Besan ka cheela is among the unsung heroes in the world of food. While people may continue to fawn over blueberry pancakes (yes, they taste good), our desi-savoury pancake - cheela - also deserves your attention. Besan ka cheela can be prepared quickly and is one of the healthiest breakfast options that is filling and still not overwhelming (who will eat chhole bhatura every day?). You can give the recipe your own twist by adding, say oregano to the batter, or some grated cheese on top of the cooked cheela.
We have found one such cool and delicious upgrade to paneer cheela going viral on Instagram. Called 'Chatai Paneer' by Vani Agarwal (@globalvegproject), this delicious recipe has clocked over 4 million views.
Chatai Paneer: A Creative Fusion Of Pakora and Cheela
Chatai Paneer seems like a cross between paneer pakora and paneer cheela, making it perfect for both breakfast and evening snacks. To make a paneer pakora, we dip the paneer block in the besan batter and deep fry it. On the other hand, a paneer cheela is made by cooking the entire besan batter on a pan and then adding crumbled or grated paneer on top. This recipe combines the two with a creative look. A chatai or mat-like look is created on a pan with the batter and a stick of paneer is rolled in it, giving you the delicious and interesting-looking Chatai Paneer.
How To Make Viral Chatai Paneer | Step-By-Step Guide To Make Chatai Paneer
First, prepare the masala for coating the paneer using red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, salt, pepper and garam masala. Coat a big stick of paneer evenly in the masala and then cook in oil on medium heat.
Now, prepare the besan batter by combining 1 cup besan with 1 tsp each of red chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander powder. Add salt to taste and 3/4 cup water. Mix everything and transfer it to a squeezy bottle.
Now make a grid with the batter on a low flame. Place the paneer on one corner and then gently start rolling it. Your Chatai Paneer is ready. Serve hot with green chutney.
Also Read:Rajma Paneer Pinwheel: This Delicious Chai Time Snack Will Make Your Evenings Cosy And Nutritious
3 Pro Tips To Note Before You Head To The Kitchen
Here are some handy tips to ace this recipe without making any mess:
- While making the grid-like lines to get that Chatai pattern, make sure the lines have equal width and are close to each other. This will make it easy to roll the paneer and give the final dish a neat look.
- While rolling the paneer, keep the flame on low heat.
- Since the besan strips are thin, the batter should easily cook from all sides, and you need not worry about the raw batter.
Will you try this unique recipe? Share your views in the comments section.