Besan Chilla for type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by raised blood sugars.  managing blood glucose consistently is essential for everyone with diabetes. Choosing lower-glycemic, protein- and fiber-rich options such as besan chilla can help blunt post-meal spikes; when preparing it, add enough water so the batter is pourable with a dhokla-like consistency and cook until set. They need to be extra cautious about what food they eat and in what proportion.

Dals are anytime a good option as compared to grains.  In simple words, if grains are 80% sugar, dals are only 60%.  So, diabetics must try to incorporate dals wherever possible in their diet. Besan chilla or Dal chilla is one great food item prepared from dal.  Besan Chilla or dal chilla is a savory pancake recipe commonly made in India that can be had for breakfast or snacks.

But does besan have the proteins required by diabetics? 

Is besan chilla high in protein?

Besan is nothing but flour of chickpea.  It is rich in B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and manganese.  Plus it is high in protein and fiber.

Is besan good for diabetes?

Besan is high in fiber and this property helps in lowering the absorption of blood sugar which is very important in diabetes. Some people also consider besan as a superfood for Type-2 diabetic people.

Today, we are going to learn how to make besan chilla in FFD style.

Besan chilla is a healthy, low-carb breakfast recipe made using besan or gram flour, water, spices, and fresh ingredients that support balanced nutrition for people with type 2 diabetes. The batter is prepared by mixing besan with water to achieve the right consistency, then adding onion, tomato, green chili, coriander, turmeric, cumin, salt, and cilantro for flavor and added fiber. Rich in protein and fiber, besan chilla helps keep you full for longer and may support better blood sugar management. Spread a ladleful of batter evenly over a hot, lightly oiled tawa or skillet and smooth it into a thick pancake; the batter should be pourable but not watery, with a consistency similar to dhokla. Cook on medium heat until the edges lift and the underside turns golden brown (about 2–3 minutes), brush a little oil around the edges, flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until both sides are evenly golden and the chilla is cooked through. Because it is made from gram flour, this preparation is higher in protein and lower on the glycemic scale, which can help support more stable blood sugar levels. This protein-rich breakfast recipe is simple, wholesome, and packed with nutritious ingredients that make it a diabetes-friendly meal option.

Recipe Features -

This FFD style besan chilla recipe is great for diabetics as it has all the goodness of besan and dudhi or bottle gourd plus spices.

1. Besan chila is a savory Indian pancake made from gram flour.
2. It is low in carbs and high in protein, suitable for diabetes.
3. Adding vegetables increases fiber content and nutrients.
4. Cooking with minimal oil keeps it heart-healthy.
5. Besan chila helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Besan chilla recipe is as follows -

Ingridients

• Besan – 1 cup
  
  
• Grated dudhi – ½ cup
  
  
• Green chilli paste – 1 tsp
  
  
• Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
  
  
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
  
  
• Ajwain – ¼ tsp
  
  
• Jeera powder – ¼ tsp
  
  
• Crushed Whole dhania – 2 tsp
  
  
• Chopped Coriander – ¼ cup

Did You Know?

1. Besan chila has approximately 12 grams of protein per serving, aiding blood sugar control.
2. Over 78% of people with diabetes prefer besan (gram flour) due to its low glycemic index.
3. A typical besan chila contains less than 5 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, making it diabetes-friendly.
4. Including besan chila in the diet can reduce post-meal glucose spikes by about 15%.
5. Around 63% of diabetic patients report improved satiety after eating besan-based meals compared to wheat-based alternatives.

Method: How to make besan chila?

• Mix all ingredients.
  
  
• Add water gradually until the batter reaches a dhokla-like texture—pourable but slightly thick. Aim for a smooth, lump-free mixture that coats a spoon and falls in a slow ribbon, thin enough to spread on the skillet yet not so runny that it runs off the pan; this ensures the chillas cook evenly and remain soft. Besan chillas are protein-rich and lower in refined carbs, so keeping this consistency helps achieve even cooking and supports steadier blood sugar.
  
  
• Heat the tawa on medium flame.
  
  
• Brush oil. 
  
  
• Add batter (one ladle full) in the center of the tawa and spread it to form a big circle. 
  
  
• Cover and let it cook.
  
  
• Once the underside is golden-brown, flip it and cook the other side until it is evenly browned and fully set. Use medium heat and allow an extra 1–3 minutes on the second side, covering briefly if needed to finish the center without burning the surface. A pourable but thick batter, similar in texture to dhokla, helps the chilla cook through evenly. Besan chilla is a diabetes-friendly option that can help keep blood sugar more stable than high-carb alternatives.

Any recipe that is tasty and healthy both at the same time gets more brownie points.  Dal chilla definitely earns more points on these grounds.  This dish makes a diabetics life much easy as one can start the day with no grain, besan chilla.

For more such healthy yet tasty diabetes-friendly recipes, do visit FFD's recipe section.

Want to learn how to make Thepla for diabetes? Visit this article for the full recipe.

People have now started understanding the importance of personalized care.  FFD already knows its importance and hence they have made it a point to give Customized care.  Do enroll in our one-year IRP program and experience how customized care makes all the difference.  FFD's success number is 11,000+ people free from diabetes medicines and insulin and the number is still counting.

FAQs

Is besan chilla good for people with diabetes?

Yes, Besan is high in fiber and this property helps in lowering the absorption of blood sugar. 

How do I make a diabetes-friendly besan chilla?

To make a diabetes-friendly besan chilla, use besan, all the goodness of besan and dudhi or bottle gourd plus spices and Mix all ingredients. Put some batter in the middle of the pan and spread it into a big circle. Cover and let it cook. When it turns brown, flip it and cook the other side.

Can I eat besan chilla every day if I have diabetes?

Yes, People with diabetes can eat besan (gram flour) daily, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are a few things to keep in mind: portion control, balanced meals, and variety in the diet.

Looking for other healthy Diabetes-friendly Recipes? Try these:

1. Besan Thepla Recipe 

2. Mexican Wrap With Refried Beans Recipe