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    Home | Food Facts | Food Substitutes

    What's The Best Chickpea Flour Substitute? 11 Options

    Published: Jul 29, 2022 · Modified: Apr 29, 2023 by Elle

    Jump to Recipe

    With so many different types of chickpea flour substitutes, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. We've got you covered. From Quinoa flour to Cassava flour, we've tried them all so that you don't have to. Let us help you find the perfect fit!

    best Chickpea Flour Substitute
    Jump to:
    • What Is Chickpea Flour?
    • List Best 11 Most Related Substitutes For Chickpea Flour
    • 1. Fava Bean Flour
    • 2. Oat Flour 
    • 3. Millet Flour
    • 4. Quinoa Flour
    • 5. Almond Flour
    • 6. Cassava Flour
    • 7. Brown Rice Flour
    • 8. Buckwheat Flour
    • 9. Wheat Flour
    • 10. Amaranth Flour
    • 11. Spelt Flour
    • People Also Ask [FAQs]
    • Wrap Up: Chickpea Flour Substitutes
    • Recipe

    What Is Chickpea Flour?

    Chickpea flour also called as besan, gram, or garbanzo bean flour is made from ground up chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. It's a popular ingredient in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and it's starting to become more mainstream in Western cooking. Chickpea flour is gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and has a nutty flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used as flour for baking, or as a thickener for soups and sauces. Chickpea flour is also sometimes called besan or gram flour. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, give chickpea flour a try - you might be surprised by how versatile it is!

    But what if you don't have access to any chickpea flour?

    Trying to find a good chickpea flour substitute can be really tough. 

    Most people don't have the time or energy to experiment with different types of flours in order to find the perfect one for their needs.

    We've tried 11 different types of chickpea flour substitutes so that you don't have to. From Fava bean flour to Cassava flour, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting and find the perfect chickpea flour substitute for you today!

    List Best 11 Most Related Substitutes For Chickpea Flour

    1. Fava Bean Flour

    As any baker knows, flour is a key ingredient in many recipes. It provides structure and helps to bind other ingredients together. However, not all flours are created equal. Chickpea flour, for example, is a type of flour made from ground chickpeas. It has a high protein content and is often used in gluten-free baking. Fava bean flour, on the other hand, is made from ground fava beans. It has a similar protein content to chickpea flour but is lower in calories and carbohydrates. As a result, it can be a great alternative for those looking to reduce their intake of carbs or calories.

    • Use equal amounts of fava bean flour and water to make a slurry. This will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent them from drying out.
    • Add extra liquid to the recipe to compensate for the lack of moisture in the fava bean flour. This will help to keep the finished product moist and delicious.
    • Use a smaller amount of fava bean flour than you would chickpea flour. Due to its high protein content, fava bean flour can make baked goods.

    2. Oat Flour 

    Oat flour is an excellent substitute for chickpea flour in any recipe. Here are some tips for using oat flour in place of chickpea flour:

    • For every cup of chickpea flour, substitute 1 cup of oat flour.
    • Oat flour is heavier than chickpea flour, so you may need to add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of liquid to your recipe.
    • Oat flour will add a bit of a nutty flavor to your recipe, so if you are looking for a more neutral flavor, try using rice flour instead.
    Oat Flour as a Chickpea Flour Substitute

    3. Millet Flour

    Millet flour is a great gluten-free alternative to chickpea flour, and can be used in a variety of recipes.

    • Millet flour can be used in place of chickpea flour in most recipes. Simply use the same amount of millet flour as you would chickpea flour.
    • Millet flour tends to be slightly sweeter than chickpea flour, so you may want to reduce the sugar in your recipe if you are using millet flour.
    • Millet flour can be used to make gluten-free breads, cakes, and cookies. It can also be used as a thickener for soups and sauces.
    • When storing millet flour, be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Millet flour can go bad quickly if it is exposed to moisture or humidity.

    4. Quinoa Flour

    Quinoa flour is a wonderful gluten-free substitute for chickpea flour. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. You can use it in flatbreads, pancakes, muffins, and more.

    • Quinoa flour can be substituted for chickpea flour in most recipes. Simply use the same amount of quinoa flour as you would chickpea flour.
    • When using quinoa flour in baked goods, you may need to add an extra egg or two to help the batter bind together.
    • Quinoa flour tends to absorb liquid quickly, so add wet ingredients slowly and mix until well combined.
    • Baked goods made with quinoa flour will have a slightly denser texture than those made with wheat flour. This is perfectly normal!
    Quinoa Flour as a Chickpea Flour Substitute

    5. Almond Flour

    Substitute chickpea flour with almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities or who are following a Paleo diet. Made from ground almonds, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

    • When baking with almond flour, it is important to add extra moisture in the form of eggs, oil, or nut butter. This will help to prevent the baked goods from becoming too dry.
    • Almond flour can be used as a 1:1 substitute for chickpea flour in most recipes. However, you may need to experiment with the proportions a bit to get the desired results.
    • To improve the rise and structure of baked goods made with almond flour, add a teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour. 
    • Almond flour can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life.

    6. Cassava Flour

    Cassava flour is a great substitute for chickpea flour. It has a similar taste and texture, and it's also gluten-free. Plus, it's easy to find cassava flour in most supermarkets.

