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Savory Spinach Lentil Crepes (Moong Dal Chilla) — Protein-Packed Breakfast You’ll Love


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  • Author: Helena
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 68 crepes 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These savory spinach lentil crepes (moong dal chilla) are light, crisp, and packed with plant-based protein. Made from moong dal (split yellow lentils) and fresh spinach, they’re naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch. Serve them hot with chutney, yogurt, or even stuffed with veggies for a wholesome, satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils) — soaked for 4 hours or overnight

1 cup fresh spinach leaves — packed, washed, and chopped

1 small onion — finely chopped

1 green chili or ½ jalapeño — finely chopped (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro — chopped

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

¼ teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) — optional but adds great aroma

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

¼ teaspoon red chili powder — optional for heat

Salt to taste

12 tablespoons rice flour — optional, for extra crispness

½ to ¾ cup water — as needed for blending and adjusting consistency

Oil or ghee — for greasing the pan


Instructions

  • Soak the Lentils:
    Rinse the moong dal several times until the water runs clear. Soak in enough water for at least 4 hours or overnight. The lentils should swell and soften.

  • Blend the Batter:
    Drain the lentils and transfer them to a blender. Add spinach, green chili, cilantro, and ¼ cup water. Blend until smooth and pourable, adding more water as needed. The batter should have a pancake-like consistency — thick but easy to spread.

  • Season the Batter:
    Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add cumin seeds, ajwain, turmeric, red chili powder, chopped onion, and salt. Mix well. If desired, stir in rice flour for a crispier texture.

  • Preheat the Pan:
    Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush with oil or ghee. Test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water — if they sizzle and evaporate, it’s ready.

  • Cook the Crepes:
    Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan and spread it outward in a circular motion into a thin layer. Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly as needed.

 

  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve hot with green chutney, coconut chutney, or yogurt. For a fuller meal, stuff the crepes with sautéed vegetables, paneer, or tofu and roll them up like wraps.

Notes

Soaking Tip: If you forget to soak the lentils, use hot water and soak for 1 hour — it’ll soften faster.

Consistency Check: Batter too thick? Add a spoonful of water. Too thin? Add a bit of rice flour.

Storage: Batter keeps up to 4–5 days refrigerated. Cooked crepes can be frozen (stacked with parchment paper between each) for up to 1 month.

Variations: Add grated carrots or zucchini for extra veggies. Skip chili for a mild, kid-friendly version.

Serving Ideas: Pair with chutney and chai for breakfast, or wrap with spicy potatoes for a hearty lunch.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 crepes
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg