How to Make Suji Chilla for Babies?

Suji chilla is an Indian breakfast. Just like various other chillas (or pancakes), it is quick and easy to make, and tastes diecious.

Suji, also known as semolina, is an Indian staple food made from coarsely grounded whole wheat. It is considered to be a highly nutritious food for babies and adults alike. Suji is rich in healthy carbs, iron, calcium, Vitamin B-6, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and and various other essential body nutrients. It is also a good source of protein, which is considered to be the most essential nutrient for a baby’s growth and development.

Suji chilla has a lot of variations. The version described in this article has curd and gram flour as additional ingredients. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor of the chilla, but also increase its health benefits.

How to make Suji Chilla for Babies?

Following section guides you through the step by step preparation of suji chilla for babies. Let’s get started.

Ingredients Required

1. Suji – 1 Cup
2. Gram Flour – 2 tablespoon
3. Curd -2 tablespoon
4. Onion – 1, small sized
5. Green Beans – 6-7 pieces
6. Carrot – ½, small sized
7. Green Capsicum – ½, small sized
8. Bell Peppers ( Yellow/ Red) – 1/8, medium sized
9. Tomato – 1, small sized
10. Salt – to taste
11. Red Chilli Powder – to taste
12. Coriander Powder – 1 teaspoon
13. Garam Masala Powder – 1 pinch
14. Water – 2½ cups
15. Red Mustard Seeds – 3/4 teaspoon
16. Curry Leaves – 7-8
17. Cooking Oil – 4-5 tablespoon

Equipment Required

1. Vegetable Peeler
2. Chopping Board
3. Knife
4. Mixing Bowl
5. Whisk
6. Non-Stick Pan
7. Ladle
8. Spatula

Method for Preparation

For Batter

1. Take suji, gram flour and curd in a mixing bowl and mix them well.
2. Add water, little by little. Use the whisk to prepare a smooth batter.
3. Keep the batter aside. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. Use peeler and knife to remove unwanted parts of the vegetables. Wash them thoroughly under running water.
5. Finely chop all the vegetables.
6. Add all the vegetables into the batter.
7. Add dried spices (salt, red chilli powder, dried coriander powder, garam masala powder) into the batter and give it a mix.
8. Add water to adjust consistency of the batter. It should have a medium-thick flowing consistency.

For Tempering

1. Put the non-stick pan on the gas flame.
2. Pour about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil on the pan. Spread it evenly and allow it to heat.
3. Add mustard seeds into the pan.
4. When mustard seeds start to crackle, add curry leaves.
5. Sauté till the curry leaves start to become crisp.
6. Transfer this tempering to the batter. Again, give it a mix.

For Chilla

1. Take about 2 ladles full of the suji batter and pour them in the center of the pan. Swirl the batter around into a thin chilla.
2. Pour about ½ to 1 teaspoon of oil around the edges of the chilla.
3. Allow it to cook on medium flame till it turns golden and aromatic.
4. Turn around the chilla with the help of spatula.
5. Let it cook properly.
6. Once the chilla is ready, transfer it to the plate. Serve hot with ketchup or chutney of your choice.

Additional Notes

1. You can add vegetables of your choice in different combinations to the chilla. For example, you can use onion, capsicum and tomato in one combination, and onion, green beans and cauliflower in another combination. Each combination will create a unique flavour in the chilla.
2. Do not add a lot of water to the ‘suji-gram flour-curd’ mixture in one go. This will result in the formation of lumps, which will require extra efforts to dissolve.
3. Adding curd will not only enhance the taste of the chilla, but also help the batter rise.
4. You can make chilla batter one night in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Next morning, you can make chillas quickly from this already prepared batter.
5. Suji chilla is a vegan recipe.

Also Check Out: Tomato Puree Recipe for Babies and Vegetable Khichdi Recipe for Babies. 

Did You Know?

Suji is considered as one of the healthy foods that aid in weight lose. Its low calorie-high protein content is ideal for people trying to loose weight.

Final Take

Suji chilla is a baby food that can be prepared instantly for breakfast or served as a snack. Both ways, it keeps the baby full for longer and help her grow. However, since suji is a wheat derivative, it contains gluten. If your baby is allergic to wheat or have symptoms of gluten intolerance, talk to your pediatrician before offering suji chilla to your baby.