Make Gluten-Free Ragi

Chilla

Interesting With These Fillings

Paneer-Cucumber Salad

If you’re not in the mood to cook anything other than the chilla, you can opt for this filling of paneer-cucumber salad. It’s surprisingly easy to put together. You can chop the paneer into tiny cubes, grate it, or simply crumble it. Mix the paneer with finely chopped cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. And add a teaspoon of chaat masala to enhance the taste. Since this filling uses raw and not cooked onions, it adds a surprise crunch to every bite. 

Masala Potatoes

Much like the paneer bhurji, masala potatoes are also a staple filling for most Indian crepes, from dosa to chilla. Boiled potatoes are tempered with onions, herbs, and spices. Some of the most commonly used spices and herbs are mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and green chillies. You can skip the chillies if you’re cooking for kids. And if you want a little variation, try adding boiled peas or chopped capsicum to the mix. 

Sprouts Mixture

A lesser-known but nutritious and protein-rich option for a filling is a sprouts mixture. Cook moong bean sprouts with chopped onions and tomatoes. The cooked filling can be spread inside a cooked chilla, or can be added while cooking as well. If you want to add a little more flavor, especially for young kids or picky eaters, spread mint chutney, mayonnaise, or ketchup inside the chilla before adding the sprout mixture.

Sautèed Veggies

If you’re someone who loves cooking with seasonal produce, then you’re likely to enjoy a ragi chilla with sautèed veggie filling. Just like the name suggests, sautè, i.e., lightly stir-fry seasonal vegetables like carrot, beans, capsicum, peas, etc. with salt. Don’t overcook, or the vegetables can turn into mush. You can even sprinkle black pepper for an added burst of flavor. 

Mushroom-Corn Stir Fry

Looking for a more focused filling, instead of a vegetable medley? Then make a mushroom-corn stir fry for your ragi chilla. The corns bring a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the earthy, umami flavor of mushrooms. Mix it with onion, garlic, curry leaves, and green chilies to heighten the flavor. And if you really want a spice kick, add a pinch of black pepper to the mix. This is one filling you’ll keep coming back to, time after time. 

Chana Chaat Mix

For a tangy punch to your ragi chilla, try a filling of the chana chaat mix. Mix spiced black chickpeas with onions, tomatoes, coriander, and lemon juice. Go easy on the lemon juice, because you’re not consuming the mixture as a chaat but rather as a filling. Excessive lemon can offset the natural taste of ragi. A lesser-known option, it does require the chickpea to be soaked the night before. But, can be a good and healthy addition to the breakfast table if you’re inviting guests. 

Cheese & Chillies

If you’ve got fusion in your mind but also want to keep things simple, try a cheese-and-chillies filling. All you need to do is add grated cheese and chopped chillies inside your chilla and let it cook. The cheese melts and coats the chilla for a scrumptious breakfast that might just remind you of Mexican quesadillas. And why the chillies? Because they offer the spice kick India is famous for. You can easily swap green chillies with oregano and spice flakes for a milder, but equally tasty, filling. 

For The Love Of A Fulfilling Meal

Ragi chilla is not just a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free breakfast option; it’s a power-packed meal, especially with the many fillings available. The best part? This list is just a start. You can add almost any filling from leftover sabsiz, to raw, chopped onions and tomatoes, and anything else that tempts you. So get ready for a healthy and fulfilling start to the day.