Imagine a crisp, golden‑brown pancake that turns your humble leftover moong dal into a quick, protein‑rich delight. This 5‑minute chilla marries the earthy sweetness of cooked mung beans with the nutty bite of besan, brightened by fresh onions, green chilies, and a splash of coriander. The result is a savory, crunchy snack that satisfies the palate without the heaviness of deep‑fried fare. Compared to traditional fried chillas, this version uses minimal oil and a short cooking time, making it a healthier, low‑calorie option that still delivers the comforting flavors of home‑cooked Indian cuisine. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid‑day pick‑me‑up, or a light dinner, it showcases how leftovers can be transformed into a wholesome, flavorful dish.
Nutrition values are based on standard references and can change with ingredient brands, preparation, and portion size. Use medical advice for clinical diets.
Verified
AI Nutrition Insights & Analysis / पोषण विश्लेषण और अंतर्दृष्टि
ENGLISH EXPLANATION / अंग्रेजी व्याख्या
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbs: 63 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins & Minerals (including estimated Vitamin A, C, D, Calcium, Iron): Vitamin A ~45 µg (150 IU), Vitamin C ~15 mg, Vitamin D ~0 µg, Calcium ~150 mg, Iron ~3 mg
- Health Impact & Suitable Diets: High in plant protein and dietary fiber, low in trans fat, gluten‑free, suitable for vegetarian/vegan and heart‑healthy diets. However, the sodium content is very high, so it is not ideal for low‑sodium or hypertension‑restricted diets. Moderate calorie and fat levels make it acceptable for balanced weight‑management when portion‑controlled.
हिंदी व्याख्या (HINDI EXPLANATION)
- कैलोरी (Calories): 472 किलोकैलोरी
- प्रोटीन (Protein): 19 ग्राम
- कार्बोहाइड्रेट (Carbs): 63 ग्राम
- वसा (Fat): 16 ग्राम
- संतृप्त वसा (Saturated Fat): 4.6 ग्राम
- ट्रांस फैट (Trans Fat): 0 ग्राम
- कोलेस्ट्रॉल (Cholesterol): 0 मिलीग्राम
- विटामिन और खनिज (Vitamins & Minerals - estimated Vitamin A, C, D, Calcium, Iron): विटामिन A ~45 µg (150 IU), विटामिन C ~15 मिलीग्राम, विटामिन D ~0 µg, कैल्शियम ~150 मिलीग्राम, आयरन ~3 मिलीग्राम
- स्वास्थ्य प्रभाव और उपयुक्त आहार: पौधे‑आधारित प्रोटीन और उच्च फाइबर से भरपूर, ट्रांस फैट कम, ग्लूटेन‑फ्री, शाकाहारी/वीगन और हृदय‑स्वस्थ आहार के लिए उपयुक्त। लेकिन सोडियम मात्रा बहुत अधिक है, इसलिए कम‑सोडियम या हाई ब्लड प्रेशर वाले लोगों के लिए अनुशंसित नहीं। कैलोरी और वसा मध्यम है, इसलिए भाग नियंत्रित करने पर संतुलित वजन‑प्रबंधन में मददगार हो सकता है।
✔ Pros / लाभ
High dietary fiber and plant‑based protein content.
Gluten‑free, vegan‑friendly and uses leftover dal, reducing food waste.
⚠ Cons / हानियाँ
Very high sodium level, which may be problematic for hypertension.
Moderate saturated fat and calorie density may limit suitability for strict weight‑loss plans.
Fats /
वसा
moderate
EN: Total fat is about 16 g per serving, which is moderate; saturated fat is ~4.6 g, acceptable for most diets but should be watched.
HI: प्रति सर्विंग कुल वसा लगभग 16 ग्राम है, जो मध्यम स्तर का है; संतृप्त वसा ~4.6 ग्राम है, जो अधिकांश आहारों के लिए स्वीकार्य है लेकिन निगरानी में रखना चाहिए।
Sugars /
चीनी
low
EN: Sugars are around 7.5 g per serving, relatively low compared to the total carbohydrate content.
HI: शुगर लगभग 7.5 ग्राम है, जो कुल कार्बोहाइड्रेट की तुलना में अपेक्षाकृत कम है।
Sodium /
सोडियम
high
EN: Sodium is extremely high at about 10,575 mg per serving, far exceeding daily recommended limits.
HI: सोडियम बहुत अधिक है, लगभग 10,575 मिलीग्राम प्रति सर्विंग, जो दैनिक अनुशंसित सीमा से कई गुना अधिक है।
Ingredients
Adjust Servings:4
Core Ingredients & Aromatics
Cooking Method
Phase 1: Preparation & Setup
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the 1‑day‑old cooked moong dal, besan, finely chopped onion, green chilli, coriander, red chilli powder, cumin, and salt. Stir until a cohesive batter forms. If the mixture feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water; if too thin, sprinkle a little more besan. No flame is required at this stage.
