I Tried This Nutrtiotus Red Lentil Pancakes Recipe and It Is Amazing!

You have probably seen this latest trend in healthy breakfast snacks called Masoor Dal Chilla, or as I like to call them, Savory Red Lentil Pancakes. They are not only delicious but also super nutritious.

Of course, I had to give them a try too. Luckily, my friend Nadee shared her traditional Masoor Dal Chilla recipe video with me below, and I am excited to share it with you here.

What is Masoor Dal Chilla?

Masoor Dal Chilla, or Savory Red Lentil Pancakes, is a traditional Indian dish made from blended red lentils and spices like ginger, coriander, and turmeric.

Masoor Dal Chilla

These pancakes are high in protein and fiber, making them a healthy breakfast or snack and keeps you energized for many hours.

They can be customized with chopped vegetables and are typically served with ketchup, chutneys, or yogurt. This nutritious dish is popular for its simplicity and versatility, offering a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of red lentils.

Get Some Red Lentils And Try This Recipe

Red lentils are perfect for making Masoor Dal Chilla. They cook quickly and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well in savory pancakes. Packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate, red lentils are nutritious and easy to find in most supermarkets or even on Amazon like the organic ones below.


365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Red Lentils, 16 Ounce
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE

More Healthy Lentil Recipes: Best Savory Doughnuts – Crispy and Soft Medu Vada Recipe

Red Lentil Pancakes Recipe (Masoor Dal Chilla)

Recipe by Jen Evansy
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: BreakfastCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

150

kcal
Soaking time

4

hours
Total time

4

hours 

30

minutes

Red Lentil Pancakes, or Masoor Dal Chilla, are a tasty and nutritious Indian dish made from protein-rich red lentils blended into a smooth batter with aromatic spices. These savory pancakes are quick to whip up, delivering a perfect balance of flavors with every bite. Perfect for breakfast or a light meal, they pair wonderfully with chutneys or yogurt for an extra burst of flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200 grams) red lentils

  • 3 cups (720 ml) cold water (for soaking)

  • 1 thumb-sized piece raw ginger

  • 1-3 green chilies

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water (for blending)

  • 1 tsp (5 grams) salt

  • A small handful of chopped cilantro

  • Oil for cooking

Directions

  • Soaking the Lentils: Soak 1 cup (200 grams) of red lentils in 3 cups (720 ml) of cold water overnight or for at least 4 hours until they soften.Soaking the Lentils
  • Transfer Lentils to a blender: Once the lentils are soft, drain the water and transfer them to a blender or food processor.Transfer Lentils to a blender
  • Adding Fresh Herbs: Add a thumb-sized piece of raw ginger, 1-3 green chilies, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold water, and 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of salt.Adding Fresh Herbs
  • Blending the Ingredients: Blend the mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and consistent. Pour the blended mixture into a mixing bowl and add a small handful of chopped cilantro. Mix well.Blending the Ingredients
  • Cooking the pancakes: Preheat a pan to low-medium heat. Pour a small ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it evenly to form a thin pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drizzle some oil on top before flipping to cook the other side.Cooking the pancakes
  • Serve: Serve the pancakes hot with ketchup, chutney, or your favorite dipping sauce.Serve the pancakes

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Soaking Time: If you’re short on time, you can soak the red lentils in hot water for about 1-2 hours instead of cold water. This helps speed up the softening process.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.
  • Consistency of Batter: If the batter is too thick, add a little more water to reach a pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of chickpea flour or rice flour to thicken it.
  • Even Pancakes: Use the back of a ladle or a small spoon to spread the batter evenly on the pan. This helps in achieving uniform thickness and ensures the pancakes cook evenly.
  • Cilantro Substitution: If you don’t have cilantro, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a different flavor twist.
  • Non-stick Pan: Using a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet can help prevent the pancakes from sticking and make flipping easier.
  • Serving Ideas: These pancakes can also be served as a savory snack with yogurt or a side dish with a main meal. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chaat masala on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

  • Total number of serves: 4
  • Calories: 150kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 2g

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Let Me Know What You Think Of These Red Lentil Pancakes

If you have any questions or comments about this Healthy and Nutritious Masoor Dal Chilla recipe, please leave them below. I check my YouTube video comments more often, so feel free to leave your thoughts there too!

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About Jen Evansy

Nutritionist, researcher, avid home cook, and writer interested in everything nutrition and food-related. Striving to inform, encourage, and inspire all the readers to make healthy and informed choices when it comes to cooking, food, diet, and nutrition.