One simple change in your diet can create real magic. Curious about how moong dal chilla calories play a role in weight loss? Moong dal chilla stands tall among healthy Indian foods. Light on the stomach, rich in plant protein, and low in fat, this humble pancake can fuel your weight-loss journey without feeling like a sacrifice. It keeps hunger locked out longer, boosts metabolism, and fits easily into low-calorie meal plans.
Plus, it is incredibly versatile — you can enjoy it plain, stuffed with veggies, or spiced just right for your taste buds. With around 120–130 calories per piece, moong dal chilla satisfies cravings without the guilt.
In this guide, we unlock the science behind its calories, its fat-burning benefits, and smart ways you can make it even healthier. Ready to meet your new favourite weight-loss partner? Let’s dive in.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Moong Dal Chilla?
- How Many Calories Are In 2 Moong Dal Chillas?
- Is Moong Chilla Good For Weight Loss?
- Which Chilla Is Lowest In Calories?
- Ways To Make Moong Dal Chilla
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Is Moong Dal Chilla?
Moong Dal Chilla is a savoury Indian pancake made using soaked and ground yellow moong lentils (split green gram). It is spiced with ginger, green chillies, and optionally filled with vegetables like onions, carrots, or paneer. Cooked with very little oil, it is often enjoyed with green chutney, yoghurt, or ketchup.
Also Read: 14 Easy, Healthy Breakfast Ideas That Are Perfect For Busy Mornings
How Many Calories Are In 2 Moong Dal Chillas?
Two basic moong dal chillas, made from 30 grams of moong dal each (total 60 grams), contain approximately 240 to 260 calories. Each chilla contains approximately 120 to 130 calories, depending on the quantity of oil and other ingredients added. Most of the calories are contributed by protein and complex carbohydrates, and hence, they are a good choice for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Here’s a quick breakdown per chilla (30g dal):
- Calories: 120–130 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 3g (with minimal oil)
If cooked with very little oil on a non-stick pan, moong dal chilla remains low in fat and high in nutritional value. Adding vegetables can slightly increase fibre without significantly affecting the calorie count. Perfect for weight loss, diabetic-friendly meals, or a protein-rich vegetarian breakfast, two chillas offer a wholesome and balanced start to your day.
Is Moong Chilla Good For Weight Loss?
1. High In Protein
Moong dal chilla is rich in plant protein, which helps in lean muscle building and boosts metabolism. Protein also makes you feel full longer, eliminating unnecessary snacking or overeating. Including it in your 40-gram protein meals as a part of a weight loss diet supports fat burning and preserves muscle mass, making it an ideal breakfast or lunch option for those looking to shed pounds without compromising on nutrition.
2. Low In Calories
Every moong dal chilla has approximately 120–130 calories, making it a satisfying, high-protein, low-carb snack. By swapping high-calorie breakfasts like parathas or puris with chilla, you significantly cut down on overall calorie intake, helping you manage your weight effectively while still enjoying a flavourful, satisfying dish.
3. Rich In Fibre
Moong dal and added vegetables in the chilla provide dietary fibre, which improves digestion and promotes satiety. Fibre delays the absorption of sugar and suppresses hunger pangs, avoiding binge eating. This high-fibre, low-calorie food assists in producing a natural calorie deficit, making it simpler to adhere to your weight loss program while also having good gut health.
4. Low In Fat (If Cooked Right)
When prepared on a non-stick pan with minimal oil, moong dal chilla is extremely low in fat. This makes it suitable for low-fat diets and helps in reducing total daily calorie intake. Unlike deep-fried snacks, this oil-light preparation avoids unhealthy fats, which are often the reason behind stubborn belly fat and weight gain.
Also Read: 7 Satisfying Low-Calorie Recipes For Weight Loss | ToneOpEats
Which Chilla Is Lowest In Calories?
Plain Moong Dal Chilla is the lowest in calories compared to stuffed or mixed versions. When made with just soaked moong dal, green chillies, ginger, salt, and minimal oil, each chilla (30g dal) contains around 120–130 calories. This is because it doesn't include any calorie-dense ingredients like paneer, cheese, or ghee.
Moong dal itself is high in protein and fibre, but low in fat. Scientifically, foods rich in fibre and protein keep you full longer, reducing the urge to snack unnecessarily. This creates a natural calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss. Also, since this chilla is cooked with very little oil, it avoids added fats that increase calorie load.
