Chickpea Flour: Try These 15 Recipes for Fritters, French Toast, and More! (2024)

There are a lot of gluten-free flours out there. There’s almond flour, rice flour, coconut flour, and moreand each flour has its own “specialty.”So, if you’re new to gluten-free flours, you might not be sure where to start. If you’re like us, you probably love things like fritters, crispy, crunchy breaded-and-fried snacks, French toast, quiches … We get hungry just thinking about all these things. Usually, these types of recipes require eggs. But, did you know that you can use chickpea flour? Oh, yeah.

Chickpea flour is made from chickpeas that are ground down into a fine flour. You can make it at home, in a powerful blender or food processor, but it can be noisy and time-consuming. If you’re not up for that, then you can find it in grocery stores or online. Not only can chickpea flour play a part in gluten-free baking, it also makes a great substitute for egg in recipes that require a batter. So, you can have French toast, fritters, and anything battered and fried —just use chickpea flour instead! It can even be “scrambled” for breakfast, like this Chickpea Flour Scramble. Yum!

The ways we use chickpea flour goes beyond acting as an egg substitute. For example, did you know that you can make flatbread and falafels? We’re impressed and we bet you are, too. You must be thinking, “where are these amazing chickpea flour recipes?!” Don’t worry — they’re right here.

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App – with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!

So, check out these 15 recipes that use chickpea flour and get inspired to start cookin’!

1. Fried ‘Chicken’

This vegan Fried “Chicken”is magical. It’s made from textured vegetable protein wrapped in rice paper wrappers, which helps make an awesome, crispy skin. They’redredged in a batter of chickpea flour before being dunked in an herby flour coating. If you miss fried chicken, this recipe is a must-try.

2. Challah French Toast

Source:Challah French Toast

Even people who don’t eat challah regularly know it’s one of the best breads for French toast. It’s soft and soaks up the batter, yet it’s hearty and can hold it all. The batter for this Challah French Toastby Rhea Parsons uses a chickpea flour-based batter to make it all happen. It tastes very eggy and if you have black salt, even more so. A little cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg add more delicious flavor. This French toast is crispy but tender; the challah is so light and delicious! The batter is perfect and topped with maple syrup and fresh fruit, so it’s the perfect breakfast or brunch dish.

3.Khaman Dhokla: Indian Steamed Chickpea Flour Cake

Source:Khaman Dhokla

Rinku Bhattacharya‘s Khaman Dhokla is a savory, sweet, and spiced Indian cake. Gluten-free eaters will rejoice this delightful light and fluffy cake because it’s a power-packed comfort food without the use of gluten.Khaman or khaman dhokla, is an easier version of the traditional dhokla, which is made of soaked fermented split gram lentils or channa dal. In this instance, garbanzo bean flour or besan is whisked into yogurt and then leavened. The rising agent is fruit salts, also known aseno, which reacts with the lime in the batter to produce a bubbling effect to create the soft spongy texture.

4. Creamy Chocolate Bars

Source:Creamy Chocolate Bars

Once you make Margaux Morton‘sCreamy Chocolate Bars, you will not be able to keep yourself from grabbing one from the freezer every time you pass by! They’re held together with chickpea flour, but you’d never guess that from the taste. The creaminess of the avocado, the pinch of spice, and of course, the chocolate, make a deliciously addicting combo. And the sticky-sweet dried cranberry topping just puts this dessert over the top!

5. Chickpea Flour Quiche

Source:Chickpea Flour Quiches

Chrysta Hiser‘s little Chickpea Flour Quiches are like an omelet in a snackable portable form. They’re a little crispy and they taste eggy without the use of eggs. These are ridiculously filling, yet surprisingly light. Just one should be enough to satisfy you when you’re feeling peckish, but they’re so good, you won’t want to stop there.

6. Baked Potato Falafel

Source:BakedPotato Falafel

Elsa Brobbey‘s savory BakedPotato Falafel are a wonderful twist on the traditional kind. They’re baked, soft on the inside with a lightly crispy texture on the outside, and so very satisfying. They’re great as an appetizer with a tangy tahini dip, stuffed in a veggie loaded sandwich, or tossed in a salad.

7. Crispy Chickpea Fries

Source:Crispy Chickpea Fries

Crunchy on the outside with a fluffy interior, Sheri Silver‘sCrispy Chickpea Fries are absolutely delicious! They’re simple with a slight zest and their shape stays intact through frying for a very snackable dish. Enjoy these as a fun side dish or make a big batch just to munch on.

