Have you ever wondered if gram flour and sattu are the same thing?
While they may seem similar, there are actually some key differences between these two ingredients.
Gram flour, also known as besan, is made from raw chickpeas and is commonly used in Indian cuisine to make a variety of dishes such as pakoras and sweets.
Sattu, on the other hand, is a roasted flour made from a variety of grains and pulses, including chickpeas. It is a popular ingredient in dishes from states like Bihar and West Bengal, and is known for its cooling properties and high protein content.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between gram flour and sattu, and how they are used in cooking.
Are Gram Flour And Sattu The Same Thing?
As mentioned earlier, gram flour and sattu are not the same thing. While both are made from chickpeas, gram flour is made from raw chickpeas that are ground into a fine powder. Sattu, on the other hand, is made from roasted chickpeas that are ground into a coarse powder.
The roasting process gives sattu a distinct nutty flavor and aroma that sets it apart from gram flour. Additionally, sattu can also be made from other grains and pulses like barley, maize, and horse gram, making it a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine.
What Is Gram Flour?
Gram flour, also known as besan, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is made by grinding raw chickpeas into a fine powder, which is then used in a variety of dishes like pakoras, kadi, and sweets like ladoo and boondi.
Besan has a distinctive nutty flavor and is gluten-free, making it a great alternative to wheat flour for those with gluten sensitivities. It is also high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
While gram flour and sattu may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in terms of taste and texture. While gram flour is fine and smooth, sattu is coarse and nutty due to the roasting process. Additionally, sattu can be made from a variety of grains and pulses, while gram flour is made exclusively from chickpeas.
What Is Sattu?
Sattu is a protein-rich flour that is native to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It is made by roasting chickpeas or other pulses and legumes and then grinding them into a coarse powder. Sattu can also be made from a variety of grains like barley, maize, and horse gram.
Sattu has been traditionally used in Indian cuisine to make a variety of dishes like litti, a popular dish from Bihar. It is also used to make Indian sweets due to its coarser texture. Sattu is considered a cooling food and is often consumed by farmers as a mid-day meal during hot summers.
Sattu is also known as the “poor man’s protein” because it is an inexpensive and easy-to-cook ingredient that provides much-needed nutrition. Historians believe that sattu was widely consumed during wars due to its energy-boosting properties and easy-to-eat nature.
Uses Of Gram Flour In Cooking
Gram flour, also known as besan, is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and is widely used in cooking. Here are some of the most common uses of gram flour in Indian cooking:
1. Pakoras: Pakoras are a popular Indian snack made by dipping vegetables, such as onions or potatoes, in a batter made from gram flour and then deep-frying them. The gram flour batter gives the pakoras a crispy texture and a savory flavor.
2. Curries: Gram flour is often used as a thickener in Indian curries. It can be added to the curry to make it creamy and rich without adding any dairy.
3. Flatbreads: Gram flour can be used to make a variety of flatbreads, including the popular Indian bread called roti. The gram flour adds a nutty flavor to the bread and makes it more nutritious.
4. Sweets: Gram flour is also used to make a variety of Indian sweets, including besan ladoo and mysore pak. The gram flour is mixed with ghee, sugar, and other ingredients to create a sweet and rich dessert.
5. Snacks: Gram flour can be used to make a variety of snacks, including sev and chakli. These snacks are made by mixing gram flour with spices and then deep-frying them.
Uses Of Sattu In Cooking
Sattu is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, especially in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Haryana. It is used in a variety of dishes and can be prepared in different ways. Here are some common uses of sattu in cooking:
1. Litti: Litti is a popular dish from Bihar made with sattu filling stuffed inside a dough ball and baked over charcoal. It is usually served with chokha (mashed potato and brinjal) and tomato chutney.
2. Sattu drink: Sattu drink is a refreshing and nutritious drink made with sattu, water, lemon juice, and sugar. It is a popular summer drink in Bihar and Jharkhand.
3. Sattu paratha: Sattu paratha is a flatbread stuffed with sattu filling, onion, green chili, and coriander leaves. It is usually served with curd or pickle.
4. Sattu kebab: Sattu kebab is a vegetarian kebab made with sattu, onion, ginger, garlic, green chili, coriander leaves, and spices. It is usually served as an appetizer.
5. Sattu ladoo: Sattu ladoo is a sweet made with sattu, jaggery or sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder. It is a popular snack in Bihar and Jharkhand.
6. Sattu soup: Sattu soup is a nutritious soup made with sattu, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and spices. It is usually served as a starter.
7. Sattu pancake: Sattu pancake is a healthy breakfast option made with sattu, onion, tomato, green chili, coriander leaves, and spices. It can be served with chutney or sauce.
Nutritional Benefits Of Gram Flour And Sattu
Gram flour and sattu are both highly nutritious and offer a range of health benefits. Gram flour is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is also low in fat and calories, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Sattu, on the other hand, is even more nutrient-dense than gram flour. The roasting process used to make sattu helps to seal in all the nutrients, making it a rich source of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium. It is also a low-glycemic index food, making it an excellent option for diabetics as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Both gram flour and sattu are great for digestion. Gram flour contains high amounts of soluble fiber which helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Sattu, on the other hand, is rich in insoluble fiber which is great for cleansing the colon and detoxifying it of greasy food, constipation, and acidity.
Furthermore, both gram flour and sattu are excellent sources of energy. Gram flour contains carbohydrates that provide sustained energy throughout the day while sattu’s protein content makes it an ideal ingredient for muscle gain and repair.
