rinse 1 cup of masoor dal thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Place the rinsed lentils in a bowl and cover with 3 cups of water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to soften the lentils.
2. Prepare Batter: After soaking, drain and rinse the dal again. Transfer the lentils to a blender, add fresh water gradually until you reach a smooth, pourable batter consistency. Add fresh ginger, green chilies, and salt to taste, then blend everything until smooth.
3. Rest Batter: Pour the batter into a bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the batter to settle.
4. Heat Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the surface with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook Chilla: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and gently spread it into a circular shape about 6 inches in diameter. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom side turns golden brown.
6. Flip and Cook Other Side: Flip the chilla carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and golden.
7. Serve: Transfer the cooked chilla onto a plate and serve warm with accompaniments like chutney, yogurt, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Soaking the lentils overnight helps achieve a smooth batter and better texture.
• Adjust the number of green chilies according to your heat preference.
• You can add finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, or spices like cumin for extra flavor.
• Use a non-stick pan for easy flipping and cooking without sticking.
• Serve fresh for the best taste and texture.

Keywords: Masoor Dal Chilla, Red Lentil Pancakes, Indian Breakfast, Savory Pancakes, Gluten Free, Healthy Lentil Recipe