Tomato & Jowar Cheela

By: Admin Date: 11-Mar 2020 Reading Time: 4 Mins

Tomato & Jowar Cheela is a savory, gluten-free Indian pancake made from jowar (sorghum) flour, fresh tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for breakfast or a light meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors with the tanginess of tomatoes, the mild heat of green chilies, and the earthiness of cumin and ajwain. The cheela is cooked to a crisp, golden brown on a hot skillet, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

60 grams jowar flour
100 grams finely chopped tomatoes
50 grams finely chopped onion
1 green chili, finely chopped, optional
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
Salt to taste
1/4 cup water (or as needed to adjust the batter consistency)
1 teaspoon oil (for cooking)

Procedure:

In a large mixing bowl, combine jowar flour, chopped tomato, chopped onion, and green chili.
Add cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, ajwain, and salt.
Gradually add water and mix to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be like pancake batter—neither too thick nor too runny.
Heat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat. Brush the skillet lightly with oil.
Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot skillet and spread it into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
Flip the cheela and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Remove the cheela from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Serve hot with yogurt or coconut and mint chutney.

Nutritional Benefits:

Tomato & Jowar Cheela is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a variety of health benefits.
Jowar flour, a whole grain, is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for those with diabetes. It’s also a good source of protein and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support overall well-being and energy production.
The addition of tomatoes provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its heart-protective properties.
Onions and green chilies contribute further to the dish’s antioxidant content and add digestive benefits. The spices, including turmeric and cumin, offer anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, making this cheela not just tasty but also a wholesome meal that promotes good health.

Nutritional Information: