This dairy-free version of Sooji ka Cheela is perfect for those avoiding curd or following a sattvic or plant-based diet. The result? A crispy, golden cheela that’s gentle on digestion and packed with flavour — all with basic pantry staples.
What Is Sooji Ka Cheela without Curd?
It’s a thin, savory pancake made with semolina (sooji), spices, and water — no yogurt involved. Perfect as a quick tiffin or breakfast option, this version is easy to digest and can be loaded with herbs and vegetables for extra nutrition.
How to Make Sooji Ka Cheela without Curd : The Traditional Way
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine sooji / rava / semolina
- 1 to 1¼ cups water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- ½ tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
- Ghee or cold-pressed oil for cooking
Optional veggies: Grated carrot
🥣 Method:
- Make the batter: In a bowl, mix sooji with water, turmeric, hing, salt, and ginger. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Add veggies and herbs: Mix in onion, green chili, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and optional veggies. Adjust water to keep the batter pourable but not runny.
- Preheat tawa: Grease with ghee or oil.
- Cook cheela: Pour a ladleful of batter and spread gently in a circle.
- Flip & cook: Cook on medium heat until golden on one side, then flip and cook the other side until crispy.
- Serve warm with chutney or a side of vegetable curry.
🌿 Ayurvedic Benefits
- Semolina is light and easy on digestion (especially if roasted first).
- Ginger and cumin aid agni (digestive fire).
- Completely vata-pacifying if prepared with ghee and warm spices.
- Ideal for pitta types avoiding dairy.
💡Pro Tips from the Indian Kitchen
- Let the batter rest to absorb water and soften the semolina.
- Use hot water while mixing for a smoother texture.
- Avoid overloading with raw vegetables — keep it light for crispiness.
- Always stir the batter before pouring each cheela, as sooji settles.
- Add a squeeze of lemon after cooking for tang, since there’s no curd.
❤️ Why We Love Sooji Ka Cheela without Curd
- Completely dairy-free and sattvic
- Quick, nourishing, and comforting
- Great vehicle for incorporating seasonal veggies
- Crisp outside, soft inside — perfect texture balance
🧘 Ideal For
- Dairy-free or sattvic diets
- Morning breakfast or light dinner
- Post-fasting or detox meals
- Lunchboxes with mild chutney