8.Crespelle With Spinach, Ricotta, and Marinara

Source:Crespelle

A crespelle is the Italian version of a savory crepe. They’re light, delicious, and much faster to make than homemade pasta. These Crespelleby the Cruelty Free Family are stuffed with a creamy cashew-based ricotta and spinach, smothered in your favorite marinara sauce and even more cheese! They are delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make.

9. Onion Pakora With Avocado Dipping Sauce

Source:Onion Pakora

A pakora is an Indian snack that’s essentially a vegetable dipped in chickpea flour, so they’re naturally gluten-free, and then deep-fried until crispy. These Onion Pakora by the Cruelty Free Familyare spiced with garlic, cumin, and curry powder and served with a cool, spicy, and creamy avocado dip. These are perfect as an appetizer or snack at any party.

10. Tempeh ‘Fish’ N’ Chips With Tartar Sauce

Source:Tempeh “Fish” N’ Chips

Kelp flakes and Old Bay seasoning bring back the flavors of the sea, and the results are delicious in this Tempeh “Fish” N’ Chipsby Rhea Parsons. The “fish” is crunchy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. The chips are crispy and flavorful and the tartar sauce is perfect for dipping.

11. Roasted Poblano Cilantro Empanadas

Source:Roasted Poblano Cilantro Empanadas

Stephanie McKinnie‘sRoasted Poblano Cilantro Empanadas are full of flavorful goodness! The poblano adds the yummiest roasted pepper flavor and the combination of poblano, cilantro, and melty vegan cheese cannot be beaten. The slaw becomes a beautiful bright pink and adds the much needed fresh crunchy quality to the mix. The beauty of empanadas is that they are easy to reheat, which makes them great for when you’re on the go.

12. Spicy Cauliflower Fritters

Source:Spicy Cauliflower Fritters

Tina Dawson‘sSpicy Cauliflower Fritters are bound to become your new weeknight favorite. They’re super quick to make and are deliciously addictive. Seasoned with turmeric and paprika, these fritters definitely have a bite to them! Once you’re done with these, try a different vegetable!

13. Upside Down Pear Cake

Source:Upside Down Pear Cake

Don’t throw away those over-ripe or bruised pears! Valentina Goltara‘s Upside Down Pear Cake is the perfect way to ensure that they don’t go to waste. The gluten-free cake is moist and delicious and the pears are slightly caramelized from baking in the oven. If spices are your thing, then feel free to mix pinches of your favorite flavors into the batter; cardamom and cinnamon are both highly recommended. You could even try using your favorite fruit to make this cake!

14. Chickpea Flatbread

Source:Chickpea Flatbread

It can be tough finding gluten-free bread in stores. In comes Natasha Condie‘s Chickpea Flatbread! This “bread” is slightly dense, but has that great crumbly crunchy texture that you’ll love Since it’s incredibly easy to change the seasoning in this, the sky is the limit. This one is a garlic-parsley version that goes great with pasta.

15. Mushroom Mozzarella Pizza

Source:Mushroom Mozzarella Pizza

The inspiration for Buffy-Ellen Gill‘s Mushroom Mozzarella Pizza came from the farinata, a chickpea-based flatbread that’s eaten in Italy. It’s so simple to make with only five ingredients and is naturally gluten-free. The topping marries pizza bianca, a pizza crust with just mozzarella with mushroom pizza and the result is fantastic. It’s a blend of meaty texture with fresh, subtle herbs and a creamy cheese sauce and it’ll become your go-to recipe for pizza night.

More Related Resources:

Check out the following resources and don’t forget to check out our veganrecipes and food archives for most recent content:

  • 15 Protein-Packed Vegan Recipes That Feature Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, and More Pulses!
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  • 15 Gluten-Free Chickpea Flour Recipes!

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Chickpea Flour: Try These 15 Recipes for Fritters, French Toast, and More! (2024)

FAQs

Can I use chickpea flour instead of all purpose flour for frying? ›

Chickpea Flour is made from ground, dried chickpeas and is naturally gluten-free and protein packed, and it is regarded as a healthy choice for everything from baking to frying.

How much chickpea flour equals all purpose flour? ›

So, if you are going to use chickpea flour in a recipe that calls for all purpose flour, use half. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of all purpose flour you would then just use 1/2 cup chickpea flour.

Is chickpea flour hard to digest? ›

Researchers noted that because chickpea flour maintains the structure of its dietary fiber, creating a form of resistant starch, it takes longer to digest compared to wheat flour. This is similar to other types of “alternative flours” made from non-wheat sources, such as cassava, black beans, peas, and lentils.

