Substitute for Gram or Besan Flour

Does Falafel Go Bad?
Written By
Lauren Corona
Lauren Corona
Published: Dec 2, 2013
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Flour made from chickpeas can go by many names, including gram flour, besan flour, garbanzo bean flour and cici flour. It's a common ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern and even French cuisine, where it gives a complex, nutty taste to dishes. A variety of flours can be used to replace gram flour in a recipe, with varying results.

Potential Substitutions

To get the most similar flavor and and texture to gram flour, use a different legume flour. Contenders include lentil, fava bean, dal or soybean flour. Another substitute that will give you a rich and nutty taste is buckwheat flour. These flours tend to work best in savory applications. As long as you're not avoiding gluten, all purpose flour will generally give you similar results from a textural perspective. However, it tastes very different, so it's not ideal in any recipes where gram flour is the star. You could also try one of several gluten-free grain flours, such as brown rice, millet, corn or quinoa flour.

Photo Credits

George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Lauren Corona

Lauren Corona has worked as a writer since 2010. She has penned articles for a range of websites and print publications, specializing in animal care, nature, music and vegan food. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and American…

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