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Chillas are often regarded as a healthy breakfast option, generally prepared with besan or moong dal. But you can give it a little twist by adding eggs and aromatic spices, i.e. masala egg chilla. This dish combines the nutty flavours of besan (gram flour) and spices with the richness of eggs.
This egg chilla is high in protein and low in carbs, which makes it a great option for a quick breakfast. It is simple to prepare within a couple of minutes and requires very little cooking equipment. You can make it with several different vegetable and spice combinations, which can be customised to individual tastes. For making the ideal egg chilla, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Choosing The Right Ingredients
The main ingredients needed for this dish are fresh eggs, gram flour, aromatic spices and veggies (if you want to add more nutrients to it). You can add a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and even leafy greens like spinach. For the aroma and flavour of the chilla, masala is important, and it includes red chilli powder, turmeric, cumin powder, and coriander powder. To enhance the freshness and make it a little more spicy, choose fresh green chillies or coriander.
Preparations Of The Eggs And Vegetables
Take a bowl, crack the eggs, then beat them vigorously until the whites and yolks are indistinguishable. It should have a texture that is not too foamy. In traditional chillas, no liquid is added, but if you want a thinner, more crepe-like texture, you can add one to two teaspoons of water or milk per egg.
To ensure quick cooking and even distribution throughout the chilla, all veggies should be finely chopped. Before adding them to the batter, excess moisture should be drained properly (especially crucial for high water content veggies like tomatoes or zucchini) because it can cause the chillas to become soggy. You can use raw vegetables for a crunchier texture or saute them a little before adding them to the mixture for a softer texture.
Batter Preparation
To prepare this, combine besan with the prepared whisked eggs. Then, add finely chopped vegetables to the mixture. After that, add the seasoning (red chilli powder, turmeric, pepper and salt). The consistency of the batter should be pourable yet thick enough to maintain its shape, so adjust the water amount carefully. Before cooking the chilla, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Cooking Process
Heat a non-stick pan over medium flame. Then, lightly grease it with oil or ghee. After that, pour a spoonful of the batter into the pan and gently spread it out into a circle. The thickness can be changed according to individual preferences. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on both sides. When the edges start to rise slightly, the chilla is ready to flip. Drizzle a little oil around the edges to prevent it from sticking and improve crispness.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Serving Tips
Masala egg chilla can be best enjoyed hot from the pan. It can be served with ketchup, mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple raita. It also pairs well with a glass of fresh juice or a cup of masala chai for a heartier supper. For extra richness and creaminess, you may also top with shredded cheese. This dish is also a healthy and perfect choice for a quick snack or lunch box meal.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
