Welcome to a delicious exploration of gram flour vegan recipes! If you’re passionate about plant-based cooking or simply looking to add more variety and nutrition to your meals, you’re in for a treat.
Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour or besan, is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and gaining popularity worldwide for its versatility and nutritious profile. From savory pancakes to crispy fritters and fluffy omelets, gram flour is a powerhouse in vegan kitchens.
Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also protein-rich, making it perfect for those seeking wholesome and satisfying meals. In this post, I’ll share my favorite tried-and-true gram flour vegan recipes that are simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Let’s dive into the world of chickpea flour magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Gram flour is naturally high in plant protein, making these recipes filling and nourishing.
- Versatile and Customizable: From breakfast pancakes to crunchy snacks and even vegan “eggs,” you’ll find a gram flour recipe for every craving.
- Gluten-Free: All recipes featured here are naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with sensitivities or looking to avoid wheat.
- Quick and Easy: Most of these dishes come together in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Budget-Friendly: Gram flour is affordable and widely available, so you can enjoy gourmet plant-based meals without breaking the bank.
- Flavorful: With a mild, nutty taste, gram flour pairs beautifully with herbs, spices, and vegetables for endless flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Recipe | Ingredients |
---|---|
1. Vegan Besan Chilla (Savory Pancake) |
|
2. Vegan Gram Flour Omelet |
|
3. Baked Gram Flour Veggie Fritters |
|
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet (for fritters)
- Oven (for fritters)
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for vegetables)
Instructions
Vegan Besan Chilla (Savory Pancake)
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup gram flour, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add 1/2 cup water, whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Add Veggies: Stir in the chopped onion, green chili, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a few drops of oil.
- Cook the Chilla: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet. Spread gently into a circle about 6 inches wide. Drizzle a little oil around the edges.
- Flip: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove and serve hot with chutney or vegan yogurt.
Vegan Gram Flour Omelet
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup gram flour, 1/2 tsp black salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 3/4 cup water. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Veggies: Fold in the diced bell pepper and chopped spinach.
- Heat Pan: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out gently to form a thick round omelet.
- Cook: Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the edges are set and the bottom is golden.
- Flip: Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
- Serve: Slide onto a plate and serve warm, topped with fresh herbs.
Baked Gram Flour Veggie Fritters
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine gram flour, baking powder, salt, coriander, and chili flakes. Add water and whisk until smooth.
- Add Veggies: Stir in grated carrots, zucchini, and green onions. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Scoop and Shape: Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve warm with a vegan dipping sauce or chutney.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: Add garam masala, curry powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor in any of these recipes.
- Veggie Swaps: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—spinach, kale, bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn all work well.
- Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or mint can add a refreshing twist.
- Batter Consistency: Adjust the water to get a pourable yet thick batter for pancakes and omelets, and a slightly thicker mix for fritters.
- Oil-Free Option: For an oil-free approach, use a good non-stick pan or bake instead of frying.
- Cheesy Touch: Stir in nutritional yeast for a subtle “cheesy” flavor.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch of batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days for quick meals.
- For more healthy vegan cooking inspiration, check out Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or these Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipes!
“The key to perfect gram flour pancakes or omelets is a smooth, lump-free batter and a well-heated skillet. Don’t rush the cooking process—let the base set before flipping.”
Nutrition Facts
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup gram flour, 1/2 tsp black salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 3/4 cup water. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Veggies: Fold in the diced bell pepper and chopped spinach.
- Heat Pan: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out gently to form a thick round omelet.
- Cook: Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the edges are set and the bottom is golden.
- Flip: Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes.
- Serve: Slide onto a plate and serve warm, topped with fresh herbs.
Baked Gram Flour Veggie Fritters
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine gram flour, baking powder, salt, coriander, and chili flakes. Add water and whisk until smooth.
- Add Veggies: Stir in grated carrots, zucchini, and green onions. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Scoop and Shape: Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve warm with a vegan dipping sauce or chutney.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: Add garam masala, curry powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor in any of these recipes.
