5 Delicious Chickpea Flour Recipes You Must Try

If you are looking for a versatile and nutritious ingredient to incorporate into your cooking, look no further than chickpea flour. Also known as gram flour or besan, chickpea flour is made by grinding dried chickpeas into a fine powder. This ingredient is a staple in many cuisines around the world, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes. Here are five delectable recipes that will inspire you to explore the culinary potential of chickpea flour.

Chickpea Flour Pancakes (Cheela)

A beloved breakfast or snack in India, cheela is a nutritious and easy-to-make option. Here’s how you can whip up some:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Preparation:
  1. Mix the chickpea flour with water to form a smooth batter, akin to pancake batter consistency.
  2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
  3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, drizzle some oil, and pour a ladle full of batter onto the pan.
  4. Cook until the edges start to lift, then flip to cook the other side until it’s slightly golden.
  5. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.

🌟 Note: This recipe can be tailored to your taste. Add spices like cumin or coriander for an extra flavor punch.

Chickpea Flour Flatbread (Socca)

Originating from Nice, France, socca is a simple yet delicious flatbread that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for toppings:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of black pepper
• Preparation:
  1. Combine chickpea flour, water, salt, and oil in a bowl, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
  2. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, ideally with a broiler setting.
  3. Pour the batter into a preheated cast iron skillet or baking sheet, ensuring an even layer.
  4. Bake until the top is dry and the edges are crispy, roughly 8-10 minutes.
  5. Cut into wedges and serve.

🍅 Note: Add toppings like cheese, tomatoes, or herbs to elevate the basic socca to a gourmet treat.

Falafel

Falafel is perhaps one of the most well-known chickpea-based dishes. Here’s how to make them from scratch:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh coriander, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
  • 3-4 tbsp chickpea flour (optional for binding)
  • Oil for frying
• Preparation:
  1. Combine all ingredients except the chickpea flour and baking powder in a food processor and blend until the mixture is coarse.
  2. Add baking powder and, if the mixture is too wet, chickpea flour to bind.
  3. Form the mixture into small balls or patties and deep fry until golden brown.
  4. Serve with pita bread, tahini sauce, and salads.

Chickpea Flour Omelette

For a vegetarian twist on a breakfast classic, try this:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chickpea flour
  • ¹⁄₂ cup water
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
  • Chopped vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, etc.)
• Preparation:
  1. Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then gradually add water to make a smooth batter.
  2. Add the chopped vegetables to the batter.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil, and pour in the batter.
  4. Cook until the bottom is golden, then flip and cook the other side.
  5. Serve hot with your choice of toppings or sauces.

Chickpea Flour Hummus

While traditional hummus uses whole chickpeas, you can make a delicious version with chickpea flour:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chickpea flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Olive oil for garnish
  • Paprika and parsley for topping
• Preparation:
  1. Cook chickpea flour with water in a saucepan, stirring until it thickens to a paste consistency.
  2. Let it cool slightly, then blend with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt.
  3. If it’s too thick, add a little water until you reach the desired consistency.
  4. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, and sprinkle paprika and parsley on top.

These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of chickpea flour, from savory dishes to delightful snacks. Not only is this ingredient gluten-free and high in protein, but it also imparts a unique nutty flavor that can elevate any meal. Try incorporating chickpea flour into your cooking to enjoy its myriad health benefits and discover the rich flavors it can add to your diet.

Is chickpea flour the same as gram flour?

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Yes, chickpea flour and gram flour are different names for the same thing. It’s made from ground chickpeas and is commonly used in Indian cooking, known as besan.

Can I make these recipes without egg?

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Absolutely! All the recipes provided are vegan and egg-free, as chickpea flour can act as an egg substitute in many dishes due to its high protein content.

Where can I buy chickpea flour?

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Chickpea flour can be found in most supermarkets, health food stores, or international sections of grocery stores. You can also purchase it online from various retailers.