Before You Start
Medium
The heat comes from the 1 small green chilli and the ginger chilli paste. Use only half the chilli or omit the paste to reduce the heat, or add an extra chilli to increase it.
Make it with no chilli
Replace the ginger chilli paste with 1 tsp of plain ginger paste and omit the chopped green chilli entirely.
23 mins in total
23 mins hands-on (chopping and cooking).
Plan ahead: None required, this is a quick meal made entirely from pantry staples.
Contains: Sesame
Vegan. We check for milk, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, mustard, sesame and celery. Always check your own labels, especially for asafoetida (hing), which often contains wheat.
Ingredients
For the Chilla Batter
For Garnish
Can't Find Something?
- 1 cup porridge oats instead of 1 cup oats. Standard rolled oats work perfectly and blend into a smooth flour base.
- ½ cup gram flour instead of ½ cup besan. Besan is simply the Indian name for gram flour, which is widely available in UK supermarkets.
Make It a Meal
Serve with a cooling mint or coconut chutney and a side of plain Greek yoghurt for a complete meal.
Serve hot immediately with a side of fresh green chutney and a salad of sliced tomatoes and onions.
Good to Know
Nutrition values are approximate, per serving. IDYORA shares general wellness information — not medical advice.
Step by Step Instructions
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Prepare the batter
In a blender, combine 1 cup oats, 2 tbsp moringa leaf powder, 0.5 cup besan, 1 tsp ginger chilli paste, and 1 cup water. Blend until you get a smooth, pourable batter, adding more water if needed to reach the right consistency.
Done when: The batter should be the consistency of double cream; if it is too thick, add a splash more water to ensure it spreads easily on the pan.
8 mins hands-on prep
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Add fresh herbs
Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl. Stir in 1 small chopped green chilli, 0.25 cup chopped coriander leaves, and 1 tsp salt until well combined.
Done when: The herbs should be evenly distributed throughout the batter; do not overmix at this stage to keep the coriander vibrant.
5 mins hands-on prep
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Cook the chilla
Heat a non-stick tawa on medium heat and brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the centre, spreading it into a thin circle, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the surface looks set and bubbles appear.
Done when: The surface should look matte and dry with small bubbles appearing; avoid flipping too early or the centre will tear.
5 mins hands-on
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Garnish and flip
Sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds over the top. Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges turn golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side for another minute until the chilla is firm and cooked through.
Done when: The edges should be golden brown and lift easily from the pan; if they stick, the pan is not hot enough or needs a little more oil.
5 mins hands-on
“Good food is a step towards a healthier, happier you.”
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Why It's Good for You
Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-dense plant that serves as an excellent functional ingredient in a balanced diet1. It is a source of minerals, including calcium and iron, which support various bodily functions1. When incorporated into traditional recipes like chilla, moringa powder can enhance the nutritional profile of the meal2,3.
Oats are a valuable component of this recipe, providing dietary fibre which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full for longer4. By combining these ingredients, you create a meal that is not only flavourful but also contributes to your daily intake of essential nutrients. Because individual needs vary, especially for those managing specific health conditions, it is always a good idea to plan dietary changes with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Enjoy this simple, nourishing breakfast as part of a varied and balanced lifestyle.
Sources
4
- Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Functional Foods - PMCUS National Institutes of Health
- Development, sensory evaluation amd mineral analysis of traditional savoury snacks Fortified with moringa oleifera leaf powderexa.ai, 2026
- Formulation and Evaluation of Millet-Based Functional Foods Enriched with Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powderexa.ai, 2026
- Evaluation of functional and rheological properties of the composite flour from oat, wheat and moringa tree leavesexa.ai, 2022