Gram Flour, known as Besan, is one of the most versatile flours in South Asian cooking ground from chickpeas (chana dal) and naturally gluten-free. It's the base for everything from crispy pakoras to soft dhokla and sweet laddoo.
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Yes — Besan is made from ground chickpeas and is naturally gluten-free. If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy, check the individual product page for cross-contamination information.
Besan is used for savoury dishes like pakoras, dhokla and kadhi, as well as sweets like besan laddoo, and even as a traditional skin cleanser.
Fine Besan is typically used for batters and sweets, while coarse Besan is sometimes preferred for certain textured dishes — check the specific recipe you're making.
Besan has a distinct nutty flavour and different binding properties than wheat flour, so it's not usually a direct 1:1 substitute — it's best used in recipes specifically designed for it.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; refrigeration can help extend freshness in warmer climates.
Roasted Besan has a deeper, nuttier flavour and is commonly used for sweets like besan laddoo and certain savoury dishes that benefit from a toasted taste.
Besan is typically mixed with water and spices to form a thick batter that vegetables or other ingredients are dipped into before frying — check individual recipes for specific ratios.
Yes — Besan is a traditional Ayurvedic ingredient used as a gentle cleansing face mask, often mixed with water, milk or yogurt. See our Herbal Skin Products > Cleansers page for more detail.
Yes — Gram Flour is naturally vegan, made purely from ground chickpeas.
Unopened Besan typically has a shelf life of several months to a year; check the best-before date on individual packaging, and store properly once opened.
Chickpeas are naturally higher in protein than many grain flours, though exact nutritional values vary by product — check the individual product's nutrition label.
Yes — Besan is the primary ingredient in traditional steamed dhokla, combined with yogurt, spices and a leavening agent.
This can happen if the Besan is old or improperly stored — always check freshness and store in an airtight container away from heat and moisture.
Organic certification availability varies by product — check the individual product page.
Yes — some recipes use Besan in baked goods for a distinct flavour and gluten-free structure, though it behaves differently than wheat flour in baking.