What does chickpea flour do for your face? ›

Besan, also known as Gram Flour, is made by pounding chickpeas. It combats various skin issues, including excess oil production, acne, blemishes, and dark spots, and works best as anti-ageing.

Is chickpea flour good for deep frying? ›

And, like the versatile chickpea itself, chickpea flour has many uses. It can tightly bind ingredients, thicken soups and stews, and make batters that are perfect for frying to a satisfyingly golden result.

Is chickpea flour high carb? ›

Chickpea Flour Is 44% Lower in Carbs Than Regular Flour — Plus It's Packed With Protein. When it comes to pantry staples, all-purpose flour often reigns supreme. But while it's easy to incorporate into many dishes, it's not particularly nutrient-packed.

How does chickpea flour affect baking? ›

The thing to remember about chickpea flour is that it is naturally dense. It also has a stickier texture than wheat-based all-purpose flour when you add it to liquid. As a result, it works well as a binder in recipes to replace heavy flours like rye or teff – use it in a 1:1 ratio.

Does chickpea flour go bad? ›

When stored in a cool, dry and dark place, an unopened pack of chickpea flour can last up to 1 year past the printed date on the package. However, once opened, it should be used within 6 months for best quality. If you've frozen your chickpea flour, it can last for an impressive 2 years.

What is the shelf life of chickpea flour? ›

If you store it in an airtight food storage container, chickpea flour has a shelf life of approximately six months. If it's stored in the refrigerator or freezer, chickpea flour will stay fresh for about one to two years.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating chickpeas? ›

Some people are allergic to legumes, including chickpeas. Eating chickpeas if you have an intolerance may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and itching of the skin. It is best to seek a doctor's advice before eating chickpeas because allergic reactions can be intense and sometimes even life-threatening.

Why does chickpea flour give me gas? ›

Chickpeas are made up of oligosaccharides, sugars that are also found in other foods like rye, onions, and garlic. Since they are highly concentrated in chickpeas, a lot of it has to pass through our system, causing longer and more severe bouts of bloating or uneasiness.

Is chickpea flour laxative? ›

Chickpeas are rich in total and soluble fiber as well as in resistant starch, all of which contribute to the low glycemic index of this flour. The fiber in beans also makes them a heavyweight in terms of helping with digestion, preventing constipation and even aiding in weight loss since they fill you up.

Does chickpea flour remove facial hair? ›

CHICKPEA FLOUR (BESAN) AND TURMERIC

Delve into this traditional Indian method used to remove facial hair. Combine equal amounts of chickpea flour, and turmeric then add water to make a paste. Apply to the areas where you want to remove hair and leave on until it dries. Gently rinse off with warm water.

Are chickpeas anti-aging? ›

Chickpeas are rich in magnesium which helps reduce the fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Are chickpeas good for anti-aging? ›

Filling, full of fiber, and an easy addition to your anti-aging diet, chickpeas should be part of every health-conscious individual's meal plan. Chickpeas boast anti-aging powerhouse ALA, as well as plenty of waist-friendly protein, which can help you hit your goal weight in no time.

How to substitute chickpea flour for all-purpose flour? ›

You can usually substitute half the amount of plain flour in a recipe for chickpea flour. But, be warned, it can suck up a lot of moisture, so it may not be right for every recipe – especially if you're making a cake or bread.

What can I use instead of all-purpose flour for frying? ›

FLOUR SUBSTITUTES FOR BREADING/BATTER
  • Panko Bread Crumbs – Is there anything you can't do with panko bread crumbs?! ...
  • Cracker Crumbs – Ritz? ...
  • Crushed Cereal – Here's the perfect way to put your leftover cereal crumbs to work! ...
  • Cornstarch – If you're breading chicken or pork, try a Korean-style batter.

What can I use instead of flour when frying? ›

You easily can use cornstarch instead of flour as a coating for fried chicken, fried fish, or other fried dishes. Cornstarch will create a crisper coating that will hold up to sauces better and will absorb less of the frying oil (leading to a lower-fat meal).

What is a substitute for flour when frying? ›

Good substitutes for frying include cornstarch, potato starch, and rice flour. Alternatives in baking include rice flour, chestnut flour, and all-purpose flour. Keto-friendly substitutes include almond flour, chia seed flour, psyllium husk powder, hazelnut flour, coconut flour and flaxseed meal.

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