Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla

Honestly, when I made this recipe for green moong dal chilla for the first time, I was surprised at how something so simple could be so satisfying. These easy Indian pancakes, made from soaked green moong dal blended into a smooth batter, turn glossy golden on the outside and remain soft and hearty within. It’s naturally rich in plant-based protein and has a light yet satisfying heft, the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

If you like wholesome lentil-based meals, such as Musur Daler Recipe or comforting vegetarian staples like Vegetarian Lentil Curry, this green moong dal chilla will be right at home in your weekly rotation. The batter comes together easily, and the warm scent of cumin and ginger crackling in the pan makes your kitchen feel cozy and welcoming immediately.

Even better, this recipe for green moong dal chilla is so versatile. You can keep it minimalist or serve it with tasty sides such as the Green Chutney Recipe for a refreshing end. For breakfast, lunch or a light dinner, this protein-rich chilla provides comfort, flavor and nourishment in every bite.

Origins of the Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla

Green moong dal chilla recipe is a traditional North Indian home cooking that has been made with lentils for many years. Rich in protein, versatile and easy to digest, moong dal is cherished by many Indian households for everyday as well as dietary foods. A high-protein chilla arose as a wholesome replacement for similar but heavier wheat-based flatbreads, and could be made quickly while still offering both deep flavor and satisfying texture.

Traditionally, a chilla (or cheela) is a spiced pancake made from lentil or gram flour batter cooked in a flat iron pan (tawa). Besan (chickpea flour) chilla is a go-to for everyone. Still, the recipe of green moong dal chilla became an all-time hit because whole green moong beans give a fresher taste along with high nutrition value. Soaking and grinding the dal at home was a normal kitchen ritual, handed down from my mother’s and grandmother’s generations, making for a dish that felt both useful and nurturing.

Families across regions adapted this recipe for green moong dal chilla to seasonal vegetables and regional ingredients. Some versions also use chopped onions and spices, as in recipes for Paneer Bhurji outside of India. In contrast, others serve it with fresh condiments like Green Chutney Recipe. Its versatility and nutritional power have allowed it to stay in vogue today, especially among those searching for balanced vegetarian diets like Musur Daler Recipe with lentils.

Green moong dal chilla is still the perfect blend of old-world wisdom and modern-day healthy eating, an experience deeply rooted in tradition but ideal for the busy kitchen cupboards and fitness-oriented lifestyles we know today.

Health Benefits of Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla

The recipe of green moong dal chilla is not only a tasty treat, but it’s also rich in plant-based nutrition. But green moong dal (whole mung beans) is naturally high in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Because the lentils are soaked and blended, not ground into refined flour, this recipe retains its nutrients while being light and easy to digest.

Most people love this green moong dal chilla recipe for its protein density. It promotes muscle repair, sustained energy and satiety, so it’s perfect for breakfast or after the gym. Unlike many carbohydrate-rich pancakes, moong dal chilla provides balanced macronutrients. It does not result in a quick influx of sugar to the bloodstream.

It also supports digestive health. Another reason, as in traditional cooking, moong dal is easy on the stomach. Soaking this food will help lower the anti-nutrients and make them more digestible. Accompanied by fresh, crunchy sides like Green Chutney Recipe or eaten with other lentil-based dishes, Vegetarian Lentil Curry, for one, is the centerpiece of a deeply nourishing meal.

Moreover, this green moong dal chilla recipe is gluten-free by default and can be eaten even by people who exclude wheat from their diet. It’s also low in saturated fat and high in plant antioxidants, so it promotes heart health and overall wellness.

Nutritional Benefits Table (Per Approx. 1 Serving)

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla

Making a great recipe for green moong dal chilla is simple, but a few small details can completely transform the texture, flavor, and overall experience. Here are expert-level tips to help you get perfectly soft yet slightly crisp chillas every single time.

