Chapati and gram flour are two popular types of flour used in Indian cuisine. While they may look similar, they are actually quite different in terms of their composition and uses.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between chapati flour and gram flour, and help you understand which one to use for your favorite Indian dishes.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, read on to learn more about these versatile flours.
Is Chapati Flour The Same As Gram Flour?
Chapati flour and gram flour are not the same. Chapati flour is a mixture of whole wheat flour and a small amount of malted barley flour, while gram flour is made from ground chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
Chapati flour is commonly used to make chapatis or rotis, which are Indian flatbreads. These flatbreads are an essential part of Indian cuisine and are usually served alongside curries or dry dishes. Chapati flour can also be used to make other types of bread, such as naan and bhaturas.
On the other hand, gram flour is used to make a variety of dishes, including gluten-free options like missi roti and dhoklas. It has a nutty flavor and is light yellow in color. Gram flour is also high in protein and fiber, making it a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts.
What Is Chapati Flour?
Chapati flour is a type of flour used to make chapatis or rotis, which are Indian flatbreads. It is a mixture of whole wheat flour and a small amount of malted barley flour, finely ground. The addition of malted barley flour helps to improve the texture and flavor of the chapati flour.
Chapati flour is commonly used in North India to make chapatis, which are usually served alongside curries or dry dishes. It can also be used to make other types of bread, such as naan and bhaturas. Chapati flour is known for its soft results and neutral taste.
It is important to note that chapati flour is not the same as rice flour, as chapati flour contains gluten due to its wheat content. Rice flour, on the other hand, does not contain gluten. Additionally, chapati flour and gram flour are not the same, as gram flour is made from ground chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
What Is Gram Flour?
Gram flour, also known as besan or garbanzo flour, is a flour made from ground chickpeas or garbanzo beans. It is a staple ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines and is used to make a variety of dishes, including savory snacks, bread, and desserts.
Gram flour is gluten-free and high in protein and fiber, making it a popular choice among people with dietary restrictions or those looking for a healthier alternative to regular flour. It has a nutty flavor and is light yellow in color.
One of the most popular dishes made with gram flour is the dhokla, a steamed savory cake that is often served as a snack or breakfast item. Another popular dish is the missi roti, which is a flatbread made with gram flour and spices.
In addition to its culinary uses, gram flour also has several health benefits. It is high in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. It also contains several essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Composition And Nutritional Value Comparison
When it comes to composition and nutritional value, chapati flour and gram flour have some notable differences. Chapati flour is primarily made up of whole wheat flour, which contains gluten, and a small amount of malted barley flour. It is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body, but it is not particularly high in protein or fiber.
On the other hand, gram flour is made from ground chickpeas or garbanzo beans, which means it is gluten-free and high in protein and fiber. One cup (92 grams) of chickpea flour provides 21 grams of protein, which is significantly more than the 16 grams found in an equal amount of whole wheat flour. Additionally, gram flour contains nearly twice the amount of folate as fortified wheat flour, making it a great choice for pregnant women.
In terms of calories, chapati flour and gram flour are relatively similar. Both are high in calories, with 100 grams of chapati flour containing 364 calories and 100 grams of gram flour containing 387 calories. However, gram flour has a lower glycemic index than chapati flour, meaning it can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Culinary Uses Of Chapati Flour
Chapati flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Here are some of the most common uses of chapati flour in Indian cuisine:
1. Chapatis and Rotis: As mentioned earlier, chapati flour is primarily used to make chapatis and rotis. These flatbreads are made by mixing the flour with water to form a dough, which is then rolled out and cooked on a griddle or tawa.
2. Pooris: Pooris are another type of Indian flatbread that are made using chapati flour. They are deep-fried until they puff up and become crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.
3. Parathas: Parathas are a type of stuffed flatbread that are made using chapati flour. The dough is filled with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, onions, paneer, or cauliflower, and then rolled out and cooked on a griddle.
4. Naan: Naan is a type of Indian bread that is traditionally made in a tandoor oven. However, it can also be made using chapati flour mixed with yeast and yogurt to create a soft, fluffy texture.
5. Bhaturas: Bhaturas are deep-fried breads that are similar to pooris. They are made using a combination of chapati flour and all-purpose flour, which gives them a light and airy texture.
Culinary Uses Of Gram Flour
Gram flour, also known as besan, is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Here are some of the culinary uses of gram flour:
1. Gluten-free baking: Gram flour is a great alternative to wheat flour for those who are gluten intolerant. It can be used to make a variety of baked goods, including bread, cakes, and cookies.
2. Fritters and pakoras: Gram flour is commonly used to make fritters and pakoras in Indian cuisine. Vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and cauliflower are coated in a batter made with gram flour and then deep-fried until crispy.
3. Thickening agent: Gram flour can be used as a thickening agent in soups, stews, and curries. It adds a nutty flavor and thickens the dish without altering the taste.
4. Omelets: Gram flour can be used to make vegan omelets that are high in protein and fiber. The batter is made with gram flour, water, and spices, and then cooked like a regular omelet.
5. Flatbreads: Gram flour can be used to make a variety of flatbreads such as missi roti, besan ki roti, and thepla. These flatbreads are usually served with curries or chutneys.
6. Desserts: Gram flour can be used to make a variety of desserts such as ladoos, barfis, and halwas. These desserts are usually made with sugar, ghee, and gram flour and are flavored with cardamom or saffron.
Can They Be Used Interchangeably?
While chapati flour and gram flour may seem similar in some ways, they cannot be used interchangeably in all recipes. Chapati flour is a mixture of whole wheat flour and malted barley flour, which gives it a distinct flavor and texture. It is best used for making Indian flatbreads like chapatis, naan, and bhaturas.
On the other hand, gram flour is made from ground chickpeas or garbanzo beans, giving it a nutty flavor and grainy texture. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine to make dishes like curries, fritters, and bread. Gram flour can also be used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in baking.
While there may be some overlap in their uses, chapati flour and gram flour are not interchangeable in all recipes. For example, using chapati flour instead of gram flour in a dish like dhoklas may result in a different texture and flavor. It is important to use the appropriate flour for each recipe to achieve the desired results.
