John Myers
Chickpea flour is versatile and healthy thanks to its high nutrient content. Find out in which dishes the flour alternative is used and how you can make it yourself.
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That’s why chickpea flour is healthy
Unlike wheat flour, chickpea flour is not made from grain but from legumes. These are high in protein, fiber and nutrients.
- Chickpeas are naturally gluten-free. This makes the flour suitable for people with gluten intolerance.
- Chickpea flour contains 19 grams of protein per 100 grams, making it a high quality vegetable protein source.
- 100 grams of chickpea flour contains 16 grams of fiber. These have a positive effect on digestion and keep you full for a long time.
- The flour alternative made from legumes contains valuable nutrients such as magnesium, iron and calcium
- Chickpea flour contains twice the protein of white wheat flour and about five times the fiber.
- The carbohydrate content of chickpea flour is about 30 grams less than that of wheat flour. Therefore, the flour is often used in the low-carb diet.
Use of chickpea flour
Chickpea flour is very versatile and is used in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Chickpea flour has a slightly nutty taste and is therefore often used in savory dishes. It can be used for gluten free bread, pizza dough, patties or savory muffins.
- The flour is also used in sweet dishes such as pancakes, puddings or cakes.
- Chickpea flour serves as a vegan egg substitute because it binds a lot of liquid. Mix one tablespoon of flour with one tablespoon of water to replace one egg.
- Chickpea flour is used as a vegan binding agent in sauces, soups and dips.
- In many recipes, you can completely replace wheat flour with chickpea flour. However, keep in mind the higher water-binding capacity of the flour. 75 grams of chickpea flour replace 100 grams of wheat flour.
- Chickpeas contain lectins that are toxic to the body if unheated. Therefore, never eat the flour raw or buy flour made from roasted chickpeas.
How to make chickpea flour yourself
You can easily make chickpea flour at home. All you need is a stand mixer and raw chickpeas.
- Place the dry chickpeas in a high powered blender.
- Chop the legumes in the blender until a fine flour is formed. This process takes about a minute.
- Be sure to heat the flour you make yourself before consuming it.
