
Moong Dal Chilla Recipe
Moong Dal Chilla Recipe (Detailed Guide)
Moong Dal Chilla Recipe Moong Dal Chilla is a delicious and protein-packed Indian savory pancake made with moong dal (split green gram). It’s healthy, gluten-free, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light meal.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- ½ cup water (for blending, adjust as needed)
- ½ inch ginger, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped (adjust spice level as per taste)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- Salt to taste
For Additional Flavoring (Optional but Recommended):
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onions
- 2 tbsp finely chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp grated carrot or capsicum
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- ½ tsp red chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
For Cooking:
- 1-2 tbsp oil or ghee (for cooking chilla)

Instructions:
Step 1: Soak and Prepare the Batter
- Rinse 1 cup moong dal 2-3 times and soak it in water for 3-4 hours (or overnight for a softer texture).
- Drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a blender.
- Add ginger, green chili, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Blend into a smooth batter using about ½ cup water (add more if needed, but keep the consistency thick like dosa batter).
- Transfer to a bowl and mix in chopped onions, tomatoes, carrots, coriander leaves, turmeric, and red chili powder.
Step 2: Cooking the Chilla
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron tawa (griddle) on medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it evenly in a circular motion (like a dosa or pancake).
- Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.
- Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and repeat for the remaining batter.
Step 3: Serving the Chilla
- Serve hot with mint chutney, coriander chutney, or yogurt (curd).
- You can also pair it with tomato ketchup or a spicy garlic chutney.
Health Benefits of Moong Dal Chilla:
✔ High in Protein & Fiber – Great for weight loss and muscle building.
✔ Easy to Digest – Moong dal is light on the stomach and gut-friendly.
✔ Gluten-Free & Vegan – Perfect for gluten-intolerant and vegan diets.
✔ Rich in Nutrients – Packed with vitamins, iron, and antioxidants.
Variations & Customizations:
1. Moong Dal Paneer Chilla
- Add grated paneer (cottage cheese) to the batter for extra protein.
2. Moong Dal Cheese Chilla
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top before flipping for a cheesy twist.
3. Stuffed Moong Dal Chilla
- Prepare a spiced potato or paneer stuffing and fold the chilla like a wrap.
4. Spicy Masala Chilla
- Add black pepper, garam masala, or chaat masala for a flavor boost.

Tips for Perfect Moong Dal Chilla:
✅ Use a well-soaked dal for easy blending and smooth texture.
✅ Keep the batter thick – A watery batter won’t hold shape.
✅ Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
✅ For extra crispiness, cook a little longer on low heat.
Would you like a meal plan or a specific variation? 😊