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 :)