Moong dal chilla, just saying the name makes you think of something light, tasty, and perfect for a quick meal. Most people know it as a simple desi breakfast or evening snack, but this humble dish holds real power when it comes to losing weight. Moong dal is full of protein and fibre, two things your body truly needs when you're trying to cut fat and stay full for longer hours.
Add some oats, stuff it with paneer, or toss in veggies—this chilla never disappoints. It doesn’t need much oil, takes less than 20 minutes, and feels light on the stomach. The best part? You don’t have to starve or eat boring food to stay fit. This blog is not just a recipe guide; it’s your shortcut to making meals that are healthy, filling, and full of desi goodness.
Here you’ll find four easy moong dal chilla recipes for weight loss ideas, each with a unique twist. Along with that, we’ll share health benefits that make this simple dish a daily winner.
Table Of Contents
- Why Choose Moong Dal Chilla For Weight Loss?
- Is Moong Dal Cheela Good For Weight Loss?
- 4 Easy-To-Make Moong Dal Chilla Recipes For Weight Loss
- Which Is Better, Besan Or Moong Dal?
- Which Chilla Is Best For Weight Loss?
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Why Choose Moong Dal Chilla For Weight Loss?
Looking for a healthy, protein-packed Indian meal that supports your fitness goals? Moong dal chilla ticks all the boxes. Here's why it's your best bet:
| High In Protein | Protein aids in the development of muscle mass, the healing of tissues, and maintaining fullness for longer. Moong dal is among the richest sources of plant-based protein and is hence the best for vegetarians. |
| Low In Calories | Moong dal chilla is light yet filling. A single chilla typically contains only around 100–120 calories, depending on the ingredients used. |
| Rich In Fibre | Fibre slows digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It helps you feel satisfied and lowers total calorie consumption. |
| Easy To Digest | Moong dal is known for its easy digestibility, making it suitable even for those with sensitive stomachs. It doesn’t cause bloating or heaviness like many other grains or lentils. |
| Nutrient Dense | You can whip up moong dal chilla in under 20 minutes. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Its simplicity makes it great for daily meal planning. |
| Versatile & Quick | Besides protein and fibre, moong dal is rich in vitamins like B-complex, iron, magnesium, and potassium – all crucial for overall health and vitality. |
Also Read: You Won’t Believe How Moong Dal Chilla Calories Impact Weight Loss — Expert Answers Inside!
Is Moong Dal Cheela Good For Weight Loss?
Certainly, moong dal cheela is great for losing weight. It is abundant in plant-derived protein and dietary fibre, both vital for managing hunger and ensuring you remain satiated for an extended period. High-protein foods such as moong dal boost the thermic effect of food (TEF), which means your body expends more calories during digestion.
And moong dal also contains a low glycaemic index that stabilises blood sugar levels and avoids fat deposition. This high-fibre, low-calorie food is also low in fat and calories, especially if made with minimal oil and lots of veggies. Since it’s easy to digest and gluten-free, it suits most people, including those with sensitive stomachs. Including a moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss in your breakfast or lunch helps reduce cravings and supports healthy weight loss without sacrificing nutrition.
4 Easy-To-Make Moong Dal Chilla Recipes For Weight Loss
Here are four delicious and wholesome variations of moong dal chilla to suit your taste buds and, of course, your waistline.
1. Classic Vegetable Moong Dal Chilla
A simple, everyday recipe packed with taste and nutrition. Rich in fibre + low calorie + keeps you full longer! This moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss is a staple in many healthy Indian kitchens.
Ingredients:
- Yellow moong dal (soaked 3–4 hours)- 1 cup
- Green chilli- 1
- Ginger- 1-inch
- Cumin seeds- ½ tsp
- Spinach(chopped)- ¼ cup
- Carrot(grated)- ¼ cup
- Onions(chopped)- 2tbsp
- Salt to taste
Recipe:
- Blend soaked moong dal with chilli, ginger, cumin, and a little water into a smooth batter.
- Add salt, spinach, carrot, and onions. Mix well.
- Heat a non-stick pan, and lightly grease it.
- Pour a ladle of batter and spread it thin.
- Cook both sides until golden brown.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
2. Moong Dal + Oats Chilla
An upgraded version of the classic chilla with added oats for a double fibre punch! Oats add extra fibre, making them even more filling and great for digestion! It’s another excellent moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss and a perfect summer recipe for lunch.
Ingredients:
- Yellow moong dal (soaked)- 1 cup
- Rolled oats (dry roasted and powdered)- ¼ cup
- Green chilli- 1
- Cumin seeds- ½ tsp
- Grated zucchini or bottle gourd- ¼ cup
- Salt to taste
Recipe:
- Blend soaked moong dal with chilli, cumin, and a little water.
- Add oat powder, salt, and grated vegetables.
- Rest the batter for 5 minutes.
- Make thin chillas on a non-stick pan with minimal oil.
- Cook until crisp.
3. Sprouted Moong Dal Chilla
Boost your metabolism naturally with this sprout-powered twist! Sprouted moong is even higher in digestible protein and enzymes, boosting metabolism! Try this moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss for a change of taste and texture.
