If you love starting your day with something quick, savory, and satisfying — Chilla is your best friend. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and loaded with flavor, it’s one of India’s most beloved healthy breakfasts. But here’s an even better version — Sorghum Chilla (Jowar Chilla) — made with wholesome sorghum flour that’s gluten-free, fiber-rich, and utterly delicious! 🌾💛
Whether you’re looking for a nourishing breakfast, a light lunch, or a healthy evening snack, this millet-based chilla fits perfectly into every meal plan. It’s simple to make, easy to digest, and bursting with the goodness of ancient grains — the perfect mix of tradition and wellness. 🍽️✨
🥣 Introduction to Sorghum (Jowar)
Sorghum, known as Jowar in Hindi, is one of the most widely cultivated ancient grains in India. Naturally gluten-free and high in iron, protein, and antioxidants, it’s an excellent alternative to wheat or rice. 🌾
Unlike refined flours, sorghum flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and a soft texture to dishes. In this recipe, it’s transformed into a light and nutritious chilla that pairs beautifully with chutneys, curd, or a cup of masala chai. ☕💛
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make 6–8 medium-sized chillas:
🌾 Main Ingredients:
- Sorghum (Jowar) flour – 1 cup
- Water – about ¾ cup (adjust as needed)
- Salt – to taste
🌿 Vegetables (for flavor & texture):
- Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)
- Tomato – 1 small (finely chopped)
- Green chili – 1 (finely chopped)
- Ginger – 1 tsp (grated)
- Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Grated carrot or capsicum – 2 tbsp (optional)
🌶️ Spices:
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chili powder – ¼ tsp
- Garam masala – ¼ tsp (optional)
🧈 For Cooking:
- Oil or ghee – as needed
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Prepare the Batter 🌾
- In a mixing bowl, add sorghum flour, salt, and all the dry spices — cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder.
- Gradually pour in water while whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
- The batter should be slightly thicker than dosa batter but thinner than pakora batter.
- Add chopped onions, tomatoes, chilies, ginger, grated veggies, and coriander. Mix well.
💡 Pro Tip: Rest the batter for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps the flour absorb water and gives softer chillas.
2️⃣ Heat the Tawa 🔥
- Heat a non-stick tawa or cast-iron pan on medium flame.
- Lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
- Once hot, pour a ladleful of batter in the center and spread it evenly into a round shape (about 6 inches in diameter).
- Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges.
3️⃣ Cook the Chilla 🥣
- Cook the chilla on medium flame for 2–3 minutes or until small bubbles appear and the edges start to lift.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing lightly between each chilla.
Your kitchen will fill with the warm, earthy aroma of jowar and spices — a truly comforting breakfast experience! 🌿✨
4️⃣ Serve Hot 🍽️
Serve your Sorghum Chillas hot off the tawa with your favorite accompaniments. They taste best when enjoyed immediately while still soft and warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy Jowar Chilla:
🥥 With chutneys: Pair with coconut chutney, mint-coriander chutney, or tomato chutney.
🥛 With curd: Serve with plain or spiced yogurt for a cooling combination.
🍅 With ketchup or pickle: Great for kids and quick lunches.
☕ With chai: Perfect for an energizing evening snack.
💡 Bonus Idea: Use these chillas as wraps! Fill them with sautéed veggies or paneer for a healthy, protein-rich meal on the go. 🌯
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Sorghum Chilla
✅ Consistency is key: The batter should be spreadable but not too watery.
✅ Keep the flame medium: This ensures even cooking without burning.
✅ Add veggies last: If you’re preparing batter in advance, add veggies just before cooking to prevent water release.
✅ Grease the tawa properly: A lightly oiled surface prevents sticking.
✅ Crispy edge trick: Drizzle a few extra drops of oil around the edges before flipping.
🧘♀️ Health Benefits of Sorghum
🌾 Rich in Iron & Protein: Builds strength and prevents fatigue.
💪 High Fiber Content: Supports digestion and aids weight management.
⚖️ Low Glycemic Index: Helps regulate blood sugar levels naturally.
🍃 Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance.
💖 Heart Healthy: Contains antioxidants that reduce cholesterol.
🔥 Sustained Energy: Complex carbs provide long-lasting energy without spikes.
Sorghum Chilla is proof that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated — it’s delicious, nourishing, and made from ingredients you can trust. 🌿✨
🌿 Variations to Try
- Cheese Chilla: Add grated cheese and herbs for a fusion twist.
- Palak Chilla: Blend spinach with the batter for a vibrant green, iron-rich version.
- Moong Jowar Chilla: Mix half moong dal batter with jowar for extra protein.
- Sweet Chilla: Skip the spices and add jaggery, cardamom, and banana for a sweet breakfast treat! 🍌🍯
🌿 Conclusion
Sorghum Chilla (Jowar Chilla) beautifully captures the essence of Indian home cooking — simple, nutritious, and full of flavor. 🌾💛
Each bite offers the comforting warmth of familiar spices, the nutty taste of millet, and the satisfaction of eating something that’s truly good for you. Whether it’s a quick weekday breakfast or a wholesome evening snack, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your table.
So the next time you crave something savory and light, skip the usual besan or rice chilla — and go millet! With Sorghum Chilla, you’ll rediscover how nourishing and delicious ancient grains can be. 🥣🔥🍅✨