Besan or Gram Flour is a very popular, commonly used ingredient in Indian cooking. It is usually made by grinding Bengal Gram or Chana Daal into a powder and has a lovely nutty flavor. Besan is not just used in savory dishes but also in some famous Indian desserts. Here are some recipes that call for it...
This nutritious snack from Gujarat in Western India is popular all over the country. Serve it with Tamarind and Mint-coriander Chutneys.
Mirchi Ka Pakoda is a delicious snack for those of you who enjoy the heat of green chillies! Perfect when teamed with hot cup of Masala Chai on a cold day. Make Mirchi Ka Pakoda with pickling green chillies for extra heat or with the "sweet" banana chillies for a milder taste which is just as enjoyable.
The Bread Pakoda Sandwich is an Indian twist on a western concept! This delicious snack is also wholesome enough to eat as a meal. Serve it with Tamarind or Mint-Coriander Chutney.
Soti Boti literally means 'pieces on a stick'! This delicious Punjabi (north Indian) snack is very popular and terrific to serve as an appetizer at your next dinner party. This recipe will serve 4.
Serve this nutritious dish with piping hot plain boiled rice. Versions of this Kadhi are made in both Northern and Western India. Kadhi can also be made without the Pakodis (fritters).
This tangy curry is traditionally made by the Sindhi community from Northern India. Serve it with a long-grained, fragrant rice like Basmati. Since it's full of vegetables and made with tomatoes and gram flour, it's also nutritious.
Eat this crispy okra dish with plain boiled rice and your favorite Daal (lentil dish) and you've got a tasty and nutritious meal.
This delicious recipe is courtesy my dear friend Lekha Menon. It's easy to cook and so tasty, I for one could eat it all by itself. You of course, can choose to combine it with hot Chapatis or rice and your favorite Daal!
Besan Ka Laddoo is an all-time favourite and made on several special occasions and festivals. The trick to getting this sweet right is in browning the besan (gram flour) perfectly.
