How to Make Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi | Traditional Besan Curry Recipe

Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi is a traditional North Indian curry featuring soft besan katlis gently simmered in a rich, flavorful onion-tomato gravy.

Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi Recipe – A Traditional North Indian Curry with Besan Katlis

There are some recipes that are born not out of elaborate planning but from simple moments in the kitchen when the vegetable basket is almost empty. In many North Indian homes, mothers and grandmothers would smile, open the pantry, take out a jar of besan (chickpea flour) and create a meal that tasted as though it had been planned all along.

One such treasured recipe is Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi.

Soft, thick besan cheelas are lovingly prepared, cut into diamond-shaped pieces known as katlis, and gently simmered in a rich, aromatic onion-tomato gravy infused with traditional aromatic whole spices. As the katlis absorb the delicious gravy, they become soft, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting with every bite. 

This humble recipe beautifully proves that delicious food doesn't always need expensive ingredients or seasonal vegetables. Sometimes, the simplest pantry staples create the most memorable meals.

Whether you're looking for a quick weekday dinner, a traditional family recipe, or a unique curry to surprise your loved ones, this Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi deserves a place on your dining table.

Why You'll Love This Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this traditional North Indian recipe.

• Made entirely with simple pantry ingredients.

• Perfect when there are no fresh vegetables available.

• Soft besan katlis soak up the flavorful gravy beautifully.

• Rich, aromatic, and full of authentic Indian flavors.

• Budget-friendly and incredibly filling.

• Easy enough for everyday cooking.

• Naturally vegetarian.

• Tastes even better after resting for a few minutes.

• Pairs wonderfully with roti, phulka, paratha, naan, jeera rice or plain steamed rice.

• A wonderful way to enjoy the goodness of protein-rich chickpea flour.

🛒 Ingredients

All the dry ingredients and aromatic spices needed to prepare authentic Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi.

For the Besan Cheela

• Besan (gram flour/chickpea flour): 1 cup 

• Water: 1½–2 cups (to make a smooth flowing batter)

• Turmeric powder: ¼ tsp

• Red Chilli Powder: ½ tsp

• Green Chilli: 1 (finely chopped optional) 

• Fresh Coriander leaves: 2 tbsp (finely chopped optional) 

• Oil: 1–2 tablespoons (for cooking the Cheelas)

• Salt to taste

Fresh wet ingredients used to prepare the aromatic onion-tomato gravy for traditional Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi.

For the Gravy

• Onions: 2 medium (finely chopped or ground into a paste)

• Tomatoes: 2 medium (pureed)

• Ginger-Garlic paste: 1 tsp

• Green Chilli: 1 (finely chopped optional) 

• Curd - 2 tbsp

• Bay leaves: 2

• Mace: 2–3 strands 

• Cinnamon stick: ½-inch

• Green Cardamoms: 2

• Cumin seeds: 1 tsp

• Coriander powder:1½ tsp

• Turmeric powder: ¼ tsp

• Kashmiri Red Chilli powder: 1 tsp

• Garam Masala Powder: ½ tsp

• Asafetida: a pinch

• Salt to taste

• Oil as required

• Water:1–1½ cups 

• Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tbsp (finely chopped for garnishing)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Besan Cheela Katli ki Sabzi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Besan Cheela Batter

Mix gram flour with spices and water to prepare a smooth batter for thick besan cheelas.

• In a mixing bowl, combine besan, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, chopped green chilli and fresh coriander leaves. If you prefer a milder flavor or a simpler version, you can skip the green chilli and coriander leaves.

• Gradually pour in water while whisking continuously until you get a smooth, lump-free batter with a flowing consistency. The batter should neither be too thick nor too watery.

• Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes for better texture.

Step 2: Cook the Cheelas and Make the Katlis

Cook thick besan cheelas on both sides until lightly golden and fully cooked before slicing them into katlis.

• Heat a non-stick tawa or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with a few drops of oil.

• Pour one ladle of batter onto the hot tawa and spread it evenly into a thick circle.

• Cook until the bottom develops light golden spots. Carefully flip and cook the other side as well.

Cook a thick besan cheela from seasoned gram flour batter before cutting it into square or diamond-shaped katlis

• Repeat with the remaining batter.

• Allow the cooked cheelas to cool for a few minutes then cut them into diamond-shaped, square-shaped, or bite-sized pieces (katlis).

Slice the cooked besan cheelas into diamond or square-shaped katlis before adding them to the prepared gravy.

• Keep them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Gravy

• Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed kadhai.

• Add the bay leaves, mace, cinnamon, black cardamoms, and cumin seeds.

• Once the cumin begins to crackle and the whole spices become fragrant, add the chopped onions.

• Cook until the onions turn soft and light golden brown.

• Now add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.

• Add the tomato puree along with coriander powder, turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and salt.

• Cook the masala patiently over medium-low heat until it thickens and the oil begins separating from the sides. 

