6 delicious besan recipes for a perfect Indian lunch

Besan, or gram flour, is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Made from ground chickpeas, besan is rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic ingredient for a variety of dishes.
Besan nutrition
Besan, also known as gram flour, is packed with essential nutrients. It is a rich source of protein, making it an excellent option for vegetarians.Besan is also high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Additionally, it contains important vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients help support various bodily functions, including muscle function, oxygen transport, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Moreover, besan is low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for managing blood sugar levels. Also, when used topically, besan is a popular ingredient in natural skincare remedies. It can help exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce oiliness, and improve skin texture, contributing to a clearer and brighter complexion. And, besan contains various antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Here are 6 delightful besan recipes that are perfect for a hearty and satisfying lunch.
Besan Chilla
Besan chilla is a popular North Indian dish that serves as a quick and nutritious lunch option. To make besan chilla, mix gram flour with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Add water to form a smooth batter and season with salt, turmeric, and cumin seeds. Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter, spreading it evenly to make a thin pancake. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with green chutney or yoghurt.
Kadhi Pakora
Kadhi Pakora is a comforting and flavourful dish from Punjab. It consists of fried pakoras simmered in a tangy yoghurt-based gravy. To prepare the pakoras, mix besan with chopped onions, green chillies, and spices. Deep-fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden brown. For the kadhi, blend yoghurt with gram flour, turmeric, and water, then cook with sauteed onions, garlic, ginger, and spices until thickened. Add the pakoras to the kadhi and simmer for a few minutes. Serve with steamed rice or roti.

Besan Stuffed Paratha
Besan stuffed paratha is a tasty and filling dish that makes for a satisfying lunch. Prepare the stuffing by mixing gram flour with finely chopped onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, and spices. Roll out dough balls into small circles, place a spoonful of the besan mixture in the center, and fold the edges over to seal. Roll out again into a flatbread and cook on a hot tawa with ghee until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with pickles and yoghurt.
Pithla
Pithla is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that is both hearty and comforting. To make pithla, mix gram flour with water to form a smooth batter. In a pan, heat oil and saute mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, and green chillies. Add onions and cook until golden brown. Pour in the besan batter, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens into a smooth curry. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with bhakri (millet flatbread) or rice.

Gatte Ki Sabzi
Gatte Ki Sabzi is a popular Rajasthani dish featuring gram flour dumplings in a spicy yoghurt-based curry. To make the gattas, knead gram flour with spices and a little oil into a dough, then shape into logs and boil until cooked. Cut the logs into small pieces and set aside. For the curry, saute onions, garlic, and ginger in oil, then add yoghurt mixed with gram flour, turmeric, and spices. Cook until the gravy thickens, then add the gattas and simmer for a few minutes. Serve with roti or rice.
Besan Bhindi
Besan bhindi is a flavourful and nutritious dish made with okra and gram flour. To prepare, slit the okra lengthwise and coat them with a mixture of gram flour, turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Heat oil in a pan and saute the okra until they are tender and slightly crispy. The gram flour coating adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavour of the okra. Serve with roti or as a side dish with rice.