How to prepare and store 0% Adulterant Besan / Gram Flour

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Besan or Gram Flour is a part of numerous dishes of Indian cuisine. It is made from ground chickpeas and is commonly used in a wide variety of dishes, including snacks, sweets, and main courses.

In India, besan is widely used to make traditional dishes like besan chilla a great breakfast option or Besan Ladoo which are sweet balls made with besan, ghee, and sugar. It is also used to make pakoras such as Baingan Bhaja, a deep-fried snack made with besan and spices, and chila, a savory pancake made with besan and vegetables.

Besan is a staple ingredient in many regions of India, including Gujarat, where it is used to make dhokla, a steamed snack made with besan and yogurt. It is also commonly used in the southern states of India, where it is used to make dosas, a fermented pancake made with a batter of besan and rice.

Besan is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, as it is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also gluten-free, making it a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It is widely used not only due to its unique taste but for its potential health benefits.

Overall, besan is an important ingredient in Indian cuisine, offering both flavor and nutrition to a wide range of dishes. But, finding pure Besan could be a challenge as it is often found adulterated with some other flours. So, here we are describing an easy way to prepare besan at home.

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Besan Gram Flour

Gram flour, also known as besan or chickpea flour, can be easily prepared at home using dried chickpeas.
Prep Time15 hours
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time15 hours 10 minutes
Course: Flour
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: besan, chickpea, gram flour
Yield: 2 cups
Cost: INR 60

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor / Blender
  • 1 Large Bowl

Materials

  • 2 cups dried chickpeas

Instructions

  • Take 2 cups of dried chickpeas and sort through them to remove any debris or stones.
  • Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander under running water.
  • Soak the chickpeas in enough water to cover them completely for 8-10 hours or overnight.
  • Drain the water and rinse the chickpeas again.
  • Spread the chickpeas out on a clean, dry towel and let them air dry for a few hours or until completely dry.
  • Once the chickpeas are dry, transfer them to a food processor or blender and grind them until you get a fine powder.
  • Sift the gram flour through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large particles or lumps.
  • Store the gram flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Notes

You can also roast the chickpeas in a dry pan or in the oven before grinding them for a nuttier flavor. Additionally, you can add spices or herbs to the flour for extra flavor, depending on the recipe you’re using it for.

Besan Health benefits

Besan is a highly nutritious ingredient that is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition value of besan:

  • Protein: Besan is an excellent source of plant-based protein, with 1 cup (92g) of besan containing about 20g of protein.
  • Fiber: Besan is high in dietary fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full. 1 cup of besan contains approximately 10g of fiber.
  • Carbohydrates: Besan is relatively low in carbohydrates compared to other flours, with 1 cup containing around 45g of carbohydrates.
  • Vitamins and minerals: Besan is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin B6.
  • Fat: Besan is a good source of healthy fats, with 1 cup containing around 10g of fat, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Overall, besan is a nutrient-dense ingredient that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, increased satiety, and support for healthy blood sugar levels.

How to store?

It is hard to prepare Besan Flour every time we need to use it, so you can use these methods to increase besan’s shelf life by several months . Here are some tips to help increase the shelf life of besan:

  1. Store in an airtight container: To prevent moisture and air from getting into the besan, it is essential to store it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before transferring the besan to it.
  2. Store in a cool, dry place: Besan should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat sources. Heat and humidity can cause the besan to spoil or go rancid more quickly.
  3. Use desiccants: You can place moisture-absorbing packets or desiccants in the container with the besan to help absorb any excess moisture and prevent spoilage.
  4. Freeze: Besan can also be stored in the freezer for an even longer shelf life. Place the besan in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
  5. Roast before storing: Roasting the besan before storing it can help to increase its shelf life by removing any excess moisture and prolonging the freshness. To roast besan, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is lightly browned.

By following these tips, you can help to increase the shelf life of besan and ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful for longer.

In case you find the whole process very tedious and time consuming you can try and buy HR Product’s 100% Pure Besan with assured purity.