Top 10 Delightful Besan Recipes

Besan, also known as gram flour or chickpea flour, is a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens. It is made from ground chickpeas and is renowned for its versatility and rich, nutty

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flavour. Whether you're whipping up a savoury snack or a delightful dessert, besan is your go-to ingredient for various mouth-watering dishes.

Why is besan so beloved in Indian cuisine? It’s not just about the taste. Besan is packed with protein, making it a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans. It also has a low glycemic index, stabilizing blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

Now, let’s dive into the top 10 besan recipes you can easily make at home!

Top 10 Besan Recipes

1. Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), and sugar, often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts. Here's a detailed recipe to make Besan Ladoo:

Ingredients

1. 2 cups besan (gram flour)

2. 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)

3. 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

4. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

5. Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the besan and roast it until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.

3. Take it off the fire and let it cool a little.

4. Mix in the powdered sugar and cardamom powder.

5. Shape the mixture into small balls (ladoos) and garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

6. Let them cool completely before storing them.

2. Besan Chilla

Besan Chilla, also known as Besan Cheela or Gram Flour Pancake, is a savoury Indian pancake made from besan (gram flour) and a variety of spices and vegetables. It's a popular breakfast or snack option that's quick and easy to make. Here's a detailed recipe to make Besan Chilla:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1/2 cup water

3. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

4. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

5. 1 green chilli, finely chopped

6. 1 small onion, finely chopped

7. Salt to taste

8. Oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Mix besan, water, turmeric, cumin seeds, green chilli, onion, and salt in a bowl to make a smooth batter.

2. Grease a frying pan with a small amount of oil and heat it.

3. Evenly distribute a ladleful of batter over the pan.

4. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

5. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

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3. Besan Kadhi

Besan Kadhi, often referred to simply as Kadhi, is a yogurt and gram flour-based curry popular in various parts of India. It's typically served with rice or roti. Here's a detailed recipe to make Besan Kadhi:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 2 cups yogurt

3. 4 cups water

4. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

5. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

6. 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

7. 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida

8.  green chillies, slit

9. Salt to taste

10. Oil for tempering

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together besan, yogurt, water, and turmeric to make a smooth mixture.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin, mustard, asafoetida, and green chillies.

3. Pour the besan mixture into the pan and boil, stirring continuously.

4. Simmer on low heat until the kadhi thickens.

5. Serve hot with rice or roti.

4. Besan Pakora

Besan Pakora, also known as Gram Flour Fritters, is a popular Indian snack made from besan (gram flour) and a variety of spices. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a delightful treat. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Besan Pakora:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1/2 cup water

3. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

4. 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

5. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

6. Salt to taste

7. Vegetables of choice (potato, onion, and spinach)

8. Oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix besan, water, turmeric, red chilli powder, baking soda, and salt to make a smooth batter.

2. In an oiled pan, heat the oil for cooking.

3. Dip the vegetables into the batter and fry until golden brown.

4. Pour it out onto paper towels and warm up alongside the chutney.

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5. Besan Halwa

Besan Halwa is a rich and delicious Indian dessert made from gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and cardamom. It's a comforting treat that's often made during festivals and special occasions. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Besan Halwa:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1 cup sugar

3. 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)

4. 2 cups water

5. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

6. Nuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add besan and roast until golden brown and fragrant.

3. In another pot, bring water and sugar to a boil.

4. Gradually add the sugar syrup to the roasted besan, stirring continuously.

5. Add cardamom powder and cook until the mixture thickens.

6. Garnish with nuts and serve hot.

6. Besan Dhokla

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1/2 cup yogurt

3. 1/2 cup water

4. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

5. 1 teaspoon Eno fruit salt

6. Salt to taste

7. Oil for greasing

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix besan, yogurt, water, turmeric, and salt to make a smooth batter.

2. Add eno fruit salt and mix well.

3. After greasing a steaming tray, pour the batter into it.

4. A toothpick should come out clean after 15 to 20 minutes of steaming.

5. Cut into squares and serve with chutney.

7. Besan Bhindi

Besan Bhindi, also known as Besan Okra, is a delicious Indian side dish where okra (bhindi) is cooked with gram flour (besan) and a blend of spices. It’s a flavorful and healthy dish that pairs well with roti, paratha, or rice. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Besan Bhindi:

Ingredients

1. 250g bhindi (okra), sliced.

2. 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)

3. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

4. 1 teaspoon red chilli powder

5. 1 teaspoon coriander powder

6. Salt to taste

7. Oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add the sliced bhindi.

2. Cook until slightly crispy.

3. Add besan, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt.

4. Cook until the besan coats the bhindi and becomes crispy.

5. Serve hot with roti.

8. Besan Sheera.

Besan Sheera is a rich and comforting Indian dessert made from gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and flavoured with cardamom. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions or as a quick sweet treat. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Besan Sheera:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1 cup sugar

3. 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)

4. 2 cups milk

5. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

6. Nuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add besan and roast until golden brown and fragrant.

3. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Add sugar and cardamom powder, and cook until the mixture thickens.

5. Garnish with nuts and serve hot.

9. Besan Puda

Besan Puda, also known as Besan Chilla or Gram Flour Pancake, is a savoury Indian pancake made from besan (gram flour) and a variety of spices and vegetables. It's a popular breakfast or snack option that's quick and easy to make. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Besan Puda:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1/2 cup water

3. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

4. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

5. 1 green chilli, finely chopped

6. 1 small onion, finely chopped

7. Salt to taste

8. Oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Mix besan, water, turmeric, cumin seeds, green chilli, onion, and salt in a bowl to make a smooth batter.

2. Grease a nonstick pan with a small amount of oil and heat it.

3. Evenly distribute a ladleful of batter over the pan.

4. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

5. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

10. Besan Burfi

Besan Burfi is a popular Indian sweet made from gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), and sugar, often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts. It has a fudge-like texture and is usually served during festivals and special occasions. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Besan Burfi:

Ingredients

1. 1 cup besan (gram flour)

2. 1 cup sugar

3. 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)

4. 1/2 cup milk

5. 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

6. Nuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add besan and roast until golden brown and fragrant.

3. Gradually add milk and sugar, stirring continuously.

4. Add cardamom powder and cook until the mixture thickens.

5. Fill the tray with the mixture, then let it solidify.

6. Cut into squares and garnish with nuts before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—ten delicious besan recipes that range from sweet to savoury, simple to elaborate. Each dish showcases the versatility and flavour of besan, making it a must-have in your kitchen. Whether you're new to cooking with besan or looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.