Childra चिलडा / Chilla चिला /Puda पूडा, it has so many names but one thing is for sure, it is delicious. I was always a fan of Childras (that`s how we call it at home) for as long as I remember. Its like a savoury pancake made with Chicpea flour.
There are about three kinds of Chicpeas which I know:
Indian Kala Chana (black small chic pea) which I have seen mostly in India, the Childras are made from the flour made out of these Chicpeas. Kabuli Chana/Garbanzo beans, these are two very similar varieties but one variety is a big bigger then the other one and a bit more whiter or fairer.
Anyways much explaining about the chicpeas, but I felt like clarifying it, because until now my experience is that most people think Chicpea flour is from the Garbanzo/Gabuli Chana, which is not the case but it is from the Indian Kala Chana. The skin of the Chana is removed and then it becomes Chana Daal and when it is powdered it becomes Besan.
So now back to the Childras, as they are made from lentil flour they are a good source of protein and they are super easy to make. I made them last week for lunch and everyone loved them. I served them with pickles, sour creme, Guacomole and capers but sometimes the girls love to eat them with cheese as well :) After the Childra is cooked, put any grated cheese of your choice in the middle and fold it like a Dosa or a wrap and let the cheese melt, serve it warm.
Here is what you will need for 4 people.
- 500 gms Chicpea flour
- 500 ml Water
- 1 medium Zucchini, grated(not very fine but thick)
- 1 big red onion, chopped
- half an inch of Ginger, finely grated
- 1 green chili, chopped
- handful of fresh Coriander, chopped
- 1 tsp of Salt
- 1/4 tsp of red chili powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- a small pinch of Asatofedita
- a big pinch of baking powder
- Oil/Ghee to cook
Method:
1. Take two cups(500 gms) of Chickpea flour and sieve it into a bowl.
2. Add all the dry spices and salt to the flour, mix it all well. Add the water and beat it with an egg beater into a fine batter. See you don't have any little balls of flour in the batter. Let the batter sit for about 15-20 minutes.
3. In this time you can prepare all the condiments. I made the Chutney and a simple Guacomole.
4. Now add all the prepared vegetables to the batter and mix it all well.
5. Heat a Crepe pan/flat gridle/Tava and add about half a tsp of Oil to it and spread it on the whole surface. Now take a big spoonful of batter put it on the pan and make it into a circle while spreading it outwards.
5. Spread a few drops of oil on the corner of the Childra and put a few drops on the top as well.
6. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see the ends turning brown, then slowly loosen it up and turn it around and cook for another 1-2 minute.
7. Serve it warm with condiments of your choice.
