How to make oats chilla at home?

Oats chilla is a wholesome, protein-rich twist on the classic Indian besan chilla. It's made by combining powdered oats with vegetables, spices, and sometimes curd to form a savory pancake batter. Ideal for breakfast, lunchbox, or even light dinner, oats chilla is gluten-free, fiber-dense, and highly customizable. Making oats chilla at home is simple, and it’s an easy way to include more oats and vegetables in your daily meals without compromising on taste.

What Is Oats Chilla?

Oats chilla is a savory pancake made with ground oats as the base flour instead of besan (gram flour). This high-fiber, low-calorie dish is loaded with veggies, making it an ideal recipe for weight watchers, diabetics, and those following a heart-healthy diet. Oats chilla can be cooked on a tawa or non-stick pan with minimal oil and served hot with chutney, curd, or even stuffed inside wraps.

Ingredients Required (Makes 4 Chillas)

• 1 cup rolled oats (or quick oats)

• 1/2 cup water (adjust to consistency)

• 1/4 cup curd (optional, adds softness)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 small tomato, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup grated carrot or cabbage

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

• 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 tsp red chili powder

• Salt to taste

• Oil or ghee for cooking

How to Make Oats Chilla at Home (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Oat Flour

Grind rolled oats into a fine powder using a mixer or blender. You can store this homemade oat flour in an airtight jar for multiple uses.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a bowl, mix oat flour with curd and water. Whisk to remove lumps. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, grated veggies, chilies, spices, cumin seeds, and salt. Stir into a thick but pourable batter. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Heat and Grease the Pan

Heat a non-stick or cast iron tawa on medium flame. Add a few drops of oil and spread it using a spoon or kitchen paper.

Step 4: Cook the Chilla

Pour a ladle of batter onto the hot pan and spread it gently into a thin circle. Drizzle oil along the edges and cook on medium heat until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve immediately with mint chutney, tomato ketchup, or plain curd. For a filling meal, you can serve it with sambar or stuff it with paneer for added protein.

Nutritional Value (Per 1 Chilla)

This nutritional value can vary slightly depending on the type of oats, vegetables used, and amount of oil.

Why Oats Chilla Is a Healthy Choice

• High in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports weight loss

• Contains complex carbs that release energy slowly, perfect for diabetic diets

• Provides plant-based protein, especially when combined with curd or paneer

• Heart-friendly due to its low saturated fat and cholesterol-free nature

• Ideal for gluten-intolerant individuals when made without besan or wheat flour

Variations to Try

Masala Oats Chilla

Add garam masala, ginger paste, and a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) to the batter for extra zing.

Paneer-Stuffed Oats Chilla

Prepare a spicy paneer filling with onions and spices, and stuff between two thin chillas like a sandwich.

South Indian-Style

Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, grated coconut, and a pinch of hing to the batter.

Vegan Version

Skip curd and use lemon juice or a splash of almond milk to maintain moisture.

Sweet Oats Chilla

Mix oat flour with mashed banana, jaggery, cardamom, and cook with ghee for a breakfast treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mint coriander chutney, imli chutney, or coconut chutney

• Serve with a bowl of curd and pickle for a traditional Indian-style platter

• Roll it into a wrap with hummus or yogurt dip and pack for lunch

• Cut into triangles and serve as party starters or finger food for kids

Tips to Perfect Oats Chilla

• Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to soften the oats and thicken naturally

• Use a well-heated non-stick pan to avoid sticking

• Don’t spread the batter too thin or it will break

• Add 1 tsp rice flour for a crisper version

• Always serve hot for best taste and texture

Summary

Oats chilla is the perfect answer to your morning rush, evening cravings, or clean eating goals. It’s quick, wholesome, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're trying to lose weight, improve digestion, or simply add more variety to your diet, oats chilla checks all the boxes.

With ingredients already in most Indian kitchens and a cook time under 20 minutes, this savory oat pancake is a must-have in your weekly meal rotation.