10 Best Besan Recipes | Easy Besan Recipes | Gram Flour Recipes

Besan, or gram flour, is a kitchen staple that holds a special place in many culinary traditions, particularly in Indian cuisine. Made from finely ground chickpeas, this versatile flour ad

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ds a unique, nutty flavor to a variety of dishes. From crispy snacks to rich desserts, besan is celebrated for its ability to enhance both taste and texture.

In this blog, we’ll explore ten delightful besan recipes that showcase its versatility. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal or prepare a sweet treat for a special occasion, these recipes offer a range of options. Discover how besan can transform everyday ingredients into delicious and nutritious dishes, and get inspired to experiment with this versatile flour in your own kitchen.

1. Besan Chilla

Description: Besan Chilla is a savoury pancake made from gram flour (besan) mixed with spices and chopped vegetables. It's a nutritious and quick meal that works well for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

- Besan (gram flour)

- Water

- Cumin seeds

- Chopped vegetables (onions, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers)

- Turmeric, chilli powder, and salt

Instructions: Mix besan with enough water to create a smooth batter. Add cumin seeds, chopped vegetables, and spices. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto a hot non-stick skillet, spread it evenly, and cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with yogurt or chutney.

2. Besan Ladoo

Description: Besan Ladoo is a traditional Indian sweet made from roasted gram flour, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar. These round sweets are often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Ghee

- Sugar

- Cardamom powder

- Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)

Instructions: Roast besan in ghee over medium heat until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Add sugar and cardamom powder, mixing well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into small balls. Garnish with chopped nuts and let cool completely before serving.

3. Pakoras (Bhajis)

Description: Pakoras are deep-fried fritters made with besan, mixed with vegetables or paneer, and seasoned with spices. They are a popular snack during monsoon seasons or festive occasions.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Water

- Spices (cumin seeds, coriander powder, chili powder)

- Chopped vegetables (potatoes, onions, spinach) or paneer

- Salt

Instructions: Prepare a thick batter by mixing besan with water and spices. Add chopped vegetables or paneer to the batter. Spoon batter into heated oil in spoonfuls, and fry until crispy and golden brown. Pour out onto paper towels and warm up alongside chutney.

 4. Besan Ki Barfi

Description: Besan Ki Barfi is a sweet, fudgy dessert made from besan, ghee, and sugar. It's flavoured with cardamom and often garnished with nuts, making it a rich treat for special occasions.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Ghee

- Sugar

- Cardamom powder

- Nuts (pistachios, almonds)

Instructions: Roast besan in ghee until it turns golden and fragrant. Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to pull away from the pan's sides after adding the sugar and cardamom powder. Pour into a greased tray, level it, and let it cool. Once set, cut into squares and garnish with nuts.

 5. Besan Stuffed Paratha

Description: Besan Stuffed Paratha is an Indian flatbread stuffed with a spicy besan filling. It’s a wholesome meal that combines the goodness of whole wheat flour with the flavour of besan.

Ingredients:

- Whole wheat flour

- Besan

- Spices (turmeric, cumin, chilli powder)

- Chopped onions, coriander leaves

Instructions: Prepare dough from whole wheat flour. For the filling, mix besan with spices and chopped onions. Roll out the dough, place some filling in the center, and fold the edges over to seal. Roll out again carefully and cook on a hot griddle with ghee until golden brown on both sides.

6. Besan Dhokla

Description: Besan Dhokla is a savoury, steamed cake made from besan and yogurt. It is seasoned with spices and garnished with mustard seeds and curry leaves, making it a light and fluffy snack or breakfast item.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Yogurt

- Turmeric, cumin seeds

- Mustard seeds

- Curry leaves

- Green chillies

Instructions: Mix besan with yogurt, turmeric, and spices to form a batter. Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray and steam for about 15-20 minutes. Temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves then cut into pieces and serve with chutney.

7. Besan Halwa

Description: Besan Halwa is a rich and indulgent dessert made from besan, ghee, and sugar. It's flavoured with cardamom and often topped with nuts, making it a favourite sweet treat during festivals.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Ghee

- Sugar

- Cardamom powder

- Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions: Roast besan in ghee until it becomes aromatic and golden brown. Add sugar and cook until the mixture thickens and starts to come away from the sides of the pan. If preferred, garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm.

8. Besan Ke Kebab

Description: Besan Ke Kebabs are savoury, spiced kebabs made from besan and mixed with vegetables or paneer. They are excellent as a side dish or starter.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Spices (coriander, cumin, chilli powder)

- Chopped vegetables (carrots, peas) or paneer

- Salt

Instructions: Mix besan with spices and chopped vegetables or paneer to form a dough. Shape into kebabs and pan-fry or bake until golden brown. Serve with mint chutney.

9. Besan and Spinach Curry

Description: Besan and Spinach Curry is a flavorful dish combining besan with spinach in spiced gravy. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Spinach

- Onions

- Tomatoes

- Spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, chilli powder)

- Garlic, ginger

Instructions: Cook onions, garlic, and ginger until golden. Add tomatoes and spices, then stir in besan and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the curry is thickened. Serve with rice or roti.

10. Besan Khakharas

Description: Besan Khakharas are crisp, savoury crackers made from besan and spices. They make a great snack or accompaniment to tea.

Ingredients:

- Besan

- Spices (carom seeds, cumin, chilli powder)

- Salt

- Water

Instructions: Mix besan with spices and enough water to form a stiff dough. Roll out thinly and cut into strips or shapes. Bake or cook on a hot griddle until crispy and golden brown. Enjoy as a crunchy snack.

Conclusion

Besan, or gram flour, is a remarkably versatile ingredient, integral to many cuisines. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it perfect for a variety of dishes, from savoury snacks like pakoras and chillas to sweet treats like ladoos and barfis.

These top 10 besan recipes showcase its ability to create satisfying and flavorful meals. Whether you're preparing a quick breakfast or a special dessert, besan's nutritional benefits and culinary flexibility make it an excellent choice. Explore these recipes and enjoy the diverse and delicious ways besan can enhance your cooking.