Are you confused about the difference between besan and gram flour? You’re not alone.
These two flours are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Both are made from chickpeas, but the type of chickpea used and the process of making the flour can result in different textures and flavors.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between besan and gram flour, and how to use them in your cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, understanding these two flours will help you create delicious dishes with ease.
So let’s dive in and discover what sets besan and gram flour apart!
What Is The Difference Between Besan And Gram Flour?
Besan and gram flour are both made from chickpeas, but the type of chickpea used and the process of making the flour can result in different textures and flavors.
Besan is made from peeled and split Bengal gram, which is a type of brown chickpea. It is finely ground into a smooth, dense flour that is commonly used in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine. Besan has a nutty, earthy flavor and is often used to make pakoras, chilla (savory pancakes), and sweets like ladoo and barfi.
On the other hand, gram flour is made from whole white chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. It has a slightly coarser texture than besan and is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Gram flour has a mild, nutty flavor and is often used to make dishes like socca (a type of French flatbread), falafel, and hummus.
While both flours are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, it’s important to note that they are not always interchangeable. Besan’s denser texture makes it better suited for dishes that require binding, such as fritters or batters. Gram flour’s coarser texture makes it better suited for dishes that require a bit of texture, such as flatbreads or savory pancakes.
What Is Besan?
Besan is a flour made from peeled and split Bengal gram, which is a type of brown chickpea. The process of making besan involves soaking the chickpeas, then drying and grinding them into a fine powder. Besan has a smooth, dense texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is commonly used in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine to make dishes like pakoras, chilla (savory pancakes), and sweets like ladoo and barfi. Besan’s dense texture makes it better suited for dishes that require binding or thickening, such as fritters or batters. It is also a great gluten-free substitute for wheat or all-purpose flour in many recipes. Additionally, besan is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
What Is Gram Flour?
Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour, is a type of flour made from whole white chickpeas. It is a versatile ingredient that is used in many cuisines across the world, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisine. Gram flour has a slightly coarser texture than besan and is pale yellow in color. It has a mild, nutty flavor that is perfect for savory dishes.
Gram flour is naturally gluten-free and is a great source of protein and carbohydrates. It is also rich in B vitamins, calcium, and other minerals such as iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. Due to its nutritional value and gluten-free nature, gram flour is becoming increasingly popular among those with special dietary needs or food allergies.
In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, gram flour is often used to make dishes like falafel and hummus. In French cuisine, it is used to make socca, a type of flatbread. In Indian cuisine, gram flour is used in many dishes like chilla (savory pancakes), bhajis, and pakoras. It can also be used as a thickener or binding agent for batters.
Fresh gram flour can be easily made at home using a high-speed blender or grain mill in just 10 minutes. This can be a budget-friendly option compared to buying organic flours from the store. However, it’s important to note that gram flour and besan are not always interchangeable in recipes due to their different textures and flavors.
The Difference In Texture Between Besan And Gram Flour
Besan and gram flour have different textures due to the type of chickpea used and the process of making the flour. Besan is made from split brown chickpeas that are finely ground, resulting in a smooth and dense flour. In contrast, gram flour is made from whole white chickpeas that are ground into a slightly coarser texture.
The denser texture of besan makes it better suited for dishes that require binding, such as fritters or batters. The smooth texture of besan allows it to easily mix with other ingredients and create a cohesive batter. It also results in a smoother final product.
Gram flour’s coarser texture makes it better suited for dishes that require a bit of texture, such as flatbreads or savory pancakes. The slightly chunkier texture of gram flour allows it to add a bit of crunch and texture to dishes.
It’s important to note that while these flours can be used interchangeably in some recipes, the difference in texture can affect the final outcome. It’s best to use the recommended flour for each specific recipe to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
The Difference In Flavor Between Besan And Gram Flour
Besan and gram flour also differ in their flavor profiles. Besan has a slightly stronger, earthier taste due to the use of brown chickpeas, while gram flour has a milder, nuttier flavor due to the use of white chickpeas. This difference in flavor can impact the overall taste of a dish, so it’s important to choose the right flour for the recipe.
For example, if you’re making a dish that requires a subtle flavor, such as hummus or socca, gram flour may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re making a dish that requires a stronger, more pronounced flavor, such as pakoras or barfi, besan may be the better option.
It’s also worth noting that besan can have a slightly bitter aftertaste, especially if it’s not cooked properly. To avoid this, it’s important to roast besan before using it in a recipe. Gram flour, on the other hand, does not have this issue and can be used raw or roasted.
How To Use Besan In Cooking
Besan is a staple in Indian cuisine and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips on how to use besan in your cooking:
1. Pakoras: Besan is commonly used to make pakoras, which are deep-fried fritters made with vegetables or meat. To make the batter, mix besan with water, spices, and chopped vegetables or meat. Dip the mixture into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
2. Chilla: Besan can also be used to make chilla, which are savory pancakes made with besan and spices. Mix besan with water, spices, and chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Cook the mixture on a griddle or in a pan until golden brown.
3. Ladoo and Barfi: Besan is often used to make sweets like ladoo and barfi. To make ladoo, mix besan with ghee, sugar, and cardamom powder. Roll the mixture into balls and serve as a dessert. To make barfi, mix besan with ghee, sugar, and milk. Cook the mixture until it thickens and pour it into a greased pan. Let it cool and cut into squares.
4. Thickening agent: Besan can be used as a thickening agent in curries and gravies. Mix besan with water to form a slurry and add it to the curry or gravy while cooking. This will help thicken the sauce.
5. Gluten-free baking: Besan can be used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in baking recipes like bread, cakes, and cookies. However, it’s important to note that besan has a strong flavor and may alter the taste of the final product.
When using besan in your cooking, keep in mind that it has a strong flavor and may require additional spices or seasonings to balance it out. Additionally, because besan is made from split chickpeas, it may cause digestive issues for some people if consumed in large quantities. As with any new ingredient, start with small amounts and gradually increase as needed.
How To Use Gram Flour In Cooking
If you have gram flour in your pantry and are wondering how to use it in cooking, here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Socca: This is a popular dish in southern France made from a batter of gram flour, water, and olive oil that is cooked in a hot skillet until crispy. It can be served as a savory snack or as a base for toppings like cheese, herbs, and vegetables.
2. Falafel: This Middle Eastern dish is made from ground chickpeas (or fava beans) mixed with spices and formed into balls or patties. Gram flour can be used as a binder to help hold the mixture together.
3. Hummus: This creamy dip is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Gram flour can be used to thicken the mixture if it’s too thin.
4. Flatbreads: Gram flour can be used to make a variety of flatbreads like Indian roti or Middle Eastern mana’eesh. Mix gram flour with water, oil, and spices to form a dough that can be rolled out and cooked on a hot griddle or in the oven.
5. Fritters: Gram flour can be used to make crispy fritters by mixing it with water, spices, and chopped vegetables like onion, zucchini, or cauliflower. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Remember that gram flour has a slightly different texture and flavor than besan, so it’s important to choose the right flour for your recipe. With its versatility and mild flavor, gram flour can add a nutritious boost to many dishes.
