Exploring the Versatility of Besan
Besan, also known as gram flour or chickpea flour, is a staple in Indian cuisine and is prized for its nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, besan offers endless possibilities for culinary creations. This blog post will guide you through 10 delicious besan recipes that are easy to make at home, providing a rich tapestry of flavors and textures.
1. Besan Cheela
Besan cheela, or chickpea crepes, are a popular choice for breakfast or a light meal. They’re not only quick to prepare but also rich in protein.
- 1 cup besan
- Water to make a smooth batter
- 1⁄2 tsp ajwain seeds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- A pinch of turmeric and asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander for garnish
To make these crepes: - In a mixing bowl, combine besan with water to create a batter of pouring consistency. - Add the spices and chopped vegetables to the batter. - Heat a non-stick pan, pour a ladle full of batter to make a thin pancake, cook on medium heat until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden.
🌟 Note: You can customize the cheela by adding grated vegetables like carrot or spinach for added nutrition.
2. Pakoras
Pakoras are the quintessential Indian snack, especially during monsoons or festive occasions. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 cup besan
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄4 tsp baking soda (optional for extra crispiness)
- Water
- Mixed vegetables like potatoes, onions, spinach
Steps: - Mix besan with spices and enough water to form a thick batter. - Add vegetables and mix well. - Deep fry spoonfuls of batter in hot oil until they turn golden brown.
3. Khandvi
Khandvi is a delicate Gujarati snack made from besan and yogurt. Here’s how to make it:
- 1 cup besan
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp green chili-ginger paste
- For tempering: Mustard seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and oil
Method: - Combine besan, yogurt, water, salt, turmeric, and chili-ginger paste in a pan, cook on medium heat while stirring continuously until it thickens. - Spread the hot mixture thinly on the back of a flat plate or marble surface. Allow it to cool, then cut into strips and roll. - Temper with hot oil, mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves, pour over the rolled khandvi.
🌟 Note: Practice patience while cooking Khandvi; the texture can be tricky to perfect initially.
4. Besan Ladoo
These traditional Indian sweets are perfect for celebrations. Ingredients include:
- 2 cups besan
- 1 cup ghee
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Almonds or cashews for garnish
Instructions: - Roast besan in ghee until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma. - Let it cool slightly, then mix in sugar and cardamom. - Form into balls when warm, garnish with nuts, and let them set.
5. Gatte Ki Sabzi
A Rajasthani curry with dumplings made from besan:
- For the gatta: 1 cup besan, 1⁄2 cup yogurt, spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric
- For the gravy: Yogurt, turmeric, coriander powder, ginger, and other spices
To prepare: - Mix besan with yogurt and spices, form a dough, roll into long cylinders, and steam. - Cut the steamed gatta into pieces, then cook in a spiced yogurt gravy.
6. Dhokla
A famous Gujarati dish, light and spongy:
- 1 cup besan
- 1⁄2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 1 tsp salt
- For tempering: Mustard seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies
How to make Dhokla: - Mix besan with yogurt, lemon juice, salt, asafoetida, and water to form a batter. - Add baking soda, then pour into a greased dish and steam for 15-20 minutes. - Once done, temper with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies.
7. Besan Halwa
A sweet dessert that showcases the nutty flavor of besan:
- 1 cup besan
- 1 cup ghee
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄2 cup water
- Almonds and pistachios for garnish
Steps: - Roast besan in ghee until aromatic. - In another pan, make a sugar syrup with sugar and water. - Combine the syrup with the roasted besan, stir until it forms a thick, pudding-like consistency. - Garnish with nuts.
8. Besan Puda
Similar to cheela but often thicker and stuffed with veggies:
- 1 cup besan
- 1⁄2 cup grated vegetables (like carrots, potatoes)
- 1⁄2 tsp ajwain seeds
- A pinch of baking soda
- Water for batter consistency
Preparation: - Mix besan with water, then add grated vegetables, spices, and baking soda. - Pour batter onto a hot pan to form a thick pancake. - Cook both sides until done.
9. Besan Paratha
A savory flatbread, perfect for a wholesome meal:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup besan
- Water for kneading
- A mix of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder
- Chopped green chilies and cilantro
Method: - Combine flours with spices and knead into a dough. - Roll out into parathas and cook on a tawa, applying ghee while cooking.
10. Besan Burfi
A rich, fudgy dessert:
- 2 cups besan
- 1 cup ghee
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄2 cup milk
- Nuts for topping
To make: - Roast besan in ghee until it turns golden. - Add sugar and milk, cook until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. - Pour into a greased tray, let it set, then cut into squares or diamonds.
As we conclude this exploration of besan’s culinary magic, it’s clear that this humble ingredient can transform into countless dishes, each offering unique tastes and textures. Whether you choose to indulge in savory pakoras or sweet ladoos, besan proves itself to be an indispensable part of any kitchen, delivering not just flavor but also a wealth of nutritional benefits.
What makes besan nutritious?
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Besan, or chickpea flour, is rich in protein, fiber, and contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals, particularly folate, iron, and magnesium. It’s also gluten-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Can I substitute besan for all-purpose flour in baking?
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Yes, but with adjustments. Besan has a distinctive taste and texture, so you might need to adjust the quantity, or mix it with other flours to balance the flavor and texture for baking purposes.
How do I store besan to maintain its freshness?
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Keep besan in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It’s best to use it within 3-4 months for optimal flavor, but it can last longer if stored properly.
