Besan, also known as gram flour or chickpea flour, is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Its versatility stems from its unique texture and nutty flavor, making it suitable for a wide range of sweet and savory dishes. But what exactly can you make with besan? The answer is: quite a lot! This article delves into the fascinating world of gram flour, exploring its diverse culinary applications and showcasing the incredible range of dishes you can create.
The Magic of Besan: Properties and Uses
Besan is created by grinding dried chickpeas into a fine powder. Its naturally gluten-free nature makes it a popular choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Beyond its dietary benefits, besan boasts a remarkable ability to bind ingredients, thicken sauces, and create crispy textures.
The flavor of besan is subtly sweet and earthy, adding depth and complexity to dishes. It can be used as a primary ingredient, a coating, or a thickening agent, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. Its high protein content also makes it a nutritious addition to your diet.
Savory Delights: Besan in Main Courses and Snacks
Besan shines in the realm of savory dishes. Its binding properties make it an excellent alternative to eggs or other binding agents in vegetarian and vegan recipes. From crispy snacks to hearty main courses, besan is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations.
Pakoras: A Deep-Fried Classic
Perhaps the most well-known use of besan is in making pakoras. These deep-fried fritters consist of vegetables like onions, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, or paneer dipped in a besan batter and fried until golden brown and crispy. The besan batter provides a light and airy coating that perfectly complements the vegetables. Pakoras are a popular snack or appetizer, often served with chutney or yogurt.
Bhajji: Another Crispy Favorite
Similar to pakoras, bhajji also utilizes a besan batter, but the preparation often involves spicier seasonings and a slightly different technique. While pakoras are typically deep-fried, bhajji can sometimes be shallow-fried, depending on the recipe and regional preference. The result is a crispy, flavorful snack that is perfect for tea time or as a side dish.
Besan Cheela: A Savory Pancake
Besan cheela is a savory pancake made from a besan batter. It is a quick and easy breakfast or snack option. The batter is typically seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili powder, and sometimes includes chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander. The cheela is cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown and crispy.
Kadhi: A Yogurt-Based Curry
Kadhi is a yogurt-based curry thickened with besan. It is a popular dish in Northern India, with variations in different regions. The besan is used to create a smooth and creamy base for the curry, while the yogurt adds a tangy flavor. Kadhi is typically tempered with spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. It is often served with rice or roti.
Gatte ki Sabzi: Rajasthani Dumplings
Gatte ki sabzi is a traditional Rajasthani dish made with besan dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt-based gravy. The besan dumplings, known as “gatte,” are made from a mixture of besan, spices, and oil. They are steamed or boiled and then added to the gravy. This dish showcases the versatility of besan in creating both the dumplings and thickening the gravy.
Besan Ki Roti: A Gluten-Free Flatbread
For those seeking a gluten-free alternative to wheat roti, besan ki roti is an excellent choice. It is made from a mixture of besan, water, and spices. While it can be slightly more challenging to roll out than wheat roti due to its lack of gluten, the resulting flatbread is flavorful and nutritious. It pairs well with a variety of curries and vegetable dishes.
Dhokla: A Steamed Snack
Dhokla is a steamed snack originating from the state of Gujarat in India. It’s made from fermented batter derived from besan. The fermentation process imparts a unique tangy flavor and light, spongy texture to the dhokla. It is typically served with chutney and is a popular breakfast or snack option.
Besan Curry: A Simple Yet Satisfying Dish
A simple besan curry can be made by roasting besan with spices and then adding water or stock to create a thick and flavorful gravy. This curry can be customized with various vegetables or lentils to create a more substantial meal. It is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner.
Besan coated vegetables: Crispy vegetable fries
Various vegetables can be coated with besan batter and fried in order to make them crispy. This provides a nice and unique flavor for the vegetables, providing a delicious yet nutritional experience.
Sweet Indulgence: Besan in Desserts
Besan’s nutty flavor and binding properties also make it a valuable ingredient in the world of desserts. From traditional Indian sweets to innovative baked goods, besan adds a unique touch to sweet creations.
