Before You Start
Medium
The 1 tsp ginger chilli paste provides the heat. To make it hotter, add an extra half teaspoon of paste; to make it milder, reduce the paste to half a teaspoon.
Make it with no chilli
Replace the ginger chilli paste with 1 tsp of plain ginger paste.
30 mins in total
30 mins hands-on (chopping and cooking).
Plan ahead: None required. If you are short on time, you can use pre-grated beetroot from the produce section.
Contains: Gluten (wheat)
Vegetarian · dairy-free. 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 Batter
For Cooking and Topping
Can't Find Something?
- 1 cup gram flour instead of 1 cup besan. This is the standard UK supermarket name for besan.
- ½ cup semolina instead of ½ cup sooji. This is the standard UK supermarket name for sooji.
Make It a Meal
Serve warm with a side of plain Greek-style yoghurt or a fresh tomato chutney.
Serve warm with a side of fresh green chutney and a crunchy salad of shredded carrot and radish.
Good to Know
Nutrition values are approximate, per serving. IDYORA shares general wellness information — not medical advice.
Watch the Recipe
Key moments and transcriptStep by Step Instructions
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Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup besan, 0.5 cup sooji, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp ginger chilli paste. Gradually whisk in 0.75 to 1 cup water until you have a smooth, pourable batter, then stir in 1 cup grated beetroot and 0.5 tsp salt. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes so the semolina can absorb the moisture.
Done when: The batter should have the consistency of thin pouring cream. Ensure you let it rest for 10 minutes so the semolina softens; skipping this makes the pancakes gritty.
15 mins hands-on prep
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Cook the Chilla
Heat a non-stick tawa on medium heat. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the centre and spread it gently in a circular motion to form a thin circle. Immediately sprinkle a little chopped onion and coriander leaves over the wet surface, pressing them in lightly with a spatula. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is firm.
Done when: The edges will start to lift and look dry. If you try to flip before the edges lift, the pancake will tear.
10 mins hands-on
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Crisp and Serve
Drizzle 1-2 tbsp oil around the edges and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the bottom is set and golden-brown. Carefully flip the chilla and cook the other side for 1 minute until crisp and cooked through. Serve hot immediately.
Done when: The chilla should be golden-brown and crisp to the touch. Avoid pressing down too hard with the spatula, as this can make the texture dense rather than light.
5 mins hands-on
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Why It's Good for You
Beetroot is a nutrient-dense root vegetable that serves as a source of diverse minerals, including potassium, iron, and manganese1. It is also known for its high content of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which contribute to its status as a functional food2,3. Importantly, beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide4. This process is linked to supporting healthy blood flow and cardiovascular function4.
- The inclusion of besan (chickpea flour) adds plant-based protein to the meal, which supports muscle health and helps keep you feeling full5.
- Vegetables like beetroot are an essential foundation for a balanced diet, and establishing healthy consumption habits early can have lasting benefits for nutrition in adulthood2.
- By choosing natural plant ingredients over synthetic alternatives, you are embracing a more wholesome approach to cooking3. Always consult with a registered dietitian or your doctor when making significant changes to your diet to ensure they align with your personal health needs.
Sources
5
- Functional properties of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) in management of cardio-metabolic diseases - PMCUS National Institutes of Health, 2020
- Root Vegetables—Composition, Health Effects, and Contaminants - PMCUS National Institutes of Health, 2022
- Red Beetroot and Its By-Products: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemicals, Extraction Methods, Health Benefits, and ApplicationsMDPI, 2025
- A Narrative Review on Dietary Strategies to Provide Nitric Oxide as a Non-Drug Cardiovascular Disease Therapy: Beetroot Formulations—A Smart Nutritional InterventionUS National Institutes of Health
- Development and quality evaluation of Pancakes prepared by utilizing Field Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense) grown in Himachal Pradeshexa.ai, 2020
