Lauki Cheela Recipe

Lauki Cheela is a nutritious, protein-rich Indian savory pancake made with grated bottle gourd (lauki), gram flour (besan), and aromatic spices. It’s light, filling, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy evening snack. This quick recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be prepared in just 20–25 minutes.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 cheelas
• Cuisine: Indian
• Course: Breakfast / Snack
• Calories: Approximately 140 kcal per cheela

Ingredients

• 1½ cups grated lauki (bottle gourd)
• 1 cup besan (gram flour)
• 2 tablespoons rice flour (optional, for crispiness)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as required
• 1–2 teaspoons oil per cheela for cooking

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lauki

Wash, peel, and grate the lauki. Lightly squeeze out the excess water and keep the water aside to use while making the batter.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, grated lauki, onion, green chilies, ginger, coriander leaves, turmeric, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt.

Gradually add the reserved lauki water (or fresh water if needed) to prepare a smooth, medium-thick batter. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Cheela

Heat a non-stick tawa or cast-iron pan. Grease it lightly with oil.

Pour one ladle of batter onto the hot tawa and spread it gently into a thin circle.

Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.

Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until crisp and cooked through.

Repeat with the remaining batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Green mint chutney
• Tomato ketchup
• Garlic chutney
• Fresh curd
• Masala tea for breakfast

Tips for Perfect Lauki Cheela

• Do not make the batter too thin.
• Rice flour helps make the cheela extra crispy.
• Cook on medium heat for even browning.
• Add grated carrot, spinach, or paneer for extra nutrition.
• Prepare the batter just before cooking for the best texture.

Storage

• The batter can be refrigerated for up to 12 hours.
• Cooked cheelas taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and reheated on a tawa.

Nutritional Benefits

• Rich in protein from besan
• High in fiber and vitamins from lauki
• Low in calories
• Helps keep you full for longer
• A healthy option for weight management

---