Description
Besan or gram flour is a kind of pulse flour made from ground, dried chickpeas (also known as chana dal or gram chickpea). It is considered a staple ingredient among Middle Eastern cuisines, including Indian, Bangladeshi, Burmese, Nepali, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan cuisines. It is also known as chickpea flour or garbanzo bean flour. Like its origin, it has a neutral, nutty, bean-like taste that perfectly complements both flavour-rich and sweet dishes.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, they use chickpea flour for skin cleansing. It is a gentle ingredient that won?t harm your sensitive skin and has no record of an allergic reaction among different skin types.
Nutrition Facts of Natco Gram Flour (Besan)
A one (1) cup serving of gram flour or Besan contains:
- Calories: 356
- Total Fat: 6 grams (9% of DV)
- (Saturated Fat): 0.6 grams (3% of DV)
- (Polyunsaturated Fat): 2.7 grams
- (Monounsaturated Fat): 1.4 grams
- Sodium: 58.9 mg. (2% of DV)
- Potassium: 778.3 mg. (22% of DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 53 grams (17% of DV)
- (Dietary Fibre): 10 grams (40% of DV)
- (Sugar): 10 grams
- Protein: 21 grams (42% of DV)
- Calcium: 4% of DV
- Iron: 25% of DV
- Vitamin B6: 25% of DV
- Magnesium: 38% of DV
In Indian cuisine, besan or gram flour are commonly used for gravies, batters (like the ones you make for pancakes), as well as in making the most sought-after Indian flatbreads. The amazing thing is this, besan or gram flour is gluten-free ? which makes it a perfect addition to any meal plans, especially for vegans or vegetarians. Since they are naturally gluten-free, gram flour is most suitable for making easy flatbread recipes.
Quick Flatbread Recipes with Gram Flour (Besan)
Since flatbreads are commonly used as a substitute for rice, here are some great recipes that you can try at home for healthier and worry-free cooking.
Besan Ki Roti (Gram Flour Flatbread) with Gluten-free Oats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Natco Gram Flour/Chickpea Flour (Besan)
- 1/2 cup of any gluten-free oats flour
- 4 tablespoons of fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 large green chilli, chopped thinly
- 1 ½ teaspoon of carom seed (Ajwain)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of water
Procedures:
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients with only ½ cup of water. You can either mix by hand or use an electronic mixer with a dough attachment.
- Knead well and divide your dough into 8 separate portions. Use dry flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each portion to a disc-like shape.
- Using a non-stick pan, heat over high flame for 2 minutes then reduce to medium heat.
- Cook each roti one by one, allowing the heat to cook both sides by turning it occasionally. Do this until all roti is halfway cooked.
- Remove the pan and finish cooking your roti over direct high flame.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve with another delicious Indian dish, or with just a brush of butter on the surface. Enjoy!
Also, try:
- Besan/Gram flour Pancakes
- Besan Ke Namkeen Sev
- Pithy (Besan Curry)
- Besan Ladoo (Indian Chickpea Candy)
- Rajasthani Besan ka Chilla