Phase 2: Cooking & Finishing
2
Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium‑high flame. Lightly grease the pan with a thin layer of oil. When the oil shimmers and a drop of water sizzles upon contact, the pan is ready.
3
Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it into a thin circle using the back of the ladle. The batter should spread evenly, forming a uniform thickness.
4
Cook on medium flame until the edges lift and the underside turns a golden amber hue, about 1–2 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until crisp and golden. The chilla should emit a subtle nutty aroma and feel firm to the touch.
5
Transfer the cooked chilla onto a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.
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Q.Can I make this chilla with freshly cooked moong dal instead of leftovers?
Yes, just let the fresh dal cool to room temperature before mixing; the texture works the same once it’s not too hot.
Q.What’s the best way to get the batter consistency right?
Aim for a thick but spreadable paste; if it clumps, stir in a tablespoon of water, and if it runs, sprinkle a little extra besan until it holds its shape on the pan.
Q.What are some quick toppings or side sauces that pair well with the chilla?
A drizzle of mint‑coriander chutney, a spoonful of plain yogurt, or even ketchup adds a bright contrast without slowing you down.
5-MINUTE RECIPE OF THE DAY: LEFTOVER MOONG DAL CHILLA
By Rajnish SaharanGood food takes time! 🥘
Mabapu Foods™
Mabapu Kitchen Arcade
Mabapu Kitchen Arcade 🎮
Play while your timer counts down!
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Chop the Ingredients
Slice falling veggies — tap or click before they drop!
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Spice Memory Matcher
Flip and find matching spice card pairs.
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Stir the Pot
Tap the pot to stir. Keep the level in the gold zone!
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Catch the Spices
Slide your basket to catch the falling spices.
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Knead the Dough
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Instructions
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Time: 30s
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Prep Station
Gather everything before you start.
Cooking for:4people
MABAPU TM
Vegetarian (Veg)
Healthy Diet
Step 1 of 5
In a mixing bowl, combine the 1‑day‑old cooked moong dal, besan, finely chopped onion, green chilli, coriander, red chilli powder, cumin, and salt. Stir until a cohesive batter forms. If the mixture feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water; if too thin, sprinkle a little more besan. No flame is required at this stage.
Used in this step
1cup1‑day‑old cooked moong dal (1 दिन पुरा पका हुआ मूंग दाल)(≈ 200g)(मूंग दाल)
0.5cupbesan (½ कप बेसन)(≈ 60g)(बेसन)
1small onion, finely chopped (1 छोटा प्याज़, बारीक कटा हुआ)(प्याज)
0.5teaspoonred chilli powder (½ टीस्पून लाल मिर्च पाउडर)(≈ 1.3g)(लाल मिर्च)
Step 2 of 5
Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium‑high flame. Lightly grease the pan with a thin layer of oil. When the oil shimmers and a drop of water sizzles upon contact, the pan is ready.
Used in this step
1cup1‑day‑old cooked moong dal (1 दिन पुरा पका हुआ मूंग दाल)(≈ 200g)(मूंग दाल)
0.5cupbesan (½ कप बेसन)(≈ 60g)(बेसन)
1small onion, finely chopped (1 छोटा प्याज़, बारीक कटा हुआ)(प्याज)
Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it into a thin circle using the back of the ladle. The batter should spread evenly, forming a uniform thickness.
Used in this step
1cup1‑day‑old cooked moong dal (1 दिन पुरा पका हुआ मूंग दाल)(≈ 200g)(मूंग दाल)
0.5cupbesan (½ कप बेसन)(≈ 60g)(बेसन)
1small onion, finely chopped (1 छोटा प्याज़, बारीक कटा हुआ)(प्याज)
Cook on medium flame until the edges lift and the underside turns a golden amber hue, about 1–2 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until crisp and golden. The chilla should emit a subtle nutty aroma and feel firm to the touch.
Used in this step
1cup1‑day‑old cooked moong dal (1 दिन पुरा पका हुआ मूंग दाल)(≈ 200g)(मूंग दाल)
0.5cupbesan (½ कप बेसन)(≈ 60g)(बेसन)
1small onion, finely chopped (1 छोटा प्याज़, बारीक कटा हुआ)(प्याज)
Can I make this chilla with freshly cooked moong dal instead of leftovers?
Yes, just let the fresh dal cool to room temperature before mixing; the texture works the same once it’s not too hot.
What’s the best way to get the batter consistency right?
Aim for a thick but spreadable paste; if it clumps, stir in a tablespoon of water, and if it runs, sprinkle a little extra besan until it holds its shape on the pan.
What are some quick toppings or side sauces that pair well with the chilla?
A drizzle of mint‑coriander chutney, a spoonful of plain yogurt, or even ketchup adds a bright contrast without slowing you down.
