Besan Unveiled: The Secret Star of Indian Kitchens

Besan, also known as gram flour or chickpea flour, is a quintessential pantry staple in every kitchen in the Indian subcontinent. Besan is made with dried and ground chickpeas. Renowned for its versatility, it plays a key role in various Indian dishes across regions. From acting as a reliable binding agent to taking center stage in breakfast recipes, appetizers, main courses, and desserts, besan truly does it all. 

Naturally gluten-free and high in protein, besan is a light yellow flour with a fine, powdery texture. It is an excellent choice for those aiming to maintain a clean, healthy diet. It is a fantastic alternative for vegetarian and vegan diets, often used as a substitute for dairy in various recipes.

Besan is an essential ingredient that completes Indian cuisine. Let’s delve into some of the most popular dishes made with besan:

1. Savory Pakora Waffles

This innovative and flavorful savory pakora waffle recipe is so delicious and wholesome that it will make you forget about traditional waffles. Made with a batter of besan and sooji (semolina), these waffles are cooked to perfection in a waffle maker in just minutes. Pair it with chutney, and your family and kids are sure to appreciate this one-of-a-kind creation.

2. Besan Chila

Besan Chila, also known as savory besan pancake, is made from a spiced besan batter.  It is prepared by combining besan with water, spices such as ajwain, turmeric, and red chili powder, and finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and green chilies. The batter is then evenly spread on a hot griddle and cooked until it turns golden and crisp at the edges. Packed with protein, Besan Chila makes for a wholesome and healthy breakfast option.

3. Besan Roti

Besan Roti is a wholesome and flavorful Indian flatbread made with besan and whole wheat flour, offering a healthier alternative to traditional rotis. The dough is made by mixing besan and whole wheat flour with water and a blend of spices.

After kneading, the dough is divided into small portions, rolled into flat rounds, and cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown. Besan Roti pairs well with dal and vegetable curries but is equally delightful on its own with chutney or achar.

4. Pakora

The perfect companion to chai on a rainy day, pakoras are flavorful fritters made by dipping vegetables in a spiced besan batter and deep-frying them to golden perfection. With countless variations to enjoy, popular choices include onion, potato, spinach, and eggplant pakoras.

5. Dahi Bhalla

Dahi Bhalla is a delightful dish made by soaking soft lentil fritters, prepared with besan and flavorful spices, in creamy, whisked yogurt. It is then garnished with a medley of tempered spices, including cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Each bite of Dahi Bhalla offers an exciting explosion of flavors.

6. Fafda

Fafda is a beloved snack made primarily from besan and it's seasoned with turmeric, baking soda, salt, carom seeds (ajwain), and asafoetida (hing). This crispy fried treat is traditionally served with Jalebi, a sweet, syrupy dessert. The combination of savory Fafda and sweet Jalebi is iconic, embodying the essence of Gujarati snacking culture.

7. Khandvi

Khandvi is a delicious Gujarati snack made from a batter of besan and yogurt, mixed with ginger paste, turmeric, salt, and water. The batter is cooked in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until it reaches a thick and smooth consistency.

It is then spread thinly on a flat surface and tightly rolled into bite-sized pieces. A tempering of sesame seeds, mustard seeds, and green chilies is added on top, and it is garnished with grated coconut and cilantro. Khandvi is not only visually appealing but also known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture.

8. Dhokla

Dhokla is a savory, light, and fluffy steamed cake made from a blend of besan, semolina, and aromatic spices. Enjoyed as a versatile dish, it can be served for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day. Once steamed to perfection, it is enhanced with a flavorful tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, hing, curry leaves, green chilies, and fresh cilantro.

9. Punjabi Kadhi Pakora

This quintessential Punjabi dish is a flavor-packed delight. Crispy pakoras (fritters) made with besan, onions, green chilies, and aromatic spices are deep-fried and immersed in tangy kadhi. The kadhi is crafted from a base of besan, yogurt, and an array of spices like red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, hing, and fenugreek seeds. 

Once the pakoras are added to the tangy, spiced kadhi, a sizzling tadka of cumin seeds, ajwain, and dried red chilies is drizzled on top for a burst of flavor. Kadhi Pakora pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice.

10. Besan Ladoo

Ladoos holds a special place in celebrations, both big and small. Their presence often signals good news or a joyous occasion. Among the many types of ladoos, besan ladoos stand out as a classic favorite. Made with just a few simple ingredients like besan and ghee, these ladoos beautifully combine tradition and flavor. Garnished with finely chopped almonds and pistachios, every bite is a rich, nutty delight.

Besan is truly a superfood and holds a special place in the kitchen and beyond.  Beyond its culinary uses, besan's benefits extend into beauty, skincare, and haircare routines, serving as a key ingredient in face masks, body scrubs, and hair masks.  Besan shines as a multi-purpose staple and proves itself to be an invaluable ingredient.