gm flour

Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour or besan, is a powder produced by grinding dried chickpeas (Cicer arietinum). This legume flour originates in the Indian subcontinent and is widely used across South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. Gram flour is pale yellow to golden in color with a slightly nutty, earthy flavor and a fine, smooth texture. It contains no gluten, making it naturally suitable for gluten-free applications. The flour is composed primarily of starch and plant-based proteins, with a moderate fat content from the chickpea's natural oils.

Gram flour is a versatile ingredient fundamental to Indian cuisine, used to prepare batters for fritters (pakora), coatings for fried vegetables, and batters for crepes (chilla). It serves as a binder in vegetarian preparations and forms the base for savory or sweet batters. Beyond South Asia, it is employed in Middle Eastern and Italian cooking for flatbreads, pancakes, and as a thickening agent in soups and stews. The flour can be used raw in dough preparations or toasted to enhance nutty flavor notes in both sweet and savory applications. It pairs well with aromatic spices such as cumin, turmeric, and chili, as well as with yogurt-based dressings.