In contrast, adding paneer, cheese, or excessive oil can raise the calorie count to 180–250 per chilla. So, if your goal is weight loss, plain moong dal chilla with no stuffing and cooked on a non-stick pan is your best, most weight-friendly option.
Also Read: Top 13 Pomegranate Benefits for the Skin + 5 DIY Home Remedies For Tan, Pigmentation, Acne And More!
Ways To Make Moong Dal Chilla
Here are some healthy moong dal chilla recipes you can try:
1. Plain Moong Dal Chilla
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow moong dal (soaked 4 hours)
- 1 green chilli
- 1 inch of ginger
- Salt to taste
- Water to blend
- 1 tsp oil (for 3–4 chillas)
Instructions:
- Blend soaked dal, chilli, and ginger into a smooth batter.
- Add salt and water to adjust consistency.
- Heat a non-stick pan and spread a ladle of batter.
- Cook on both sides with minimal oil.
Why it works: High protein, low fat, easy on digestion.
2. Veggie Moong Dal Chilla
Ingredients:
- Same batter as above
- ½ cup grated carrots, spinach, or capsicum
- 1 tsp oil for 3 chillas
Instructions:
- Mix veggies into the batter.
- Spread on the pan and cook with little oil.
Why it works: It adds fibre and nutrients with almost no extra calories. Keeps you full for longer.
3. Oats Moong Dal Chilla
Ingredients:
- 1 cup moong dal
- ¼ cup powdered oats
- Spices: turmeric, chilli powder, salt
- 1 tsp oil
Instructions:
- Add powdered oats and spices to the moong dal batter.
- Mix well and cook in a non-stick pan.
Why it works: Oats boost fibre, help digestion, and reduce cravings. Great for metabolism and fat burning.
Also Read: Top 10 Indian Healthy Recipes For Weight Loss With The Best Low-Calorie Foods
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Being a dietitian, I would strongly suggest moong dal chilla for individuals looking to lose weight or lead a healthy lifestyle. Moong dal chilla is rich in protein, low in calories, and high in fibre content, which increases the sense of fullness and regulates the blood sugar level.
In contrast to refined flour-based foods, moong dal chilla provides slow-digested carbohydrates, which help to provide sustained energy and suppress hunger. Cooked in minimal oil and served with vegetables or a low-calorie chutney, it is a perfect, nutritionally rich meal. Appropriate for breakfast, lunch, or even as a light dinner, moong dal chilla can be included on weight loss diets, diabetes diets, and high-protein veg diets.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
Moong dal chilla offers the perfect mix of taste, nutrition, and low calories. It supports weight loss by keeping you full, preserving muscle mass, and cutting down unhealthy cravings. Smart preparation with minimal oil makes it even better. Eating healthy does not have to be boring — moong dal chilla proves it every time. Embrace it and watch your weight goals become easier to reach.
FAQs
1. How much protein does 1 moong dal chilla have?
One moong dal chilla (around 30g of moong dal) contains approximately 7–8 grams of protein. The high protein content makes it an excellent option for those seeking to increase muscle mass or maintain satiety on a weight loss diet.
2. Which chilla is best for weight gain?
A paneer-stuffed moong dal chilla is ideal for weight gain. The combination of protein-rich moong dal and high-calorie paneer provides a good balance of healthy fats and proteins. You can add oil or ghee to further increase the calorie intake for healthy weight gain.
3. Is moong dal high in calories?
No, moong dal is not high in calories. It contains about 100–120 calories per 100g, making it a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. It's rich in protein and fibre while being low in fat, making it ideal for weight management and overall health.
4. How much moong dal chilla protein per 100g?
A moong dal chilla made from 100g of soaked moong dal contains approximately 20–25 grams of protein. This makes it a high-protein, filling option for vegetarians and those looking to add lean protein to their diet, supporting muscle growth and overall health.
References
- https://www.fatsecret.co.za/calories-nutrition/search?q=Moong+Dal+Chilla
- https://www.tarladalal.com/calories-for-moong-dal-chilla-stuffed-moong-dal-chila-764
- https://earthyorigins.in/blogs/news/savor-the-goodness-moong-dal-chilla-calories-and-nutritional-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOooWG8kcdhM8_aLH_U6Rl0d2XW1vxPZp-f3CaSgERqi2YYkYIe5o
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