What Is Black Gram Besan?

Black gram besan is flour ground from raw, unroasted black gram, distinct from both the more familiar chickpea besan and from sattu, which starts with roasting before grinding.

What actually defines it

Ground from raw black gram, not roasted first, distinguishing it from sattu, which is roasted before grinding.
Heavier and earthier in flavour than the standard chickpea besan most Indian kitchens default to.
Absorbs more water in a batter than chickpea besan does, which changes texture if a recipe is not adjusted for it.
Used mainly in chilla and other savoury pancake style dishes, where its heavier body works well.
Needs cooking, unlike sattu, since it is a raw flour rather than a roasted, ready to eat one.
Rest the batter briefly after mixing, which gives the flour time to hydrate fully before it hits the pan.

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Black gram besan

Khutmili Farm II · Khutmili

Black Gram Besan

$1.24 · 1 KG

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Black gram besan questions

Is black gram besan the same as regular besan?: No, standard besan is usually chickpea flour. Black gram besan is a distinct, heavier flour ground from a different pulse.
Can black gram besan be eaten raw like sattu?: No, it needs cooking. Sattu is roasted before grinding, which is what makes it ready to eat as is.
Does black gram besan need more water in a batter?: Generally yes, it absorbs more liquid than chickpea besan, so recipes may need adjusting for consistency.
What dishes suit black gram besan best?: Chilla and other savoury pancake style dishes, where its heavier texture and earthy flavour work well.

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