- Veggie Swaps: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—spinach, kale, bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn all work well.
- Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or mint can add a refreshing twist.
- Batter Consistency: Adjust the water to get a pourable yet thick batter for pancakes and omelets, and a slightly thicker mix for fritters.
- Oil-Free Option: For an oil-free approach, use a good non-stick pan or bake instead of frying.
- Cheesy Touch: Stir in nutritional yeast for a subtle “cheesy” flavor.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch of batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days for quick meals.
- For more healthy vegan cooking inspiration, check out Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or these Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipes!
“The key to perfect gram flour pancakes or omelets is a smooth, lump-free batter and a well-heated skillet. Don’t rush the cooking process—let the base set before flipping.”
Nutrition Facts
“The key to perfect gram flour pancakes or omelets is a smooth, lump-free batter and a well-heated skillet. Don’t rush the cooking process—let the base set before flipping.”
Nutrient | Besan Chilla (1) | Gram Flour Omelet (1) | Veggie Fritter (2 pieces) |
---|---|---|---|
Calories | 140 | 160 | 110 |
Protein | 7g | 8g | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 20g | 22g | 16g |
Fiber | 3g | 3g | 2g |
Fat | 4g | 6g | 2g |
Sodium | 340mg | 370mg | 210mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on your ingredients and portion size.
Serving Suggestions
- Besan Chilla: Serve hot with cilantro-mint chutney, tomato salsa, or a dollop of vegan yogurt for breakfast or brunch.
- Gram Flour Omelet: Pair with roasted potatoes, avocado toast, or atop a bed of fresh greens for a protein-rich lunch.
- Veggie Fritters: Enjoy as a light snack, party appetizer, or pack for lunch with a side of spicy ketchup or vegan ranch.
- Side Dishes: These recipes are perfect alongside Vegetable Alfredo Recipes or as accompaniments to Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker meals.
- Wrap It Up: Use chilla or the omelet as a filling for wraps with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo for an on-the-go meal.
Conclusion
There’s a reason gram flour vegan recipes have been beloved in kitchens around the world for centuries. Whether you’re new to chickpea flour or a seasoned fan, these dishes offer a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying way to enjoy plant-based eating.
Each recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your own tastes and available ingredients. From quick breakfasts to hearty snacks and even light dinners, gram flour brings unbeatable versatility to your menu.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Mix and match veggies, try different herbs, or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist.
If you’re looking to expand your vegan repertoire even further, you might also love exploring Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals or this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Happy cooking, and may your meals always be vibrant and nourishing!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Gram Flour Pancakes (Besan Chilla)
Description: These savory vegan pancakes are made with gram flour and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. They are gluten-free, protein-rich, and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped tomato
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk gram flour with water until smooth.
- Add onion, tomato, cilantro, green chili, turmeric, cumin seeds, and salt.
- Mix well to form a pourable batter.
- Heat a non-stick skillet and add a little oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and spread gently.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges lift, then flip.
- Cook the other side for 2 minutes until golden.
- Repeat with remaining batter, adding oil as needed.
- Serve hot with chutney or vegan yogurt.
Nutrition: Calories: 130 per pancake | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 16g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Gram Flour Pancakes (Besan Chilla)”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These savory vegan pancakes are made with gram flour and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. They are gluten-free, protein-rich, and packed with flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 pancakes”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup gram flour (besan)”, “1/2 cup water”, “1/4 cup finely chopped onion”, “1/4 cup chopped tomato”, “2 tablespoons chopped cilantro”, “1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk gram flour with water until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, tomato, cilantro, green chili, turmeric, cumin seeds, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix well to form a pourable batter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a non-stick skillet and add a little oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and spread gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges lift, then flip.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook the other side for 2 minutes until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Repeat with remaining batter, adding oil as needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with chutney or vegan yogurt.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “130 per pancake”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “16g”}}