By Akshara
November 3, 2026
Besan chilla is a traditional, savoury gram flour pancake that serves as the ultimate 5-minute high-protein breakfast. Made with just five core pantry staples: besan, onions, ajwain, turmeric, and salt, this batter comes together instantly without any resting time. Thin, golden, and crispy around the edges, it is a nourishing, low-fat meal perfect for hectic weekday mornings.
1 cup gram flour (besan)  1 small onion, finely chopped  1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)  1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder  Salt to taste  Water (around 3/4 cup, as needed for batter)  1 teaspoon oil or ghee for cooking
Whisk the besan, carom seeds, turmeric powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl until evenly combined.
Pour in water gradually while whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter with a thin, pourable consistency, then stir in the finely chopped onions.
Heat a non-stick tawa or skillet on medium flame, grease lightly with a few drops of oil, pour a ladleful of batter into the centre, and spread it quickly in a circular motion into a thin disc.
Drizzle a tiny drop of oil around the edges, cook for two minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and releases cleanly, flip over to cook the other side for one minute, and serve hot with chutney.