Besan Ladoo: A Classic Indian Sweet
Besan ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from roasted besan, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. The besan is roasted until it is fragrant and golden brown, then mixed with ghee and sugar. The mixture is then shaped into round balls, or ladoos. Besan ladoo is a festive treat often made during celebrations and festivals.
Mysore Pak: A Rich and Decadent Sweet
Mysore pak is a rich and decadent sweet originating from the city of Mysore in Karnataka, India. It is made from besan, ghee, and sugar. The besan is cooked in ghee until it is golden brown and the mixture is then combined with a sugar syrup. The mixture is set in a tray and cut into squares. Mysore pak is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
Besan Barfi: A Simple Fudge-Like Sweet
Besan barfi is a simple fudge-like sweet made from besan, sugar, and ghee. The besan is roasted in ghee until it is fragrant and golden brown, then mixed with sugar syrup. The mixture is set in a tray and cut into squares. Besan barfi is a quick and easy sweet that is perfect for satisfying a sweet craving.
Besan Halwa: A Warm and Comforting Dessert
Besan halwa is a warm and comforting dessert made from besan, ghee, sugar, and water. The besan is roasted in ghee until it is fragrant and golden brown, then water and sugar are added. The mixture is cooked until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Besan halwa is often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
Cookies and Cakes: Adding Nutty Flavor
Besan can be incorporated into cookies and cakes to add a nutty flavor and a slightly dense texture. It can be used as a partial substitute for wheat flour in cookie and cake recipes. Experimenting with different ratios of besan to wheat flour can create unique and interesting results.
Beyond the Kitchen: Other Uses of Besan
While besan is primarily known for its culinary applications, it also has uses beyond the kitchen, particularly in skincare and beauty.
Facial Mask: Natural Exfoliation and Brightening
Besan is a popular ingredient in homemade facial masks. Its slightly grainy texture makes it a gentle exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion. A simple besan mask can be made by mixing besan with water, yogurt, or milk.
Hair Removal: A Traditional Remedy
In some cultures, besan is used as a natural hair removal remedy. A paste made from besan, turmeric, and water is applied to the skin and left to dry. When the paste is rubbed off, it is believed to help remove unwanted hair.
Skin Cleanser: A Gentle Alternative
Besan can be used as a gentle alternative to harsh soaps and cleansers. Its mild exfoliating properties help to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Mixing besan with water or rose water can create a simple and effective skin cleanser.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Besan
To get the most out of your besan, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Roasting besan: Roasting besan before using it in recipes enhances its flavor and prevents a raw taste. Roast it over low heat until it is fragrant and slightly changes color.
- Sifting besan: Sifting besan before using it helps to remove any lumps and ensures a smooth batter or dough.
- Storing besan: Store besan in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming rancid.
- Using Besan as a Thickening Agent: To avoid clumps when using besan as a thickening agent, mix it with cold water or milk before adding it to the hot liquid.
Besan is a truly remarkable ingredient with a wide range of culinary and non-culinary applications. From savory snacks to sweet treats and even skincare remedies, besan’s versatility and unique properties make it a valuable addition to any pantry. So, the next time you’re looking for a gluten-free, protein-rich, and flavorful ingredient, reach for the besan and explore the endless possibilities it offers.
Exploring Regional Variations and Culinary Innovations
The utilization of besan transcends geographical boundaries, adapting and evolving into regional specialties that reflect local tastes and culinary traditions.
In Maharashtra, India, you will find Zunka, a rustic and savory besan preparation often enjoyed with bhakri (a type of flatbread). Further down south, in Andhra Pradesh, besan pulusu stands out; it’s a tangy and flavorful stew that incorporates besan as a key thickening agent.
Across the border in Pakistan, besan roti is a commonplace staple, providing a hearty and gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based flatbreads. Furthermore, in Bangladesh, besan is skillfully incorporated into various fritters and snacks, infusing a distinctive nutty flavor.
