What Is Chickpea Flour?
Chickpea flour, also called chickpea powder, gram flour or besan, is made by grinding dried chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) into a fine, pale yellow flour. Chickpeas are one of the oldest cultivated legumes, first grown in the Near East more than nine thousand years ago, and chickpea flour is a staple in the kitchens of India, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The flour has a nutty, slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It is naturally gluten free and high in plant protein and fiber, and when mixed with water it forms a smooth batter that thickens and sets as it cooks, much like eggs.
In India, besan is used for crispy pakoras and bhajis, pudla pancakes, kadhi, laddoo sweets and as a coating for fried vegetables. In southern France and Italy it becomes socca and farinata, thin baked flatbreads. In vegan cooking, chickpea flour is the base of eggless omelets and scrambles, and it is a useful binder in veggie burgers.
Chickpea flour can also be used in gluten-free baking, often mixed with other flours, and as a thickener for soups and sauces.
Our chickpea flour contains only ground chickpeas with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Chickpea Flour
- Pakora batter: Whisk 1 cup (about 90 g) of chickpea flour with spices, a pinch of salt and about 1/2 cup of water. Dip vegetables and fry until golden.
- Socca: Whisk 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt. Rest 30 minutes and bake in a very hot oiled pan until crisp.
- Vegan omelet: Mix 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup of water, salt, pepper and turmeric. Cook like an omelet.
Safety
Always cook before eating. Avoid if you are allergic to chickpeas or other legumes. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: Easy chickpea pancakes: our recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chickpea flour the same as besan or gram flour?
They are closely related. Besan is traditionally made from split desi chickpeas, while chickpea flour may be made from larger chickpeas. They can be used the same way in most recipes.
Is chickpea flour gluten free?
Chickpeas are naturally gluten free. If you have celiac disease, check that the product meets your needs, as we handle other products in the same facility.
Can I eat chickpea flour raw?
No. Always cook chickpea flour before eating.
Can I replace wheat flour with chickpea flour?
Partly. In baking, replace up to about a quarter to a third of wheat flour, or combine with other gluten-free flours.
How should I store chickpea flour?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
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