How much protein is in besan egg chilla?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to NDTV Food, adding a whole egg to a besan chilla can significantly boost its protein content, combining the high-quality protein from eggs with the plant-based protein of gram flour. Therefore, a besan egg chilla is a more protein-dense option than a plain besan chilla, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious and filling breakfast.

Quick Summary

A besan egg chilla provides a substantial protein boost from both eggs and chickpea flour. A typical serving can offer around 12-18 grams of protein, depending on the number of eggs and amount of besan used. The exact nutritional profile varies with ingredients and cooking methods.

Key Points

Enhanced Protein: Combining eggs with besan significantly boosts the protein content, providing a more complete amino acid profile than a plain besan chilla.
High-Quality Sources: Besan provides plant-based protein, while eggs contribute high-quality, easily absorbed animal protein, creating a powerful combination for muscle health.
Adjustable Content: The final protein amount is dependent on the number of eggs and the amount of besan used; using more of these primary ingredients increases protein.
Weight Management Aid: The high protein and fiber in besan egg chilla promote satiety, helping to reduce hunger and support weight loss goals.
Nutrient-Dense Meal: Beyond protein, this dish is a good source of vitamins, minerals (like B12, iron, and zinc), and complex carbohydrates, offering a well-rounded nutritional profile.
Simple Customization: You can easily increase the protein further by adding ingredients like grated paneer, tofu, or sprouts to the batter.

Understanding the Protein in Besan Egg Chilla

The protein content of a besan egg chilla can vary widely depending on the recipe and portion size. This delicious Indian savory pancake gets its protein from two primary sources: besan (chickpea or gram flour) and eggs. While a plain besan chilla offers a decent amount of plant-based protein, incorporating eggs adds a source of high biological value protein, making it a more complete and satisfying meal.

Protein Sources: Besan vs. Egg

Besan, or chickpea flour, is naturally rich in plant-based protein. Approximately 100 grams of dry besan contains around 22 grams of protein, while a standard besan chilla made with 30 grams of besan provides about 6-7 grams of protein. This makes it a great vegetarian protein source. An average-sized egg (about 50 grams), on the other hand, contains roughly 6-7 grams of high-quality animal protein, rich in essential amino acids. When combined, the protein from both sources complements each other, creating a nutritionally superior meal.

Factors Influencing Protein Content

Several factors can affect the final protein count in your besan egg chilla:

Number of eggs: Using two eggs instead of one will almost double the protein contribution from the eggs alone, adding another 6-7 grams to your meal.
Amount of besan: A larger chilla or one with a higher proportion of besan will naturally contain more protein.
Added ingredients: Incorporating other high-protein ingredients like paneer, tofu, or sprouts can further increase the total protein. For example, adding 50g of grated paneer can add an extra 9-10g of protein.
Cooking method: Using a non-stick pan with minimal oil can keep the calorie count low while retaining the high protein benefits.

Maximizing the Protein in Your Chilla

To create an even more protein-rich version, consider these variations:

Stuffed with Sprouts: Fill your chilla with a sautéed mixture of moong sprouts and other vegetables for an extra 6-8 grams of protein.
Serve with Curd or Yogurt: Accompanying your chilla with a side of hung curd or Greek yogurt can add several more grams of protein and beneficial probiotics.
Add Whey Protein: For a high-performance, post-workout meal, some recipes suggest adding a scoop of unflavored whey protein powder to the batter.
Use Lentils: Mixing moong dal paste or other lentil flour with besan can enhance the amino acid profile and protein density.

Comparison Table: Protein in Different Chilla Varieties


Chilla Variety	Key Protein Sources	Approximate Protein per Serving	Notes
Plain Besan Chilla	Besan	6-7 grams	A good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Besan Egg Chilla (1 egg)	Besan, 1 Egg	12-14 grams	A significant boost from high-quality egg protein.
Paneer Besan Chilla	Besan, Paneer	15-17 grams	Adds a creamy texture and extra vegetarian protein.
Moong Dal Chilla	Moong Dal	10-12 grams	A higher protein vegetarian alternative to besan.
Tofu & Spinach Chilla	Besan, Tofu, Spinach	15+ grams	Ideal for boosting protein, iron, and fiber for vegans.

Health Benefits Beyond Protein

The besan egg chilla is more than just a high-protein dish; it offers several other nutritional advantages. Besan has a low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and makes it an excellent option for individuals with diabetes. The combination of besan's fiber and egg's protein promotes a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management by reducing overall calorie intake. Eggs also contribute essential vitamins and minerals like B12, vitamin D, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for metabolism, bone health, and immune function. This nutrient-rich profile makes the besan egg chilla a fantastic choice for a balanced and wholesome meal.

Conclusion

Adding an egg to a traditional besan chilla transforms it into a protein powerhouse, offering a more complete amino acid profile and significantly increasing the protein per serving. Depending on your recipe, a besan egg chilla can provide a substantial 12-18 grams of protein or more. This makes it an ideal meal for fitness enthusiasts, those aiming for weight loss, or anyone seeking a nutritious and satisfying start to their day. By customizing the ingredients with extra veggies, paneer, or sprouts, you can further enhance its nutritional value and make it a staple in your healthy diet.

SanjeevKapoor.com offers a recipe for a high-protein Besan Egg Chilla, detailing the ingredients and process for a nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single besan egg chilla, made with one egg and approximately 30 grams of besan, can provide around 12-14 grams of protein. The exact amount depends on the specific recipe and portion size.

Yes, a besan egg chilla is superior for protein intake. While plain besan chilla contains plant-based protein, the addition of an egg provides high-quality, complete animal protein, enriching the amino acid profile of the meal.

To boost the protein further, you can add grated paneer, crumble in tofu, mix in cooked lentils or sprouts, or serve the chilla with a side of Greek yogurt or hung curd.

Yes, besan egg chilla is an excellent option for weight loss. The high protein and fiber content keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the tendency to overeat. Its low glycemic index also helps regulate blood sugar.

Yes, adding finely chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, spinach, and green chilies not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the overall nutritional value and fiber content without adding many extra calories.

Yes, besan (chickpea flour) is naturally gluten-free. As long as no other ingredients containing gluten are used, a besan egg chilla is a safe option for those with gluten sensitivity.

Besan is the Hindi term for gram flour, which is a flour made from ground Bengal gram, a type of chickpea. Therefore, the terms are often used interchangeably.