A Nutritional Deep Dive: How many calories are in one cheela?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Depending on the ingredients, a single medium besan chilla can have as few as 67 kcal, highlighting the significant variation in how many calories are in one cheela. This Indian pancake offers a versatile and nutritious meal option, popular for breakfast and snacks, with its calorie count heavily influenced by the type of flour and oil used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single cheela varies based on its main ingredient, size, and cooking method. A besan chilla can range from 67 kcal to over 200 kcal, while moong dal and oats versions also have distinct nutritional profiles. It's a high-protein, high-fiber, low-glycemic, and healthy meal choice when prepared with minimal oil.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in one cheela is not fixed and depends on the main ingredient, size, and cooking method.
Ingredient-Dependent Values: Besan cheela can have around 67 kcal (medium), while moong dal cheela is about 120-130 kcal, and oats cheela is roughly 76 kcal for a similar serving size.
Cooking Method is Crucial: Using a non-stick pan with minimal oil or ghee is key to keeping the calorie count low.
High in Protein and Fiber: Cheelas made from ingredients like besan and moong dal are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting satiety.
Benefits for Weight and Diabetes Management: The high protein and fiber content, combined with a low glycemic index, make cheela a good choice for those managing weight and blood sugar levels.
Customizable for Nutrition: Adding extra vegetables like spinach or carrots can significantly boost the vitamin and fiber content.
Healthy and Wholesome: When prepared correctly, cheela is a nutritious and easily digestible meal option, suitable for various diets.

Demystifying Cheela Calories: The Factors at Play

While a cheela is generally considered a healthy and wholesome meal, the exact calorie count is not a single, fixed number. It's a calculation influenced by several key factors, including the primary ingredient, the serving size, the amount of oil or ghee used for cooking, and any additional fillings or toppings. Understanding these variables is crucial for anyone monitoring their nutritional intake.

Calorie Breakdown by Cheela Type

Different types of cheela offer varying nutritional profiles and calorie counts. Here is a breakdown of common varieties:

Besan (Chickpea Flour) Cheela: A medium besan chilla (40g) can contain approximately 67 kcal. This is a popular gluten-free option, naturally rich in protein and fiber. The calorie content can rise significantly if more oil or larger quantities of batter are used. For instance, a larger serving might contain over 200 calories.
Moong Dal (Split Yellow Lentil) Cheela: This variant is a powerhouse of protein and complex carbohydrates. A medium moong dal chilla typically contains around 120–130 kcal, especially when cooked with minimal oil on a non-stick pan. The calorie count can increase with added fillings like paneer or cheese.
Oats Cheela: Made from ground oats, this cheela is known for its high fiber content and ability to aid appetite control. A medium oats chilla (40g) contains approximately 76 kcal. It provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals.
Sooji (Semolina) Cheela: This lighter option offers a good amount of protein, calcium, iron, and potassium. A medium sooji chilla (40g) contains around 62 kcal. It is often made with yogurt and vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.
Mixed Millet Cheela: Combining various millets with vegetables provides a low-glycemic, fiber-rich option. The calorie count can be around 68 kcal for a medium piece, depending on the exact mix.

How Your Cooking Method Impacts Calories

The way you cook your cheela can drastically change its final nutritional value. While a non-stick pan with just a few drops of oil is recommended for a low-calorie result, cooking with more oil or ghee will increase the fat and calorie intake. For example, one source notes that cooking besan chilla with oil isn't excessively high in calories, but mindful portioning is still important for weight loss. Choosing healthy fats like peanut or coconut oil over highly processed vegetable oils is also advised.

Comparison of Common Cheela Types (per Medium Piece, 40g)


Cheela Type	Approximate Calories (kcal)	Key Benefits	Best For	Cooking Method
Besan	67	High in protein and fiber, gluten-free.	Weight loss, muscle gain.	Pan-fried with minimal oil.
Moong Dal	104	Excellent source of protein and fiber, good for satiety.	Weight management, high-protein diet.	Pan-fried with minimal oil.
Oats	76	High in fiber, promotes satiety and controls appetite.	Weight management, balanced breakfast.	Pan-fried with minimal oil.
Sooji	62	Lighter option, good source of calcium, iron.	Calorie-conscious breakfast.	Pan-fried with minimal oil.

Enhancing Cheela's Nutritional Profile

Making your cheela even healthier is easy with a few simple additions. Adding a variety of finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, onions, tomatoes, or bell peppers boosts the fiber and micronutrient content without adding many calories. For a protein boost, especially for those targeting muscle gain or a vegetarian protein source, consider adding crumbled paneer or flaxseeds.

The Health Benefits Beyond Calories

Cheelas offer more than just a low-calorie meal. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. The high fiber and protein content contribute to a feeling of fullness, reducing the urge to snack unnecessarily. These characteristics make cheelas an excellent choice for managing weight, supporting gut health, and controlling diabetes.

Conclusion: A Smart Choice for a Balanced Diet

Ultimately, the number of calories in one cheela is variable, but its overall health benefits are consistent. By choosing the right ingredients and cooking methods, you can tailor this versatile Indian pancake to fit your dietary needs, whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or simply a nutritious start to the day. It's a delicious, customizable, and healthy addition to any meal plan.

Making a Healthier Cheela: A Step-by-Step Guide

To create a nutritious cheela that aligns with your health goals, follow these steps:

Choose a Healthy Base: Opt for besan, moong dal, or oats as your primary flour to ensure a high-protein, high-fiber base.
Load up on Veggies: Finely chop a variety of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots and mix them into the batter.
Use Minimal Oil: Cook on a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of a healthy oil like peanut or coconut oil to keep the fat content low.
Spice it Right: Add spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and ginger, which aid digestion and add flavor without calories.
Serve Smartly: Pair your cheela with a fresh, low-fat chutney, raita, or a side salad for a complete meal, instead of high-calorie dips.

Here is a helpful resource for more healthy chilla recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sooji cheela, made from semolina, is one of the lowest calorie options, with a medium piece (40g) containing around 62 kcal.

Yes, besan chilla is considered very beneficial for weight loss. It is rich in protein and fiber, which helps keep you feeling full for longer, and has a low glycemic index, aiding in blood sugar control.

To reduce calories, use a non-stick pan with minimal oil or ghee, and incorporate a higher proportion of low-calorie vegetables like spinach, onions, and tomatoes.

Absolutely. Adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach enhances the cheela's nutritional profile by boosting its fiber and micronutrient content.

Yes, moong dal cheela is a good option for diabetics due to its high protein and fiber content, low-fat nature, and lower glycemic load, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Both are healthy, but they have different profiles. Oats cheela is very high in fiber, while besan cheela is a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates. The 'healthier' option depends on your specific dietary goals.

A cheela is a balanced meal on its own, especially when loaded with vegetables. For added satiety and nutrients, it is best paired with a protein-rich side like paneer or a fiber-rich side like salad or chutney.