• Lower the heat completely then slowly add the whisked curd while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Cook until the gravy becomes smooth, creamy and the oil begins to separate again.

• This roasting step develops the deep flavors of the curry.

Step 4: Simmer the Katlis

• Pour 1 to 1½ cups of water into the prepared masala and stir well.

• Bring the gravy to a gentle boil. Cook it for 4-5 minutes.

• Carefully slide the besan katlis into the simmering gravy.

• Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 3–4 minutes so the katlis absorb the delicious flavors while becoming wonderfully soft.

• Switch off the flame.

• Sprinkle garam masala and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

• Serve immediately while hot.

Serve Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi hot with roti, paratha or steamed rice for a comforting North Indian meal.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Besan Cheela Katli ki Sabzi

Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi pairs beautifully with many Indian breads and rice dishes.

Serve it with:

• Soft phulkas / Whole wheat rotis / Tandoori roti / Plain parathas

• Jeera rice / Steamed basmati rice / Peas pulao

• Boondi Raita / Curd with roasted cumin powder

• Onion salad with lemon wedges

• Green chutney

• Papad for extra crunch

A bowl of this comforting curry with hot rotis makes a satisfying family meal.

Traditional Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi made with soft besan katlis cooked in a flavorful onion-tomato gravy.

Recipe Notes & Tips for Besan Cheela Katli ki Sabzi

• Always prepare a smooth batter without lumps.

• Slightly thick cheelas make softer and more delicate katlis.

• Let the cheelas cool slightly before cutting to prevent tearing.

• Roast the onion-tomato masala patiently for the best flavor.

• Do not overcook the katlis after adding them to the gravy, as they may become too soft.

• Kashmiri red chilli powder adds beautiful color without making the curry overly spicy.

• Fresh coriander leaves brighten both the flavor and appearance.

• If the gravy thickens after resting, simply add a little hot water while reheating.

• This curry tastes even more delicious after sitting for 15–20 minutes, allowing the katlis to absorb the spices.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare the Cheelas in advance?

Yes. You can prepare the Cheelas several hours ahead, cut them into katlis, and refrigerate them until needed.

2. Can I make this recipe with yogurt (dahi)?

Yes. You can replace the tomato-based gravy with a creamy yogurt gravy. Simply whisk fresh curd with a little besan before adding it to the pan over low heat while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Then simmer the besan katlis in the gravy until they absorb the flavors.

3. Can I make Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi without onion and garlic?

Yes. Simply skip the onions and garlic, and prepare the gravy using tomatoes, ginger, cumin seeds, whole spices, coriander powder, turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and salt. Cook the masala until the oil separates, then add water and simmer the besan katlis in the gravy. This variation is perfect for festive meals or anyone following a no-onion, no-garlic diet.

4. Can I make the curry spicier?

Yes. Simply increase the amount of green chillies or red chilli powder or garam masala powder according to your taste.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Store the curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

6. Can I freeze Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi?

Freshly prepared curry gives the best texture. Freezing is not recommended because the besan katlis may become too soft after thawing.

7. Is Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi healthy?

Yes. Chickpea flour is naturally rich in plant protein and fiber, making this recipe both wholesome and satisfying when prepared with moderate oil.

🥡 Storing Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the gravy has thickened, add a splash of hot water and stir well before serving.

• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the besan katlis may become too soft and lose their texture after thawing.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the besan cheelas a day in advance, cut them into katlis, and refrigerate them separately. Prepare the gravy fresh and simmer the katlis in it just before serving for the best taste and texture.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Time                              Duration Prep Time                     15 minutes Resting Time (Batter)   10 minutes (optional but recommended) Cook Time                     35 minutes Total Time                       1 hour

🍽️ Recipe Details

Detail	Information
Servings	4
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	North Indian
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Diet	Vegetarian

💬 Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever prepared Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi at home?

Did your grandmother or mother make this comforting recipe in a special way?

I'd love to hear your family memories, cooking tips, or creative variations. Share your experience in the comments below, it always brings joy to see how traditional recipes continue to connect kitchens and generations.

If you try this recipe, don't forget to rate it and let me know how it turned out. Your feedback inspires me to keep sharing more authentic homemade recipes.

🍲 Try More Delicious Recipes from the Blog

If you enjoyed this traditional North Indian curry, you may also love exploring these homemade recipes:

• Kachchi Haldi ki Sabzi recipe

• Besan ke Gatte ki Sabzi recipe

• Cabbage Kofta Curry recipe

• Cabbage Roll Masala recipe

• Peetha Raw Banana Veggie Rampuri recipe

• Lauki ke Kofte Recipe

Every recipe on the blog is created with simple ingredients, clear instructions and authentic home-style flavors to help you bring delicious meals to your family table. 

Thank you for stopping by Aroma from the Kitchen! If you enjoyed this Besan Cheela Katli Ki Sabzi recipe, be sure to follow the blog for more authentic Indian recipes, traditional family favorites, and easy everyday meals. 

Happy Cooking! 🍲❤️