• 1️⃣ Soak the Moong Dal Properly: Soak the green moong dal for at least 6-8 hours (or overnight). Proper soaking softens the lentils, improves digestion, and helps create a smoother batter. If you’re short on time, warm water can speed up the process slightly, but don’t skip soaking entirely.
• 2️⃣ Grind to the Right Consistency: For the best recipe for green moong dal chilla, grind the soaked dal into a smooth but slightly thick batter. It should pour easily but not be watery. A batter that’s too thin will spread too much and become flat and rubbery instead of soft and structured.
• Pro tip: Add water gradually while blending a few tablespoons at a time.
• 3️⃣ Let the Batter Rest: After grinding, let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and slightly thickens the mixture naturally. Just like with lentil dishes such as Musur Daler Recipe, resting improves texture and depth.
• 4️⃣ Use Medium Heat, Not High: Cooking your recipe for green moong dal chilla on very high heat can brown the outside too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat allows even cooking and creates that beautiful golden surface. If the pan is too hot, sprinkle a few drops of water; if they sizzle aggressively, lower the heat slightly.
• 5️⃣ Grease the Pan Lightly: Use just a small amount of oil. Too much oil makes the chilla heavy; too little may cause sticking. Spread oil lightly using a brush or a folded paper towel for even coverage.
• 6️⃣ Spread Gently Don’t Press Hard: When pouring the batter, use the back of a ladle to spread it in circular motions. Don’t press too hard; gentle spreading keeps air pockets intact, resulting in a softer interior.
• 7️⃣ Add Vegetables Smartly: If adding onions, spinach, grated carrots, or herbs, chop them finely so they cook evenly. Large pieces can tear the chilla when flipping. For extra flavor pairing, serve with fresh dips like the Green Chutney Recipe to enhance freshness and balance.
• 8️⃣ Flip at the Right Time: Wait until the edges begin to lift naturally and the surface looks set before flipping. Forcing an early flip can break the chill.
• 9️⃣ Make It Extra Crispy: If you prefer a crispier version of the recipe for green moong dal chilla, spread the batter slightly thinner and cook a little longer on medium-low heat. A drizzle of oil around the edges helps create a light, crisp texture.
• 🔟 Store the Batter Properly: You can refrigerate the batter for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Stir well before using, as it may thicken in the fridge. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to adjust consistency.

Bonus Flavor Tip: A small piece of fresh ginger blended into the batter adds warmth and improves digestion. A pinch of cumin enhances the aroma and makes the chilla even more satisfying.

Mastering these tips ensures your recipe for green moong dal chilla turns out soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and packed with balanced flavor every single time.

Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla From OoohDelish!

Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla

A healthy and protein-rich recipe for green moong dal chilla made with soaked mung beans, ginger, and spices. This savory Indian pancake is gluten-free, easy to digest, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup whole green moong dal soaked 6–8 hours
• ½ cup water adjust as needed for blending
• 1 inch ginger piece
• 1 green chili optional
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion optional
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon oil for cooking

Equipment

• 1 blender or mixer grinder
• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 Ladle
• 1 non-stick pan or tawa
• 1 Spatula

Method

 

1. Rinse and soak the green moong dal in water for 6–8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a blender.
3. Add ginger, green chili (if using), cumin seeds, turmeric, salt, and about ½ cup water.
4. Blend into a smooth, slightly thick batter. Add water gradually if needed.
5. Pour the batter into a bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped onions and coriander leaves if using.
7. Heat a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
8. Pour a ladle of batter onto the pan and gently spread in a circular motion.
9. Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges.
10. Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side until fully done.
11. Repeat with remaining batter.
12. Serve hot with Green Chutney Recipe or yogurt.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, spread the batter thinner and cook slightly longer.
• You can add grated carrots or spinach for more nutrition.
• If the batter thickens after refrigeration, add 1–2 tablespoons of water and mix well.
• This recipe for green moong dal chilla is naturally gluten-free and high in plant-based protein.

Share Your Twist on This Recipe for Green Moong Dal Chilla! 🌿✨

Did you make your recipe for green moong dal chilla extra filling by adding grated carrots, spinach, or crumbled paneer into the batter?

Did you go the spicy route and mix in extra green chilies, red pepper flakes, or crushed black pepper for a bold kick?

Maybe you stuffed your chilla with a savory filling lightly sautéed onions and spices, similar to flavors you’d find in dishes like Paneer Bhurji Recipe.

Or kept it beautifully simple and served it hot with fresh Green Chutney Recipe and yogurt… letting the moong dal shine.

Whatever your twist is, we’d love to see it!
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