Chickpea Flour Pancakes

Rice and bread are staples in the Indian diet. Rice, of all kinds, tends to be eaten in the southern and rural regions of India more regularly than in the northern regions, though rice is eaten all over. The northern regions rely more heavily on a wheat based diet and eat a lot more bread. In fact, in the northern regions, bread of some sort is served with almost every meal.

Chickpea flour is used in all kinds of Indian dishes. I used chickpea flour to make some delicious chickpea flour pancakes, or Methi Thelpa to go along with my Indian meal of spicy Indian shrimp Spicy Indian Shrimp and pan-fried mushrooms and spinach Spicy Stir-Fried Mushrooms & Spinach.

Chickpea Flour Pancakes

These chickpea flour pancakes, or methi thepia, are kind of a working man’s food, that is often eaten by the farmers in the Gujarati areas. They are often enjoyed with yogurt and sliced onions, though they are very good with butter or ghee too.

4 1/2 oz chickpea flour

4 oz flour

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp turmeric

salt to taste

1 tsp ginger

1 jalapeno, diced fine

1 TBSP fresh cilantro, chopped fine

enough water to combine everything together to make into a soft dough

oil for cooking

ghee or butter, both for cooking and smearing on top

Combine everything together and mix well until it forms into a soft dough.

Let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes before working with it. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and form into small dough balls.

Roll the dough into very thin pancakes on a lightly floured surface. Get a small pan very hot, and add a little cooking spray and butter every time, for every pancake. Cook for about 1 minute per side, then flip and cook for an additional minute. Continue until all the pancakes are cooked.

Immediately after removing from the heat, smear a little butter or ghee on top of each pancake if you like. Serve hot. I could easily make a meal out of these alone, but I served them with my Indian meal.

We are never too old to learn new things or new techniques. That’s what makes life fun and interesting. 🙂 Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.