Steamed Besan Pancakes with Cumin and Green Chilies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, spongy pancakes made from chickpea flour, infused with cumin and fresh green chilies for a gentle heat. Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. This indian-inspired vegetarian (lacto-vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes layers besan, water, plain yogurt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 1 cup besan, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl until smooth with no lumps.
  2. Step 2: Cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to hydrate the flour.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 finely chopped green chili, and 1/2 tsp baking soda after resting.
  4. Step 4: Grease a 9-inch steamer dish with 1 tbsp coconut oil and pour in the batter.
  5. Step 5: Steam over simmering water for 25 minutes until the edges pull away from the dish and the center springs back when gently pressed.
  6. Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Besan Pancakes with Cumin and Green Chilies take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (45 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Steamed Besan Pancakes with Cumin and Green Chilies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Besan Pancakes with Cumin and Green Chilies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Besan Pancakes with Cumin and Green Chilies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Steamed Besan Pancakes with Cumin and Green Chilies lacto-vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged lacto-vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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