Beyond these traditional applications, chefs and home cooks alike are constantly innovating, using besan in unconventional ways. From using it as a binder in veggie burgers to creating gluten-free pizza crusts, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
| Dish Name | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Zunka | Maharashtra, India | A rustic and savory besan preparation. |
| Besan Pulusu | Andhra Pradesh, India | A tangy stew thickened with besan. |
| Besan Roti | Pakistan | A gluten-free flatbread made with besan. |
What exactly is besan, and where does it come from?
Besan, also known as gram flour, is a pulse flour made from ground chickpeas. Specifically, it’s made from chana dal, which are split chickpeas that have been skinned. The process involves drying the chickpeas and then milling them into a fine powder, resulting in the slightly nutty and earthy flavored flour we know as besan.
This flour is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, particularly Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi. Its widespread use can be attributed to its versatility and nutritional benefits, making it a valuable ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. The texture and flavor profile also contribute to its popularity in thickening sauces and creating coatings for fried foods.
What are the primary culinary uses of besan?
Besan is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, finding applications across a wide range of dishes. It serves as a key ingredient in savory preparations like pakoras (fritters), bhajis (vegetable fritters), and dhokla (a steamed cake). Its binding properties also make it useful in thickening curries and stews, providing a smooth and rich texture.
Beyond savory dishes, besan plays a role in sweet treats like besan ladoo (gram flour fudge) and mysore pak (a sweet fudge). Its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity to these desserts, creating a delightful culinary experience. Furthermore, besan is often used as a gluten-free alternative in baking, offering a nutritious and flavorful option for those with dietary restrictions.
How does besan differ from other types of flour?
Unlike wheat flour, besan is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It also boasts a higher protein and fiber content compared to all-purpose flour, contributing to its nutritional value. The flavor profile of besan is distinctly nutty and slightly earthy, which distinguishes it from the blander taste of white flour.
Furthermore, the texture of besan differs significantly. It has a slightly coarse texture compared to the fine consistency of wheat flour. This difference in texture influences how it behaves in cooking, leading to different results in terms of binding, thickening, and overall mouthfeel. Besan absorbs liquids more effectively than many other flours, contributing to its ability to create cohesive batters and doughs.
What are the nutritional benefits of including besan in my diet?
Besan is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. It’s a good source of protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues. Additionally, besan is rich in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and contributing to feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Beyond protein and fiber, besan contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and folate. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood, while magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function. Folate is crucial for cell growth and development, particularly important during pregnancy. These nutrients collectively contribute to besan’s health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Are there any precautions I should take when cooking with besan?
When cooking with besan, it’s important to roast or cook it thoroughly. Raw besan can have a slightly bitter taste and may be difficult to digest. Roasting the besan before using it in recipes, especially for sweets, helps to enhance its flavor, removes any raw taste and improves its digestibility.
Another consideration is the potential for clumping. Besan tends to form clumps when mixed with liquids, so it’s best to whisk it gradually into the liquid while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Sifting the besan before use can also help prevent clumping. If clumps do form, you can try using a whisk or a fork to break them up.
How should I properly store besan to maintain its freshness and quality?
To maintain the freshness and quality of besan, proper storage is essential. The ideal storage environment is cool, dry, and dark. Exposure to heat, moisture, and sunlight can degrade the quality of the flour, leading to a loss of flavor and nutritional value.
Store besan in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and pests. A glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well. It’s also recommended to store the container in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Properly stored, besan can last for several months.
Can besan be used as a substitute for other ingredients in specific recipes?
Besan can often be used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour in many recipes, particularly in pancakes, breads, and thickeners. However, keep in mind that besan has a distinct flavor that will influence the final taste of the dish. You might need to adjust other ingredients to balance the flavors.
Furthermore, besan can be used as an egg replacement in some vegan recipes. When mixed with water, it creates a binding effect similar to eggs, making it suitable for dishes like fritters and vegetable patties. The ratio of besan to water will vary depending on the recipe, so it’s best to consult a vegan recipe that specifically calls for besan as an egg substitute.