Which Chilla Has No Carbs? Exploring Keto and Zero-Carb Alternatives

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Traditional besan chilla, a beloved Indian pancake, contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates due to its chickpea flour base. For those on a strict ketogenic diet, this leads to a critical question: which chilla has no carbs? The answer involves looking beyond traditional recipes and exploring creative, grain-free substitutions.

Quick Summary

Achieving a zero-carb chilla requires replacing traditional flour with keto ingredients like almond flour, eggs, or seeds, as besan and lentils contain carbohydrates.

Key Points

No True Carb-Free Chilla: Traditional chillas made with besan (chickpea flour) or lentils are not carb-free due to the starch content in these ingredients.
Best Zero-Carb Alternative: An egg-based 'chilla' is the most effective zero-carb option, essentially a spiced omelette, which uses protein as its base.
Almond Flour is a Low-Carb Swap: For a more pancake-like texture, almond flour combined with psyllium husk or flaxseed meal provides a low-carb, grain-free batter.
Low-Carb Fillings are Key: Filling your chilla with grated paneer, sautéed mushrooms, or other non-starchy vegetables keeps the overall carb count low.
Pre-Made Mixes May Contain Carbs: Even commercial 'keto' chilla mixes often contain a small number of net carbs, so checking the nutritional information is crucial.
Boost with Healthy Fats: Using ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil for cooking adds flavor and healthy fats to your low-carb chilla.

A chilla, or cheela, is a savory Indian pancake traditionally made from a batter of ground chickpeas (besan), lentils (like moong dal), or other flours. While many traditional variations are low-glycemic and packed with protein and fiber, none are completely free of carbohydrates. The pursuit of a truly zero-carb chilla leads dieters to creative culinary innovation, replacing the standard flour base with protein-rich, non-starchy ingredients.

The Carbohydrate Content of Traditional Chillas

Understanding why a standard chilla is not carb-free is the first step. The primary ingredients are naturally carbohydrate-rich:

Besan (Chickpea Flour) Chilla: This is one of the most common chilla varieties. Chickpea flour is a legume-based flour, and like all legumes, it contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. A single serving contains carbs, though it's also high in protein and fiber, making it a healthier option than many other pancakes.
Moong Dal Chilla: Made from yellow lentils, moong dal chillas are also protein and fiber powerhouses. However, lentils are starchy and contribute to the overall carbohydrate count. Recipes often involve soaking the lentils and blending them, which doesn't remove the inherent carbs.
Oats or Multigrain Chilla: These recipes, promoted for weight loss, use ground oats, semolina (suji), or a mix of grains. While fibrous, all these base ingredients are carbohydrate sources and therefore not suitable for a strict zero-carb or ketogenic diet.

Creating a Zero-Carb or Ultra-Low-Carb Chilla

For those on a keto diet or aiming for minimal carbs, the solution is to remove the flour or lentils entirely. The key is to find ingredients that provide the necessary binding and texture without the carb load. Here are the most effective zero-carb alternatives:

Egg-Based Chilla (The Omelette Alternative)

This is the most straightforward and effective method for a no-carb chilla. By using eggs as the primary component, you create a high-protein, zero-carb foundation that can be flavored and garnished just like a traditional chilla.

Recipe: Classic Egg Chilla

Ingredients: 2-3 whole eggs, salt, black pepper, turmeric, finely chopped onion, green chili, and coriander leaves.
Instructions: Whisk the eggs with the spices. Stir in the finely chopped vegetables. Heat a pan with a little oil or ghee. Pour the mixture and spread it like a pancake. Cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve hot with a low-carb chutney.

Almond and Seed Flour Chilla

For a more pancake-like texture, a mixture of nut and seed flours provides a low-carb base. Using a combination of almond flour and psyllium husk offers a sturdy texture that holds up well during cooking.

Recipe: Keto Almond-Flour Chilla

Ingredients: 30g almond flour, 30g psyllium husk powder, 30g flax seed powder, water, salt, spices (turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder), finely chopped vegetables (onion, bell pepper).
Instructions: Soak the psyllium husk and flaxseed powder in hot water to form a gel. Mix the almond flour and dry spices in a separate bowl. Combine the wet and dry mixtures, adding water until you have a pancake-like batter consistency. Cook on a medium-hot, oiled non-stick pan until firm and golden brown on both sides.

