BESAN (MATAR)

Gram flour is a pulse flour made from ground chickpeas or chana dahl. It is also known as chickpea flour, garbanzo flour, or besan (in Kannada: ಕಡ್ಲೆ ಹಿಟ್ಟು (Kadle Hittu); Tamil: தமிழ் - கடலை மாவு (Kadalai Maavu); Bengali: বেসন beshon). Used in many countries, it is a staple ingredient in Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisines. Gram flour can be made from either raw chickpeas or roasted chickpeas. The roasted variety is more flavorful, while the raw variety has a slightly bitter taste.

In the form of a paste with water or yogurt, it is also popular as a facial exfoliant in the Indian Subcontinent. When mixed with an equal proportion of water, it can be used as an egg replacer in vegan cooking.

Chila (or chilla), a pancake made with gram flour batter, is a popular street and fast food in India.

Gram flour contains a high proportion of carbohydrates but no gluten. Despite this, in comparison to other flours, it has a relatively high proportion of protein.