Deep
Deep Besan Chickpea Flour
What it is
This is a fine flour made from ground chickpeas. It is a staple in many cuisines, particularly Indian cooking. The flour has a mild, nutty flavor and a slightly gritty texture when raw, which softens considerably when cooked. This product is packaged for easy storage and use in your kitchen.
How people cook with it
Besan is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a common binder and thickener.
- Thickening sauces and curries
- Creating savory pancakes
- Coating for fried snacks
- Binding ingredients in patties
To use besan, it is often mixed with water or other liquids to form a batter or paste. For savory applications, it can be seasoned with spices and herbs before being incorporated into dishes. It is frequently used to make pakoras, which are fritters, by coating vegetables in a spiced besan batter and deep-frying them until golden brown. It can also be used as a base for flatbreads or as a binder in vegetarian patties and koftas. When used as a thickener, it is typically whisked into a liquid to avoid lumps.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to wheat flour, besan has a distinct chickpea flavor and a finer texture. Its binding properties are also quite strong, often surpassing those of other flours.
How to keep the rest
To maintain freshness, store the besan in its original packaging in a cool, dry place. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and pest infestation. Once opened, it is best to use it within a few months for optimal flavor and texture.