12 Yummy Chickpea Flour Recipes (Savoury & Sweet)
Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, is a flour made from, you guessed it, ground chickpeas (garbanzo beans). It’s most popular in South Asia but is picking up steam in the West. You can find chickpea flour in most grocery stores or easily purchase it online.
In addition to being gluten-free and vegan-friendly, chickpea flour is rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals, making it a nutritious choice to improve digestion, support weight management, or promote heart health.
Its nutty flavour and slightly earthy taste add a unique depth to recipes, while its fine texture helps create a light and fluffy consistency. It does take getting used to if you’re not familiar with it.
Below, you’ll find interesting and tasty ways to use chickpea flour, from chickpea pancakes, Italian chickpea flatbread, and chickpea fries to sweet treats like brownies and vegan 7-cup burfi — get creative and experiment!
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The best chickpea flour recipes
Whether you're following a specific dietary lifestyle or simply exploring new flavours, these 12 recipes using chickpea flour will introduce you to the wonders of this remarkable ingredient.
Vegan Chickpea Pancakes With a Creamy Pesto Dressing (Gluten-Free)
These golden, fluffy pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch. They’re gluten-free-, grain-, egg-free, and dairy-free, making them a versatile and delicious option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve them with our creamy and earthy pesto dressing and a refreshing rocket and tomato salad. If you have a nut allergy, swap cashews for sunflower seeds in the pesto.
Italian Farinata Chickpea Flatbread (La Cecina Toscana)
This delicious chickpea flatbread, created by the talented team at Inside The Rustic Kitchen, features a crispy exterior that hides a creamy and irresistible centre.
To make La Farinata, you only need chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. These simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary flavour.
According to one of their readers, this dish can create unforgettable memories, such as enjoying it in the charming streets of Lucca, Tuscany.
Instant Chickpea Bread
Embark on a nostalgic journey with Sneh from the Cook Republic as she shares her recipe for Instant Chickpea Bread. This savoury bread is a tribute to her cherished childhood memories and holds a special place in her heart and palate.
By combining chickpea flour and cornmeal, this recipe transforms common pantry staples into a delightful treat. Infused with fragrant spices and topped with a mixture of sweet and salty nuts, seeds, and herbs, this bread offers a symphony of flavours and a satisfying crunch.
Enjoy it toasted with mango or tomato chutney, or pair it with green pesto or salsa verde. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Air Fried Okra / Kurkuri Bhindi (Vegan)
Created by Belly Rules The Mind, this dish combines the earthy goodness of okra with the aromatic spices of India. Coated with chickpea flour and seasoned to perfection, this vegan and gluten-free creation offers a perfect balance of crunch and spice.
Whether paired with traditional Indian dishes like Dal Tadka or enjoyed with bread options such as Rotis, Chapattis, or Parathas, this Kurkuri Bhindi promises to deliver a super tasty experience.
Chickpea Omelette (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
This delicious chickpea omelette has a soft and chewy texture, similar to traditional eggs, thanks to black salt. Its vibrant yellow colour comes from chickpea flour and a touch of turmeric. In just 10 minutes, you can prepare this quick and nutritious breakfast filled with savoury goodness.
Crustless Vegan Quiche (Soy Free)
Sarah's Crustless Vegan Quiche is a versatile and satisfying recipe. It is made with chickpea flour, packed with veggies, and is gluten-free. This quiche is easy to prepare and a must-try for vegans and meat-eaters. It offers a delicious and nutritious meal without needing eggs or xanthan gum.
Vegan 7 Cup Burfi - Chickpea flour and Coconut Fudge
Indulge in Vegan Richa's 7 Cup Burfi for a delightful Diwali celebration. This traditional Indian sweet is made vegan using almond milk and oil and combining chickpea flour and coconut. Vegan butter or safflower oil is used instead of ghee, and the sugar content is reduced for a healthier treat. The aromatic cardamom adds enchanting flavour, making these Burfis irresistible for Diwali or any festive occasion.
Sea Salt Chickpea Crackers (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Enjoy a wholesome snack with Kristen's Sea Salt Chickpea Crackers from Moon and Spoon and Yum. These gluten-free and vegan crackers are delicious and easy to make. Made with five simple ingredients, including chickpea flour, they're high in protein and fibre. Adding sea salt provides the perfect crunchiness, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a savoury and satisfying snack.
Chickpea Flour Brownies [Gluten-Free & Vegan]
Treat your sweet tooth with Addison's irresistible fudgy Chickpea Flour Brownies. These gluten-free brownies are easy to make using just one bowl and have a grain-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan profile. What makes these brownies special are two surprising ingredients — chickpea flour (of course) and aquafaba, along with a hint of pumpkin. Fulfill your dessert cravings with a delicious and healthy treat.
Chickpea Fries {Chickpea Panisse}
If you're in the mood for a delicious variation of classic fries, try these Chickpea Fries by Katie from Hey Nutrition Lady. Also known as Chickpea Panisse, these oven-baked delights are vegan, gluten-free, and high in protein. They serve as a nutritious snack or appetiser choice. This recipe, inspired by street food, is both straightforward and flavourful, offering a satisfying alternative to traditional fries.
Baked Pakora - Vegan Indian Food
Experience the flavours of Indian cuisine with this delightful Baked Pakora recipe by Anastasia from KindEarth. Pakoras are traditional Indian fritters made by coating vegetables with a crispy batter. Anastasia's version offers a healthier twist by baking these delicious bites. Made with various veggies and aromatic spices in chickpea flour, this dish retains its authentic taste while being vegan and gluten-free. These Baked Pakoras pair well with your favourite dipping sauce or chutney.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Chickpea Flour Gravy
Elevate your dining experience with Addison's Chickpea Flour Gravy. This homemade gravy is a delicious blend of flavours that appeals to vegans and omnivores. Its simplicity and irresistibility make it a year-round favourite for any occasion. Pour this addictive gluten-free gravy generously over your dishes and savour its deliciousness.
12 Yummy Chickpea Flour Recipes (Savoury & Sweet)
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2
Description
Discover a collection of 12 delicious vegan chickpea flour recipes, ranging from savoury pancakes and flatbreads to sweet treats like brownies and fudge. With their gluten-free and vegan-friendly nature, these recipes offer a nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegan Chickpea Flour Scramble
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- ½ teaspoon black salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (or white pepper)
- 3/4 cup water
- Chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, peas, corn, spring onions, zucchini, tomato and spinach)
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl, add the chickpea flour, black salt, nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. While whisking, add the water in 3 separate stages until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
- Add in chopped vegetables of choice ad sauté for a few minutes.
- Pour the chickpea flour batter into the skillet and spread it evenly over the vegetables to cover the bottom.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges start to set – like a normal crepe or pancake would.
- Start to scramble the mixture and and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until fully cooked through and lightly golden.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
This dish is also tasty served with hash browns, sautéed garlic baby spinach, sliced avocado and blistered cherry tomatoes.
- Category: Breakfast
- Diet: Vegan