Chickpea flour (also known as garbanzo bean flour or Bengal gram flour) is an amazing ingredient that can transform your recipes!  Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, allergic to eggs, or simply like new and exciting foods, this is one ingredient that you need to start using in your cooking and baking!

A vegan omelette made from chickpea flour with vegan cheese in the middle.

You’ll love chickpea flour because it is

  • high in plant-based protein.
  • full of fiber, iron, magnesium, and B6.
  • inexpensive compared to other gluten-free flours.
  • delicious in both sweet and savory dishes!

What is chickpea flour?

Chickpea flour is simply finely ground-dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans).  It has been used for centuries in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes.

Chickpea flour vs besan

Chickpea flour is a powder made from ground white chickpeas (garbanzo beans). While besan (also known as gram flour) is similar, it is made from ground brown chickpeas. They are similar, but not interchangeable in all recipes.

Uses for chickpea flour

  • An egg substitute to make vegan omelets and quiches.
  • A high-protein gluten-free bread replacement.
  • Mix with other gluten-free flour to increase the protein and help your baked goods bake up more similar to wheat products.
  • Use in sweet or savory baked goods.
  • Mix with equal parts water, it can be used as an egg replacer in your recipes. (2 tbsp chickpea flour mixed with 2 tbsp water = 1 egg).
A metal colander filled with fritters made with chickpea flour.
Curried Sweet Potato Chickpea Patties from Cupful of Kale

Is chickpea flour good for you?

Yes, it’s high in protein, iron, and fiber.  It’s also low in fat, has no cholesterol, and can be used as an egg substitute that is free of gluten and soy.

What you need to know about chickpea flour

The raw chickpea flour tastes terrible!  I can’t stress enough how bad any batter will taste when chickpea flour is in it!  It will magically turn delicious once it is cooked but don’t lick your fingers if you get some batter on them or you’ll regret it. 

You also have to ensure that whatever you make with this flour is cooked all the way!  If there is a little undercooked section in the middle, it will taste terrible and ruin your dish.

Pro tips for cooking with chickpea flour

  • Chickpea flour cooks and bakes better when you give the batter about 10 minutes to rest before cooking. This allows the flour to soak up the moisture and fully hydrate, producing a better flavor and texture.
  • Be sure to add the liquid slowly and stir well with a whisk when using chickpea flour to get out all of the clumps.

Can I use canned chickpeas instead?

No, hydrated cooked chickpeas are different than chickpea flour and can not be interchanged in these recipes.  You need to use dried chickpea flour and then rehydrate it into a batter.

Chocolate chickpea flour cookies with chocolate chips.
Double Chocolate Chickpea Flour Cookies from Occasionally Eggs

Where can I buy chickpea flour?

Although chickpea flour is not a traditional flour in the USA where I live, since gluten-free foods have become common, you can now find it in nearly every decent-sized conventional grocery store, healthy food, or natural grocery store. It’s usually with the specialty flours or in the Bob’s Red Mill section.  You can also easily order on Amazon.

How do I store chickpea flour?

Store your chickpea flour in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months.  It will stay good longer if kept in the refrigerator or freezer.

A collage of 4 pictures of recipes using chickpea flour in vegan meat, fritters, vegan French toast, and mini quiche cups.

Now let’s get to all of the awesome recipes that you can make with chickpea flour!

Sweet Chickpea Flour Recipes

Chickpea flour makes delicious desserts like these.

A vegan angel food cake with a slice cut out of it topped with vegan whipped cream and strawberries.
Vegan Angel Food Cake from The Hidden Veggies

Breakfast treats

The eggy taste of chickpea flour naturally makes great-tasting breakfast recipes.

Chickpea flour pancakes topped with peanut butter and berries.
Sweet Vegan Chickpea Flour Pancakes from Running on Real Food

Savory Chickpea Flour Recipes

Chickpea flour can also be fried or baked to simulate eggs in omelets and quiches.

Mini fritattas made with chickpea flour.
Mini Chickpea Flour Fritattas from The Simple Veganista

Chickpea flour bread

This flour makes the best gluten-free bread! Simply add some salt, spice, and water and bake to perfection.

Farinata with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Capers in an iron skillet.
Farinata with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Caper from Quite Good Food

Chickpea flour sauces and gravy

Chickpea flour is great for thickening sauces and gravy.

Gravy thickened with chickpea flour in a gravy boat with a plate of mashed potatoes and gravy.
Chickpea Flour Gravy from Watch. Learn. Eat.

Chickpea flour as a replacement for eggs

Chickpea flour is used as a binder instead of an egg in the following recipes.

Vegan egg drop soup in a white bowl with green onions behind it.
Vegan Egg Drop Soup from The Hidden Veggies

Appetizers

Make delicious appetizers from chickpea flour with these recipes.

Chickpea flour fries on a baking sheet.
Chickpea Fries from Hey Nutrition Lady

Meat substitutes

Use chickpea flour to add protein and density to vegan meat substitutes with these recipes.

A vegan ham made with chickpea flour and wheat gluten.
Maple Glazed Holiday Ham from Sunnyside Hanne

Chickpea flour crackers

Make your own homemade gluten-free cracker using these chickpea flour recipes.

Vegan fish crackers made with chickpea flour.
Homemade Gluten-Free Goldfish from Strength and Sunshine

Whatever you choose to make with chickpea flour, I’m sure it will be delicious!  I hope that you break out of your old routine and give it a try!  I know that you’ll love it!

đź“Ś Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for new vegan recipes!