Delicious Vegan Besan Puda Recipe for Health Enthusiasts
Are you looking for a vegan and gluten-free breakfast option that is packed with protein and flavor? Well, look no further! I present to you my recipe for Vegan Besan Puda – Spicy Indian Pancakes.
In India, besan ka puda, also known as besan chilla, is a classic breakfast food made from chickpea flour, spices, and vegetables. It has become popular around the world because it’s a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pancakes or crepes.
My version of besan puda is loaded with shredded zucchini, carrots, and green chili peppers for a spicy twist. These pancakes are also a great way to sneak in some veggies into your breakfast routine. Trust me; you won’t even notice there are vegetables in them!
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is sure to impress. So let’s get started and make some scrumptious Vegan Besan Puda!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a vegan-friendly and delicious breakfast recipe that will satisfy your cravings and boost your energy levels for the day ahead? Look no further than these spicy Indian pancakes, also known as Vegan Besan Puda or Besan Chilla.
Firstly, these pancakes are made with chickpea flour, also known as besan or gram flour, making them a healthy and gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. Not to mention, they’re packed full of protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
But perhaps the best part of this recipe is the combination of spices and vegetables used to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. Zucchini, green chili pepper, and cilantro add a fresh and savory element to the dish while cumin seed and salt provide just the right amount of heat.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute or add other vegetables such as grated carrot or broccoli to make it your own. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to suit your taste preferences.
Overall, these Vegan Besan Puda pancakes make for a simple yet satisfying breakfast option that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day. So why not give them a try? You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are all the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Chickpea Flour: Also called Gram flour or Besan, this flour is high in protein and is an excellent gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. The star ingredient of our recipe!
- Water: Simple yet essential!
- Zucchini and Carrot: Fresh vegetables make the recipe more nutritious and colorful.
- Green Chili Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
- Cumin Seeds: Adds distinct flavor to the puda.
- Salt: To taste!
- Cilantro: Fresh herb, adds a finishing touch to your dish.
Few additional pantry staples that are required:
– Rice Flour (optional)
– Oil
The chickpea flour/gram flour/besan is the main ingredient. It’s what creates the base of the pancake. The addition of zucchini and carrot makes it healthier also adding a crunch. Green chili pepper adds spiciness, while cumin seeds add an earthy, robust flavor that complemsnts spices. Salt enhances all flavors used in the recipe. Cilantro adds more depth of flavor and vibrancy. The rice flour helps hold everything together, creating a nice texture for your pancakes. Oil is used to cook the pancakes on both sides until they are golden brown.
You can easily find all these ingredients at your nearest grocery store. If you’re vegan or following a gluten-free diet, then this besan puda recipe is a great addition to have in your collection of healthy recipes!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of making these Vegan Besan Puda, also known as Spicy Indian Pancakes. To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredient List:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 4 tsp rice flour
- 1 tsp cumin seed
- ½ tsp salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small zucchini, grated
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, mix together the besan flour, rice flour, cumin seed, and salt.
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Gradually pour in the water, mixing well with the dry ingredients until a smooth batter is formed.
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Add in the chopped green chili pepper, grated zucchini, and finely chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until fully combined.
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Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat for around a minute.
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Once hot, add around ¼ cup of the batter to the pan and spread it out gently using a spoon or spatula to make a thin pancake.
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Let the pancake cook for 2 minutes or until it starts to turn golden brown on one side.
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Flip the pancake over and let it cook for another minute or so until it’s cooked all the way through.
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Once done, remove from heat and repeat until all of the batter has been used up.
Serve hot with your favorite chutney or ketchup on top!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up a bit? There are a few substitutions and variations you can make to this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
If you don’t have any zucchini on hand, no problem! You can easily swap it out for grated carrot or even shredded sweet potato. Both work well in this recipe and will add some contrasting texture to the dish.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, green chili peppers can be a bit too much. Try subbing them for red or orange bell peppers for some color and sweetness without the heat.
To make the pancakes gluten-free, swap out the besan flour for rice flour. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
For those looking for a protein boost, try adding some extra chickpea flour to the batter or serving the pancakes with a side of tofu scramble.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices such as parsley or coriander instead of cilantro, or roasted cumin powder instead of cumin seeds.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, remember that this recipe is versatile and adaptable. So have fun and get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve cooked up these spicy, vegan besan pudas, the next step is serving and enjoying them. There are many ways to serve and pair these delicious pancakes. One of my favorite ways is to top them with some fresh cilantro leaves before I eat them – this adds extra freshness and herbaceousness to the already flavorful pancakes.
