Flour has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians ground grains such as wheat and barley into flour using rudimentary forms of grinding stones. Ancient Egyptians used this flour to make bread, a staple food.

Throughout history, flour production has become more sophisticated with the development of windmills and watermills. The Industrial Revolution changed how flour was produced, with roller mills and other machinery allowing for faster and more efficient production during the 19th century.

Due to this, flour became more affordable and accessible to people around the world. The origins of chickpea cultivation go back thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to the Bronze Age.

It is a popular ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine; chickpea flour has also gained popularity in the West in recent years. Popular plant-based diets are partially responsible for this since chickpea flour is a vegan-friendly alternative to wheat flour. Chickpea flour by Jaipur Chakki is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for celiac disease patients.

Chickpea Flour/Atta: Benefits, Uses and Best Chickpea Flour on Market 

Chickpea flour is a gluten-free flour that is a traditional ingredient in Indian cuisine. The main difference between them is that they’re made from two different types of chickpeas: kabuli chickpeas, which are the common tan-coloured chickpeas you’re probably most familiar with, 

and desi chickpeas, which are smaller and have rougher hulls.

So, what makes chickpea flour so special? Compared to wheat flour, it boasts a higher fibre content, is gluten-free, and contains more protein. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into chickpea flour, discussing its uses, nutritional value, and benefits. We’ll begin by taking a closer look at the flour itself and then explore how it’s traditionally used in dishes. 

After going through its use, we will check its nutritious value and health benefits. Finally, we’ll go over some of the best chickpea flour types to use and where you can buy this. 

What Is Chickpea Flour?

Chickpea flour is a popular ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine, and it is made by grinding dried chickpeas. 

Moreover, it’s also an excellent choice for people who are on gluten-free or vegan diets (as chickpea flour doesn’t contain gluten or products derived from animals). Many recipes can use it as a substitute for wheat flour, although some adjustments may be needed to get the right consistency and texture.

Uses of chickpea flour

If you like new and exciting foods, or if you are vegan, gluten-free, allergic to eggs, or simply like new and exciting ingredients, this is an ingredient you have to try! The following are five ways chickpea flour is commonly used:

1. Cooking

Chickpea flour is widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cooking. Thickening is one of its primary cooking applications. It is an excellent thickener for soups, stews, and sauces due to its high protein content and ability to absorb liquid. 

2. Baking

Chickpea flour can help people in baking, and it is also one of the most popular gluten-free substitutes for people using wheat flour. With Chickpea flour, we can make various gluten-free cakes, bread, cookies, muffins, etc. Chickpea flour has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, which can add depth to baked goods.

3. Flatbreads

Chickpea flour is used to make flatbreads in many parts of the world. It is used to make a socca dish that is a thin crispy pancake that consists of oil, water and chickpea flour. One more popular Italian plate of sweet and savoury pancakes is made with chickpea flour and olive oil. 

4. Vegan omelettes

Yes, we can substitute chickpea flour for eggs when we make omelettes. You have to take a bowl and mix the chickpea flour, water and seasonings of your choice, such as turmeric, paprika and cumin. You can also add some veggies, cheese, or other fillings to enhance the taste of omelettes. 

5. Snacks

There is a popular Indian snack called sattu made from roasted chickpea flour; the sattu chickpea flour is roasted until it turns golden brown. There are many ways to prepare it, such as a refreshing drink with water, sugar and lemon juice, or you can also use it as a savoury snack with spices. 

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Nutritional value in Chickpea Flour

Here’s a table showing the nutritional value of chickpea flour per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	387
Protein	22 g
Fat	6 g
Carbohydrates	58 g
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	10 g
Calcium	46 mg
Iron	4.3 mg
Magnesium	115 mg
Phosphorus	321 mg
Potassium	846 mg
Sodium	64 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Copper	0.7 mg
Manganese	1.5 mg
Selenium	4.8 mcg
Vitamin B1	0.4 mg
Vitamin B2	0.2 mg
Vitamin B3	1.1 mg
Vitamin B5	0.6 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Folate	557 mcg
Vitamin E	0.4 mg
Vitamin K	4.7 mcg

Note: Nutrient values may vary slightly depending on the source and processing of the chickpea flour.

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Benefits of Chickpea Flour

Chickpeas contain all nine amino acids, building blocks that help our bodies function correctly. Additionally, chickpeas have many vitamins and minerals. As well as choline, which helps your brain and nervous system work smoothly; Several health benefits can be derived from chickpeas because of their high nutritional content, including

1. Improves Heart Health- 

Healthy cholesterol levels are balanced, hypertension is reduced, and chickpeas prevent heart disease. A chickpea diet can prevent dangerous plaque buildup in the arteries, maintain healthy blood pressure levels, and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. High-Quality Protein Source- 

A cup of chickpea flour provides almost 41 per cent of your daily protein requirements, making it one of the vegans’ best plant-based protein sources. For our bodies to function correctly, protein is an essential macronutrient. Many vital processes occur in it, such as the growth and repair of cells, the production of hormones and enzymes, and the strengthening of bones.

3. Maintains Blood Sugar & Diabetes- 

The fibre in foods, especially soluble fibre, lowers cholesterol levels and slows the absorption of sugar into the body. It is crucial for people with diabetes and anyone suffering from metabolic syndrome or blood sugar challenges.

Starch in chickpea flour is a form of complex carbohydrate that is slowly digested and used by the body for energy over time in a more beneficial way than refined carbohydrates.

4. Enhances Brain Function- 

Chickpea flour is a good folate source for brain function. Studies have shown that folate can improve memory and cognitive function. Chickpea flour is a good source of iron, which is necessary for proper brain blood flow. It helps carry oxygen to the brain and supports healthy brain function.

5. Rich In Antioxidants- 

Antioxidants neutralise unstable molecules called free radicals, preventing or delaying cell damage. Although your body produces some antioxidants, you can also obtain them from food. Due to the high level of flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids in chickpeas, they are an excellent source of antioxidants. 

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Which is the best Chickpea Flour on the market?

You have many options if you are looking for the best chickpea flour. One company known for its high-quality chickpea flour has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business, Jaipur Chakki Atta Company.

Jaipur Chakki Atta Company is a family-owned business that has been present on the Indian market for more than three decades. Through the use of traditional stone grinding methods, they specialise in producing high-quality flour that is suitable for various kinds of food. Jaipur Chakki Atta Company uses traditional chakki stones to grind their flour instead of steel or iron rollers. In this way, it is ensured that the natural flavour and nutritional content of the flour will be preserved.

Among the various brands of chickpea flour on the market, Jaipur Chakki Atta Company’s chickpea flour stands out because of the quality of the chickpeas used. Several carefully selected farmers grow their chickpeas on nutrient-rich soil for them. This chickpea flour has been carefully cleaned and sorted before it is ground. 

Jaipur Chakki Atta Company’s chickpea flour can be used in various dishes, including traditional Indian recipes like pakoras and besan barfi, as well as in gluten-free baking recipes. The flour has a nutty flavour that goes well with various dishes.

Jaipur Chakki Atta Company’s chickpea flour is an excellent choice for those who place a premium on quality and want to incorporate nutritious foods into their diet. 

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