What Can You Make With Besan Flour?
Besan flour, also known as gram flour, is a versatile ingredient derived from ground chickpeas that can be used to create a wide array of dishes. You can make everything from savory snacks and main courses to sweet treats and even beauty remedies, making it an essential ingredient for those seeking gluten-free and protein-rich options.
Introduction to Besan Flour
Besan flour, a staple in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, is gaining global popularity due to its nutritional benefits, distinctive flavor, and diverse applications. Unlike wheat flour, besan is naturally gluten-free and boasts a significantly higher protein content. This makes it a fantastic alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or who are simply looking to incorporate more protein into their diets. Its earthy, nutty taste also adds a unique dimension to recipes.
Nutritional Benefits of Besan
Beyond its culinary uses, besan offers a wealth of nutritional advantages:
- High in Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Rich in Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Gluten-Free: Suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Good Source of Iron: Important for red blood cell production and preventing anemia.
- Contains Folate: Crucial for cell growth and development, particularly during pregnancy.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 grams |
| Fiber | 11 grams |
| Iron | 5 mg |
| Folate | 437 mcg |
Savory Delights with Besan
Besan is a star player in countless savory dishes, bringing a distinctive flavor and texture.
- Pakoras: Perhaps the most well-known use, besan batter coats vegetables like onions, potatoes, and cauliflower, creating crispy, flavorful fritters.
- Bhajis: Similar to pakoras, bhajis are typically made with a thicker besan batter and may include a mix of vegetables.
- Besan Chilla: A savory pancake made from besan, spices, and vegetables, often served as a quick and healthy breakfast.
- Kadhi: A yogurt-based curry thickened with besan, Kadhi is a comforting and flavorful dish popular in North India.
Sweet Temptations with Besan
While often associated with savory dishes, besan can also be transformed into delectable sweets.
- Besan Ladoo: A melt-in-your-mouth sweet made with roasted besan, ghee, and sugar.
- Mysore Pak: A rich, fudge-like sweet originating from Mysore, India.
- Besan Halwa: A warm and comforting dessert made with besan, ghee, sugar, and nuts.
Besan Beyond Food: Beauty Applications
Besan’s benefits extend beyond the kitchen, making it a popular ingredient in traditional skincare.
- Facial Cleanser: Besan can be used as a natural facial cleanser, gently exfoliating the skin and removing impurities.
- Face Mask: Mixed with ingredients like yogurt, turmeric, and honey, besan creates a face mask that brightens and evens out skin tone.
- Hair Mask: Some people use besan as a hair mask to remove excess oil and add shine.
Tips for Working with Besan
Successfully using besan requires a few key techniques:
- Sifting: Always sift besan before use to remove lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
- Roasting: Roasting besan before adding liquids intensifies its flavor and prevents a raw taste in cooked dishes.
- Hydration: Gradually add liquids to besan to avoid clumping and achieve the desired consistency.
- Proper Storage: Store besan in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming stale.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While besan is a forgiving ingredient, certain mistakes can affect the outcome of your dishes.
- Overmixing: Overmixing besan batter can result in a tough texture. Mix only until just combined.
- Insufficient Roasting: Neglecting to roast besan properly can leave a raw, unpleasant taste.
- Using Stale Besan: Stale besan can have a bitter taste. Always check the expiration date and smell before using.
- Adding Too Much Liquid at Once: Adding too much liquid too quickly can lead to a lumpy batter that’s difficult to smooth out.
Besan Substitutes
While nothing perfectly replicates besan’s unique flavor and texture, there are some alternatives you can use in a pinch.
- Chickpea Flour: This is simply another name for besan. Ensure it’s made from ground chickpeas.
- Rice Flour: Can be used as a binder in some recipes, but it lacks the protein and flavor of besan.
- Soy Flour: Offers a similar protein content, but has a different flavor profile.
- Teff Flour: Another gluten-free option, but with a distinct nutty flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is besan flour the same as chickpea flour?
Yes, besan flour and chickpea flour are essentially the same thing. The term “besan” is more commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, while “chickpea flour” is a more general term. Both refer to flour made from ground chickpeas.
Is besan flour gluten-free?
Yes, besan flour is naturally gluten-free as it is made from ground chickpeas, which do not contain gluten. This makes it a suitable alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
How do I store besan flour to keep it fresh?
To keep besan flour fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will help prevent it from absorbing moisture and developing a stale or bitter taste.
Can I use besan flour as a thickener for sauces or soups?
Yes, besan flour can be used as a thickener for sauces and soups. However, it’s best to roast the besan lightly before adding it to the liquid to prevent a raw taste and ensure even thickening.
How can I avoid lumps when making a besan batter?
To avoid lumps when making a besan batter, gradually add liquid to the besan while whisking constantly. Sifting the besan beforehand can also help prevent clumping.
Can I use besan flour to make bread?
While you can’t make traditional wheat-based bread solely with besan flour, you can incorporate it into gluten-free bread recipes to add flavor and texture. It’s often combined with other gluten-free flours for better results.
What is the difference between fine and coarse besan flour?
The difference lies in the granularity of the grind. Fine besan flour is ideal for batters and smooth sauces, while coarse besan flour is better for dishes where a more textured finish is desired, like some laddoo recipes.
Can besan flour be used for deep frying?
Yes, besan flour is excellent for deep frying. It creates a crispy and flavorful coating for vegetables, meats, and other ingredients. Pakoras and bhajis are prime examples of dishes made using besan for deep frying.
Is besan good for your skin?
Yes, besan flour is often used in skincare for its exfoliating and cleansing properties. It can help remove excess oil, brighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
What are the best spices to pair with besan?
Many spices pair well with besan, including turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and asafoetida (hing). The choice of spices depends on the specific dish you’re making.
How can I make besan ladoo less dry?
To make besan ladoo less dry, ensure you use enough ghee and roast the besan until it’s a light golden brown color. You can also add a tablespoon or two of milk to add moisture.
Can I use besan flour as an egg substitute in vegan recipes?
Yes, besan flour can be used as an egg substitute in some vegan recipes. Mixing besan with water creates a binder that can help hold ingredients together. However, it may not work in all recipes and requires experimentation.