Chickpea flour, derived from dried chickpeas, is a staple in many global cuisines. It has a distinct yellowish color and imparts a unique, earthy flavor to dishes. In Indian cooking, it’s commonly used for making batters for dishes like pakoras or bhajis, as well as in sweets like besan ladoo. In Mediterranean regions, it can be found in recipes like socca or farinata, flatbreads made from chickpea flour. Rich in protein and fiber, chickpea flour offers a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flours.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: ~387 kcal
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~58g
- Sugars: ~11g
- Fat: ~6.7g
- Dietary Fiber: ~10.8g
- Iron: ~4.9mg
- Magnesium: ~166mg
- Phosphorus: ~318mg
Ingredients:
- 100% ground chickpeas
How to Use:
- Baking: Can be used in breads, flatbreads, and pastries.
- Frying: Commonly used for batters in fried dishes.
- Thickener: Ideal for thickening soups, sauces, and gravies.
- Crepes & Pancakes: Makes savory pancakes or crepes.
- Binding: Can act as a binding agent in veggie burgers and similar dishes.
Recipe Idea – Chickpea Flour Pancakes (Besan Chilla): Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed to make a batter)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Gradually add water and whisk until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
- Add chopped onion, green chili (if using), and coriander leaves to the batter. Mix well.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat. Drizzle a little oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet, spreading it out into a thin circle.
- Cook until the bottom is golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.
Diets it fits into:
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan (when not combined with animal-derived ingredients)
- High-Protein
Note: Chickpea flour can sometimes have a strong taste, especially when used in large amounts. Mixing it with other flours or ingredients can help balance its flavor. It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein and can be a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets. When using chickpea flour in gluten-free baking, it may benefit from the addition of binding agents like xanthan gum or psyllium husk to improve texture.
