If you are bored of eating Sabudana Khichdi, potatoes and other fruit items again and again during Navratri fast, then this time you can try something new in your plate. Cheela made from Rajgira flour and bottle gourd can be delicious as well as a light and nutritious option. It does not take much time to prepare and its taste increases further with green chutney and curd.
Bottle gourd, Rajgira flour and peanuts are used in this recipe shared from 'Priya Ki Rasoi'. However, the exact amount of protein in it depends on the ingredients and its quantity. Therefore, the claim of 35 grams of protein in the entire thali should not be taken as definitive without nutritional calculations.
1. First prepare fruit green chutney
Eating green chutney with cheela enhances its taste. To make it you need:
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a bowl of fresh coriander
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small piece of ginger
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1 green chilli
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2-3 spoons roasted peanuts
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rock salt as per taste
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some black pepper
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water as per need
Put all the ingredients in the mixer and grind them finely. Your fruit green chutney is ready.
2. Peel and grate the bottle gourd
First of all take a fresh gourd. Wash it thoroughly, peel it and grate it. Bottle gourd has high water content, due to which the cheela can become soft from inside. If too much water is coming out of the gourd, add flour as per the consistency of the batter.
3. Mix Rajgira flour and peanuts
Now add finely chopped green chillies, green coriander, coarsely ground peanuts, black pepper and rock salt to the grated bottle gourd.
After this add Rajgira flour to it and mix all the ingredients well. Rajgira is a grain used in fasting. Protein and some essential minerals are found in it, while peanuts are also a source of protein and healthy fat.
4. Prepare thick batter
After mixing all the ingredients, add water little by little as per requirement. Keep in mind that the batter should not be too thin. Keep it thick enough so that it can be spread easily on the pan and the cheela does not break while turning.
If the gourd is already releasing enough water, there may be no need to add additional water.
5. Bake Rajgira Cheela on the pan.
Now heat a non-stick pan and apply some ghee or oil on it. Pour a portion of the prepared batter on the pan and spread it in a round shape.
Cook the cheela on medium flame. When the bottom surface starts turning golden, turn it carefully. Apply some ghee or oil on both sides and cook well. When the cheela becomes golden and slightly crisp, take it out in a plate.
6. Serve with curd and green chutney
Serve hot Rajgira Cheela with fresh curd and prepared green chutney. Curd can provide additional protein and calcium to the diet. However, consume curd and other ingredients during the fast only as per your rules and traditions.
What are the benefits of eating Rajgira Cheela during fasting?
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Help in keeping stomach full: The combination of bottle gourd, Rajgira and peanuts provides fiber, protein and fat in the food.
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Source of Energy: Rajgira flour contains carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body.
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Changes in diet: Apart from sago and potato, this fruit can be a new option in the menu.
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Ready in less time: If the ingredients are prepared in advance, it can be made in about 20 minutes.