    • When measuring by volume, use a 1:1 ratio of cassava flour to chickpea flour.
    • If you substitute cassava flour for chickpea flour in a recipe that calls for eggs, you may need to add an extra egg to help bind the ingredients together.
    • Cassava flour tends to absorb more liquid than other types of flour, so you may need to add a bit more liquid to your recipe when using it.
    • Finally, don't forget to sift the cassava flour before using it, just as you would with any other type of flour. This will help to ensure that your baked goods are light and fluffy.
    Cassava Flour as a Chickpea alternative

    7. Brown Rice Flour

    Brown rice flour is a great alternative to chickpea flour for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. It has a slightly nutty flavor and can be used in place of wheat flour in many recipes. Here are some tips for using brown rice flour:

    • When baking with brown rice flour, use a ratio of 1:1 with chickpea flour.
    • Brown rice flour is denser than chickpea flour, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipe. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of water or milk for every 1 cup of flour.
    • Brown rice flour can be used to make pancakes, waffles, quick breads, and cookies. It can also be used as a coating for fried foods.

    8. Buckwheat Flour

    Looking for a gluten-free flour alternative that is high in fiber and protein? Buckwheat flour may be the perfect solution! It is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Buckwheat flour can be used as a 1:1 replacement for chickpea flour in many recipes.

    • Buckwheat flour tends to be denser than other gluten-free flours, so it is important to add extra liquid to your recipes.
    • Be sure to sift the flour before using it, as it can be quite clumpy.
    • Buckwheat flour has a strong flavor, so it is best used in savory dishes rather than sweet ones.

    9. Wheat Flour

    Wheat flour is a great substitute for chickpea flour.

    • When using wheat flour as a substitute for chickpea flour, use a 1:1 ratio.
    • Wheat flour is not as absorbent as chickpea flour, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipe.
    • If you're making a savory dish, consider adding some additional spices or herbs to compensate for the loss of flavor that comes with using wheat flour instead of chickpea flour.

    10. Amaranth Flour

    If you're looking for a gluten-free flour option that is high in protein and fiber, then replace chickpea flour with amaranth flour. This nutrient-rich flour can be used in a variety of recipes, from pancakes to pasta.

    • When using amaranth flour in place of chickpea flour, use a 1:1 ratio.
    • Amaranth flour can be combined with other gluten-free flours to create a custom blend.
    • This flour tends to absorb more liquid than other gluten-free flours, so you may need to add additional liquid to your recipe.
    • Amaranth flour can be used as a binding agent in recipes such as veggie burgers or meatballs.
    Amaranth Flour as a replacement flour for Chickpea flour

    11. Spelt Flour

    Spelt flour is a great alternative to chickpea flour and can be used in many of the same ways.

    • When baking, use about ¼ cup less spelt flour than you would chickpea flour.
    • It is denser than chickpea flour, so it may not rise as much. You can add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder per cup of spelt flour to help with this.
    • It has a nutty flavor that goes well with savory dishes like veggie burgers or pancakes. If you're using it in a sweet recipe, try adding a little extra sugar or spice to balance out the flavor.
    • Because spelt flour is denser than chickpea flour, it's best to sift it before using. This will help to prevent your baked goods from turning out dense and heavy.

    People Also Ask [FAQs]

    Is Chickpea Flour Healthy?

    Chickpea flour is a healthy option because it contains more protein and fiber than refined wheat flour.

    Is Chickpea Flour Gluten-Free?

    Chickpea flour is also gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

    Wrap Up: Chickpea Flour Substitutes

    • There are many substitutes for chickpea flour, depending on your needs.
    • If you're looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa flour, almond flour, buckwheat or amaranth flour are good choices.
    • For a high-protein flour, try using spelt flour or wheat flour.
    • And if you need a binding agent for recipes like veggie burgers or meatballs, wheat flour is a good option. Whatever flour you choose, be sure to sift it before using it to prevent your baked goods from turning out dense and heavy.
    • It's easy to make your own at home - just roast some chickpeas and blend them up.
    • Follow these simple tips and you'll be able to successfully use one of the flours as a substitute for chickpea flour in all of your favorite recipes.
    • Do you have any favorite recipes that use one of the alternatives? Share them in the comments below!

    Recipe

    How To Make Chickpea Flour

    How To Make Chickpea Flour

    Elle
    Making your own chickpea flour is easy - all you need is a blender and some dried chickpeas.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Flour
    Cuisine Indian, Mediterranean
    Servings 1
    Calories 269 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup chickpeas or garbanzo beans

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes, or until they're dry and slightly browned.
    • Let the chickpeas cool, then place them in a blender or food processor and pulse until they're finely ground.
    • Sift the flour through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any large pieces, then store it in an airtight container for up to six months.

    Notes

    Make sure to allow the chickpeas to cool completely after roasting so that any moisture is removed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 477mgFiber: 12gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 44IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword Homemade Chickpea flour, How to make chickpea flour
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dana

      February 22, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      This did not turn out at all. It never cooked staying together. It tasted ok but it was like hash than anything else. Not sure what happened. Will try again.

      Reply
      • Elle

        February 22, 2023 at 8:00 pm

        Hi Dana,

        Thank you for your comment - Sorry this happened!

        There are two main reasons for the chickpea flour turning out like this:

        1 - The chickpeas have not cooked long enough in the oven: this means the inner part is not dry, and any moisture makes it impossible to create flour, as it will make it ''pasty''. Next time, try roasting the chickpeas for the flour a little longer.
        2 - The chickpeas were not cool: After roasting, the chickpeas have to cool down completely. Sometimes they can feel cool to the touch but their core is still warm. Next time, try allowing extra time for them to cool down.

        When you give the recipe another try, please let me know how it turns out with these little changes.

        Best, Elle

        Reply

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