Moong dal chilla

Moong dal chilla is a light, high-protein pancake that works for breakfast or an evening snack. Moong is one of the easiest, most gentle protein sources in an Indian kitchen, which makes this a lovely repeatable meal for PCOS. It is also naturally Jain-friendly if you skip the onion and garlic.

Why it helps

Moong dal is high in protein and fibre and easy to digest. A protein-rich start steadies your blood sugar and keeps cravings away later in the day, which is exactly what PCOS benefits from. Why protein matters for PCOS

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 cup yellow moong dal, soaked 2 to 3 hours
• 1 inch piece of ginger
• 1 green chilli (optional)
• Handful of coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• 1 to 2 teaspoons oil, for cooking

Optional (skip for Jain): 1 small onion, finely chopped.

Method

1. Drain the soaked moong dal and blend with ginger, green chilli, cumin, salt and a little water into a smooth, pourable batter.
2. Stir in the coriander, and onion if using.
3. Heat a non-stick tawa on medium and brush lightly with oil.
4. Pour a ladle of batter and spread into a thin round.
5. Cook until the base is golden, flip, and cook through.
6. Serve hot with green chutney or a bowl of curd.

Make it your own

• Add grated vegetables to the batter for more fibre.
• Fill with a little paneer bhurji before folding, for a heartier meal.

Pair it with a bowl of curd to lift the protein further, and explore more PCOS meal ideas.