Paneer Chilla (Low-Carb)

While paneer itself has minimal carbs, pairing it with high-carb besan is common. To make a low-carb paneer chilla, one can use crumbled paneer directly in an egg or almond-flour batter, or make a paneer-focused dish served in a chilla-like shape. This boosts protein significantly.

Comparison of Chilla Variations


Feature	Besan Chilla	Moong Dal Chilla	Keto (Almond/Egg) Chilla
Carbohydrate Content	Moderate (~22g per serving)	Moderate (~10-20g per serving)	Negligible to ultra-low (depending on recipe)
Primary Ingredient	Chickpea Flour	Split Moong Dal (Lentils)	Eggs, Almond Flour, Psyllium Husk
Binding Agent	Besan and Water	Lentil Starch	Eggs, Psyllium Husk, Flax Seed
Texture	Soft and cakey, or crisp if thin	Soft and tender	Varies, from omelette-like to dense and bready
Protein Content	High	Very High	Very High (especially egg-based)
Keto-Friendliness	Not keto-friendly	Not keto-friendly	Highly keto-friendly

Filling and Serving a Low-Carb Chilla

To keep your chilla meal low-carb, focus on high-protein, low-starch fillings. Traditional fillings often involve paneer, which is a great choice, but avoid starchy vegetables. Here are some ideal options:

Grated Paneer Bhurji: Crumbled cottage cheese cooked with spices, onions, and tomatoes.
Sautéed Mushrooms: A simple, savory filling.
Mixed Bell Peppers and Spinach: Sautéed vegetables add color and nutrients without adding many carbs.
Avocado Salad: Slices or a mashed avocado add healthy fats and creaminess.

For condiments, opt for fresh green chutneys or a dollop of thick, plain yogurt rather than sugar-laden ketchup or processed sauces.

Conclusion

While a truly zero-carb chilla from traditional besan or lentils is not possible due to their inherent carbohydrate content, a satisfying, low-carb or keto-friendly alternative is well within reach. By swapping the main ingredient for eggs, almond flour, or a seed mix, you can create a delicious and filling savory pancake that aligns with a ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diet. The key is to embrace creative substitutions and focus on high-protein, low-carb ingredients to create a nourishing and flavorful meal. For those interested in exploring more keto-friendly Indian options, resources like Ketorets offer valuable insights into adapting traditional recipes for a low-carb lifestyle.

The Low-Carb Chilla Toolkit

Base Ingredient: Use eggs, almond flour, or seed mix (flax, psyllium husk) instead of besan or lentils.
Fiber for Texture: Psyllium husk and flaxseed meal can improve the texture and binding of flour-based alternatives.
Keto Fillings: Grated paneer, sautéed mushrooms, and chopped bell peppers are excellent, low-carb options for stuffing.
Watch the Condiments: Stick to homemade green chutneys or plain yogurt to avoid hidden sugars.
Mind the Ingredients: Always read the labels on pre-made mixes, as some low-carb products still contain net carbs.
Nutritional Focus: Prioritize protein and fiber from ingredients like eggs and almond flour for satiety and stable blood sugar.
Fat is Flavor: Cook with ghee or olive oil to add healthy fats and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

A chilla, as it is traditionally understood, is not a zero-carb food because it is made from flour or lentils, which contain carbohydrates. However, you can make a zero-carb alternative by using a base of eggs and adding low-carb vegetables, effectively creating a savory, pancake-style omelette.

No, besan chillas are not keto-friendly. Besan (chickpea flour) is a legume-based flour with a moderate carbohydrate content, which makes it unsuitable for a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Almond flour is an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional flour. When combined with a binding agent like psyllium husk or flaxseed meal, it creates a batter with a texture similar to a regular pancake.

You can add a variety of non-starchy vegetables such as finely chopped onions, bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes. These vegetables add flavor and nutrients without significantly increasing the carb count.

A chilla made with paneer can be low-carb, but it depends on the batter. If the paneer is stuffed into a chilla made with a keto-friendly batter (like almond flour and eggs), it remains low-carb. However, a paneer chilla made with besan or lentil flour will still contain carbohydrates.

Using an effective binding agent is crucial for low-carb flours. For almond or seed flours, psyllium husk or flaxseed meal helps to absorb moisture and create a cohesive batter. For egg-based chillas, ensuring the pan is properly heated prevents sticking.

Keto chillas made with almond flour or eggs will have a different taste and texture than traditional besan or moong dal versions. Almond flour chillas may have a nuttier flavor, while egg chillas taste more like a spiced omelette. With the right spices, they can be just as delicious.