What is gram flour?

Gram flour is another name for chickpea flour, garbanzo flour and besan. It is made by grinding dried chickpeas into fine, pale yellow powder. Some people who make gram flour, roast the dried chickpeas lightly first before grinding. Gram flour is commonly used in cooking Indian, Bangladesh and Pakistani dishes.

Moroccans use gram flour for making kalinti, which is like a flan or quiche. Others mix it with water and use it as coating for fried vegetables, such as the pakoras. It is also used for making flatbreads and pancakes, which is called Chila in India. Gram flour is also gluten-free, thus making it an alternative ingredient for those with celiac disease.