Gram Flour(Besan)

Gram Flour(Besan)

Made from a grounded mixture of chickpeas, chickpea or gram flour is a chief condiment in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh cuisines. The flour is powdery yellow and has an earthy flavor adding savour to various dishes. Chickpea flour makes a tasty and crispy coating for deep-fried vegetable pakoras. The variety of chickpea flour depends on the kind of chickpea used to ground. One can use either raw or roasted chickpeas.

Roasted chickpea flour is more characterized; while raw flour has a slightly bitter taste. Also known as besan, it is used in gravies, batters, etc. When made into a paste with water or yogurt, it is used popularly as a face cleanser in the Indian subcontinent. Also it is commonly used as a replacement for egg in vegetarian cooking.

Chila, a very popular fast food and snack is made from gram flour batter. Gram flour contains high quantity of carbohydrate and no gluten. However, compared to other flours, gram flour is high in protein content. It is also quite popular in Italian and French cuisines.