Ingredients:
- Sprouted moong beans- 1 cup
- Green chilli- 1
- Ginger- 1-inch
- Coriander(chopped)- 2 tbsp
- Black pepper powder- ½ tsp
- Salt to taste
Recipe:
- Blend sprouts with chilli, ginger, salt, and a little water to a semi-coarse batter.
- Add coriander and pepper.
- Spread thinly on a heated pan with minimal oil.
- Cook both sides till lightly crispy.
4. Protein Power Moong Dal Chilla (Paneer Stuffed)
Perfect for high-protein diets and gym-goers. Paneer boosts the protein even higher, helping muscle retention during weight loss. This is a filling moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss, ideal for active lifestyles.
Ingredients:
- Soaked moong dal- 1 cup
- Green chilli- 1
- Cumin seeds- ½ tsp
- Grated low-fat paneer (for stuffing)- ¼ cup
- Mint(chopped)- 2tbsp
- Salt to taste
Recipe:
- Blend dal with chilli, cumin, and water.
- Make a thin chilla on the pan.
- Sprinkle paneer and mint on top.
- Fold it in half and cook both sides until golden.
- Serve hot.
Which Is Better, Besan Or Moong Dal?
Both besan (gram flour) and moong dal are healthy, but moong dal is slightly better for weight loss. Scientifically, moong dal has more bioavailable protein and is easier to digest compared to besan.
While both are high in fibre, moong dal has a lower glycaemic index, which means it releases blood sugar more slowly—important for reducing hunger and controlling fat storage. Besan can sometimes feel heavier and cause bloating in sensitive people.
Moong dal also contains more essential amino acids, iron, and potassium per serving. For weight loss, foods that are high in protein, low in fat, and easy to digest are more effective, which gives moong dal a slight edge. It's the reason why a moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss is often recommended.
Also Read: Satisfying & Healthy Snack Ideas For Weight Loss | ToneOpCare
Which Chilla Is Best For Weight Loss?
The best chilla for weight loss is moong dal chilla. It offers a great balance of low calories, high protein, and high fibre — the three pillars of fat loss nutrition. Moong dal helps preserve lean muscle while burning fat, and its high fibre content keeps you full longer, reducing the chances of unhealthy snacking.
Unlike chillas made from maida or too much oil, moong dal chilla is light on the stomach and supports stable blood sugar levels, which is crucial for appetite control.
You can enhance its nutritional profile by adding grated vegetables like carrots, spinach, or onions. Other good options include oats chilla and sprouted moong chilla, but moong dal chilla remains the easiest to make and most effective overall. A good moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss is not only satisfying and tasty but also easy to digest, making it ideal for everyday meals in any weight loss plan.
Also Read: Top 13 Pomegranate Benefits for the Skin + 5 DIY Home Remedies For Tan, Pigmentation, Acne And More!
Dietitian’s Recommendation
As a dietitian, I strongly suggest moong dal chilla for weight loss because of its rich protein and fibre content, which enhances fullness and reduces cravings. It has few calories, is simple to digest, and maintains stable blood sugar levels, which are essential for burning fat and controlling appetite. Prepared with little oil and packed with vegetables, it transforms into a full, nutrient-rich meal. In contrast to carbohydrate-rich breakfasts, moong dal chilla aids muscle preservation while promoting fat reduction. It's perfect for breakfast or a light dinner, and its adaptability allows you to savour various versions without feeling monotonous.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
No fancy ingredients. No complicated steps. Just simple moong dal, some veggies, and a pan. That’s all you need to create something that’s good for your taste buds and your waistline. These moong dal chilla recipe for weight loss options are not just light—they’re smart.
Eat them hot, pack them for lunch, enjoy them post-workout, or just replace your regular meals once in a while. Full stomach, happy mood, and better digestion—what else do you need? Weight loss doesn’t mean saying goodbye to flavour. It means choosing food that supports your goals without making you feel bad.
Soak that dal, mix things up, and start your day with something your body actually loves. These four moong dal chilla recipes for weight loss are just the beginning of your healthy food journey.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in 2 moong dal chillas?
Two medium-sized moong dal chillas contain approximately 220–260 calories, depending on ingredients and oil used. Adding vegetables increases fibre without adding many calories. Using minimal oil and non-stick cookware helps keep the calorie count low, making it a smart, filling option for weight loss.
2. Which dal is perfect for weight loss?
Moong dal is among the top dals for losing weight. It’s abundant in protein, full of fibre, simple to digest, and low in calories. It supports muscle repair, reduces hunger, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it ideal for fat loss and appetite control.
3. Can we eat chilla at night for weight loss?
Yes, you can eat chilla at night for weight loss. Moong dal chilla is light, protein-rich, and promotes fullness without heaviness. Just avoid heavy stuffing or excess oil. Pair it with a light salad or soup for a balanced, low-calorie dinner that aids overnight fat burning.
References
- https://natashamohan.com/moong-dal-chilla-for-weight-loss/
- https://www.cult.fit/live/recipe/moong-dal-cheela/RECIPE520
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4xfyfXKgpc
- https://m.economictimes.com/news/web-stories/weight-loss-recipe-how-to-make-moong-dal-cheela/slideshow/109493470.cms
- https://www.drshikhasharma.com/blog/moong-dal-chilla-for-weight-loss-healthy-delicious-recipe
- https://www.health-total.com/recipe/moong-dal-chilla/
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