Besan (gram flour) is one of the most underrated ingredients in the Indian kitchen. Most families use it primarily for pakoras and kadhi, but this protein-rich flour has dozens of applications, from main courses to desserts to skincare.

1. Besan Chilla (Savoury Pancakes)

Mix besan with water, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and a pinch of turmeric. Pour on a hot tawa like a dosa. Ready in 3 minutes. High protein breakfast that kids love.

2. Missi Roti

Combine besan with wheat atta (roughly 1:2 ratio), add ajwain, chopped onions, and green chillies. This Rajasthani staple is more nutritious than regular roti and has a distinctive earthy flavour.

3. Besan Ladoo

Slowly roast besan in ghee until golden and fragrant. Mix with powdered sugar and cardamom. Shape into balls. This traditional sweet is a fixture during festivals and requires just three ingredients.

4. Dhokla

The iconic Gujarati snack is essentially fermented besan, steamed and tempered. Light, spongy, and healthy. Modern instant versions use Eno or baking soda instead of overnight fermentation.

5. Kadhi Pakora

While kadhi itself is a well-known besan preparation, the art of getting silky smooth kadhi without lumps is worth mastering. The trick: always add besan-curd mixture to cold water before heating.

6. Sev and Gathiya

These crunchy snacks are made from seasoned besan dough pressed through a sev maker into hot oil. Once you learn the technique, store-bought sev will never taste the same.

7. Besan Halwa

A rich, aromatic dessert made by roasting besan in generous ghee, then adding sugar syrup and dry fruits. Takes patience (20-25 minutes of continuous stirring) but the result is worth it.

8. Paneer Bhurji Thickener

A tablespoon of besan added to paneer bhurji or any dry sabzi gives it body and a subtle nutty flavour. It also helps the spices coat the vegetables better.

9. Traditional Face Pack

Besan mixed with curd and a pinch of turmeric has been an Indian skincare staple for centuries. It gently exfoliates, absorbs oil, and brightens skin. Used as an ubtan before modern facewash existed.

10. Coating for Pan-Fried Vegetables

Instead of breadcrumbs, dust vegetables (paneer, potato, baby corn) in seasoned besan before shallow frying. Creates a lighter, crispier coating that stays crunchy longer.

Nandi Besan is made from premium desi chana, stone-ground for the right texture. Whether you are making delicate ladoos or crispy pakoras, the grind consistency matters. See product details.