My first Moong Daal Cheela (Simple variation with Paneer)

Cheela are like creepes. I first time saw these cheelas in India where a chef was making hot cheelas on a large griddle. I used to see so many recipes of Cheela made form variety of daals (lentil) and always wished to try it myself at home. Me being a Gujarati and not having tried a moong daal cheela (chila) always killed me. I was scanning a book of Viddhu Mittal from one of my friends and I found a lovely recipe in it. The addition of paneer makes this cheela look so attractive and makes everyone to have it. I still want to try all different kinds of cheelas. Being high in proteins and fibers this has become one of my favorite snack/breakfast items.







Ingredients:1 cup Green Gram (dhuli moong daal), dehusked split

2 tbsp Bengal Gram (Chana Daal),dehusked split

(optional)

2 tsp Green Chilies, chopped

2 tsp Ginger paste

Salt to taste

Pinch of Asafetida (hing)

2 tbsp chopped fresh Coriander

Oil for frying



For topping:

1 Cup Cottage Cheese (paneer) grated

2 tbsp chopped Coriander leaves

Salt to taste

Chili powder (optional)



Method:1. Soak both the daal for 2 hours and drain the water after that.



2. Then grind both the daals , green chilies, ginger with just enough water to form a smooth batter.



3. Add salt asafetida, coriander to the batter and mix well.



4. Mix all the ingredients under topping and keep aside.



5. Heat a non-stick pan. Spread some oil. Take a ladle of batter and spread on the pan (the way we spread crepes) till 6" wide.



6. Add 1-2 tsp oil around the Cheela and let it cook until golden brown. Flip the side and let other side cook for 30 sec.



7. Now flip again , spread 1 tbsp topping, fold the cheela and serve.



Tips: Other variation is to have a mixed vegetable stuffing/topping (use onion, tomato, green chili, ginger etc). One can also add grated tofu instead of paneer.
Refrigerate the mung bean batter for upto 3 days and make fresh cheela as desired.
Can serve with coconut chutney, corriander chutney, tomato ketchup , pickle or anything you want :)