Besan (Gram Flour)

Besan, also known as gram flour or chickpea flour, is a versatile ingredient widely used in Indian cuisine. Here's a product category description for besan in the Indian context:  

What is Besan actually made of ?

Besan is a finely ground flour made from dried chickpeas or Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum). It has a pale yellow color and a slightly nutty flavor. Besan is a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, valued for its versatility and nutritional benefits. It is commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, making it an indispensable part of Indian cuisine.

Key Features:

1. Versatility: Besan is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including savory snacks, curries, sweets, and baked goods. 2. Nutritional Benefits: Besan is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to the diet. It is particularly high in protein and is a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan diets. 3. Gluten-Free: Besan is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. 4. Thickening Agent: Due to its fine texture, besan is often used as a thickening agent in gravies, soups, and sauces. 5. Binding Agent: Besan can act as a binding agent in recipes, helping ingredients stick together in dishes like pakoras (fritters) and veggie burgers. 6. Flavor Enhancer: Besan adds a distinct nutty flavor to dishes, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Common Uses:

- Pakoras: Besan is used to make crispy and flavorful fritters by coating vegetables, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or meat in a besan batter and deep-frying them. - Ladoos: Besan is combined with sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and nuts to make delicious sweet treats called besan ladoos. - Curries and Gravies: Besan is often added to Indian curries and gravies to thicken the sauce and enhance flavor. - Flatbreads: Besan can be mixed with wheat flour or other gluten-free flours to make nutritious and flavorful flatbreads like besan roti or besan cheela (pancakes). Overall, besan is a versatile and indispensable ingredient in Indian cooking, prized for its flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.