You could also opt for a cooling raita or dip on top of or alongside your pudas. Try mixing some vegan yogurt, diced cucumbers, grated carrot or shredded zucchini and some chopped green chili pepper together. Or, make a simple tomato chutney by simmering some diced tomatoes with cumin seeds, salt and chili for a few minutes until chunky and heated through.
Besan pudas are also a great option for breakfast, served alongside some toast and fresh fruit or as the star attraction in a savory brunch spread. They’re perfect for a simple Indian-style breakfast at home, too!
In terms of drinks to pair with these spiced Indian pancakes, try some chai masala tea (made with black tea and Indian spices) or even a tall glass of lassi (a yogurt-based drink similar to a smoothie). Alternatively, go for your usual morning coffee or glass of juice if you prefer.
Whatever way you choose to serve and pair these vegan besan pudas, know that they will be sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to besan puda, there are several options for preparing them ahead of time or storing them. You can make the pancake batter several hours before cooking or in the evening and refrigerate it overnight. Simply whisk it well again before cooking.
Once cooked, these vegan besan puda pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you can either use a microwave or reheat in a frying pan on medium heat until they are warm and slightly crispy.
If you want to store your besan puda pancakes for a longer period, you can freeze them in an airtight container, with layers of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat them or in need of leftovers for the week, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up as desired.
Remember that besan puda pancakes are best when they are fresh and hot from the skillet. However, if you can’t eat all of your pancakes on the day you make them, don’t worry! They still taste great when reheated and will save you time during busy days or whenever hunger pangs strike.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your vegan Besan Puda turns out perfect and delicious, below are some tips that you may find helpful:
First of all, when making the batter, it is important to add water gradually while whisking until you achieve a smooth consistency. The ideal thickness is similar to that of a pancake batter. This will prevent the mixture from being too thick or watery, which can affect its texture and flavor.
Another crucial step is to ensure that your skillet or tawa is hot enough before pouring the batter. Overheating the skillet can cause burning and under-heating may result in an undercooked mixture. To check if it’s hot enough, add a drop of water to the skillet, and it should sizzle immediately.
It is also essential to use oil sparingly. While you need some oil on the skillet for cooking, adding too much oil can make the pancakes greasy and heavy. So make sure you use the right amount specified in the recipe.
Stirring ingredients like cilantro, zucchini, and green chili pepper into the batter can add a lot of flavor and texture to your Pancakes. Chop them finely for even distribution throughout the batter.
If serving to guests or preparing ahead of time for meal prep, it’s best to make smaller dosages at more frequent intervals instead of one large batch. This ensures you keep the pan hot, allowing for a consistent texture throughout each pancake.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd your skillet with too many pancakes. Be patient and work in batches if needed – this allows you to monitor each pancake and adjust cooking time if needed.
By following these tips, every bite of your vegan Besan Puda will be perfectly cooked with just the right amount of deliciousness!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the vegan besan puda recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the spicy and savory flavors of Indian cuisine in a healthy and animal-free way. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Plus, the vegan besan puda can be customized with your favorite toppings and fillings. Whether you’re adding cilantro, zucchini, green chili pepper, or any other ingredient, there are endless ways to make this dish your own.
So why not give it a try? Not only is it delicious and satisfying, but it’s also gluten-free and packed with protein. You’ll have a wholesome and nutritious meal that will keep you energized throughout your day.
With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that besan ka puda is known as one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine. So go ahead and whip up a batch of these vegan besan pudas today – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
Vegan Besan Puda - Spicy Indian Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
- 3/4 cup water (up to 1 cup to get the right consistency)
- 1 teaspoon green chili pepper, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, shredded
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 6 teaspoons oil
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add the water and stir until the mixture is smooth add in the chills, zucchini and cilantro.
- Heat a medium fry pan over medium-high heat. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter in center of pan. Spread thin into about a 6 or 7 inch circle.
- When the pancake appears dry, sprinkle a teaspoon of oil across the top and then flip the pancake.
- Flip it one more time to brown each side and then serve immediately.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.