What Is Chickpea (garbanzo) flour and How Can I Use It?

If chickpea (garbanzo) flour has turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use it with confidence and how to choose it, cook it, store it, what to substitute, and 36 recipes to try it in.

Recipes using chickpea (garbanzo) flour

There are 36 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Quick Hummus

This tasty spread is easy to make and tastes amazing when used in sandwiches.

Garbanzo Potato Pancakes

Garbanzo potato pancakes blend chickpea flour, instant potato flakes, grated zucchini, and onion into vegan, gluten-free pancakes that griddle up tender and savory. Five ingredients, 20 minutes start to finish. A protein-packed side or breakfast.

Gluten Free Apple Muffins

Gluten free apple muffins made with chickpea flour and oats, naturally sweetened with honey and grated apple. Egg-free, dairy-free, and high in fiber, with optional raisins for extra chew.

Paneer Paratha

A chapti (whole-wheat roti) stuffed with paneer (farmers cheese) enriched with Indian spices.

Garbanzo Oat Flake Cookies

Egg-free and dairy-free oat cookies made with garbanzo flour, brown rice flour, and honey. A wholesome, allergen-friendly cookie with a nutty, hearty chew.

Garbanzo Parsnip Gnocchi

Deep-fried garbanzo parsnip gnocchi made with chickpea flour, parsnips, and gluten flour. Vegetarian gnocchi with a crispy shell, served with homemade tomato sauce.

Indian French Toast

Indian French toast: savory vegan besan-and-tofu batter with green chiles and onion, soaked into bread slices and pan-fried golden. A spicy eggless twist on breakfast toast, inspired by Indian besan toast.

Spicy Shrimp Patties

Spicy shrimp and fish patties with ginger, cilantro, mint, and cayenne, coated in breadcrumbs and dipped in a chickpea flour batter before frying golden. South Asian-style seafood kebabs.

Garbanzo Spaghetti Sauce

Protein-rich spaghetti sauce thickened with chickpea flour instead of meat. Mushrooms, garlic, and Italian herbs in a hearty tomato base that's naturally vegan.

Griddle Cakes

Naturally fermented griddle cakes made with brown rice flour and chickpea flour. Vegan, gluten-free, and three ingredients. Tangy, lacy, and crepe-like off the pan.

Rice/Corn Patties

Brown rice and corn grits patties bound with chickpea flour and egg, pan-fried or baked until golden. A simple vegetarian patty using leftover cooked grains.

Toasted Garbanzo Patties

Vegetarian garbanzo flour patties with ground pecans, oat flakes, and savory, pan-fried in sesame oil until crispy. An egg-free, plant-based burger alternative with nutty depth.

Bell Pepper Curry

A quick South Indian-style bell pepper curry with mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, peanuts, and chickpea flour for a nutty golden crust. Ready in 15 minutes. Serve with dal and rice.

Wild Rice Crepes

Vegan wild rice crepes stuffed with a savory trio of shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms, finished with a silky nutty almond sauce. Elegant plant-based entertaining at its finest.

Bulgur Patties

Crispy griddle-fried patties made from bulgur wheat and chickpea flour with onion and garlic. A quick, egg-free grain patty that works as a burger substitute or hearty side.

Garbanzo-Oat Waffles

Vegan garbanzo and oat waffles blended from oat flakes, chickpea flour, and water. Egg-free, dairy-free, and ready in 20 minutes with a nutty, crispy texture.

Savoury Nibbles

Crispy spiced fritters dripped through a slotted spoon into hot oil, made with chickpea flour, buttermilk, sambal, and a hand-ground spice blend of coriander, mustard, and cinnamon.

Oat Flake Garbanzo Cookies

Wheat-free oat and garbanzo flour cookies with brown rice flour, chopped nuts, and honey. Egg-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened with a nutty, wholesome flavor.

Yogurt Muffins

Whole wheat yogurt muffins made with chickpea flour, honey, and raisins. A hearty, protein-rich muffin with an earthy nuttiness from the garbanzo flour blend.

Panelle with Lemon Peppered Almonds

Panelle are Sicilian chickpea fritters: simmered chickpea-flour dough chilled, cut into rounds, deep-fried golden, and dusted with lemon-zest-peppered almonds. Street food from Palermo.

Garbanzo Oat Patties

Garbanzo oat patties with chickpea flour, oat flakes, chopped nuts, and cumin griddle-cooked until crispy on both sides. A vegan, egg-free protein patty that freezes and reheats well.

Potato Garbanzo Gnocchis

Potato garbanzo gnocchi: instant mashed potatoes bound with chickpea and rice flour, deep fried into crispy fritter-style dumplings with garlic and cayenne. Naturally vegan, ready in 15 minutes.

Spinach Ball Curry

Spinach and potato koftas spiced with garam masala, turmeric, and amchoor, rolled in coconut and deep-fried until golden, then simmered in curry gravy. A classic Indian vegetarian dish.

Besan Curry

Crispy chickpea flour fritters simmered in a spiced potato curry with tomatoes, ginger, cumin, and turmeric. A vegetarian Indian side dish that cooks in 15 minutes once the prep is done. Warm, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

Besan Barfee

Besan barfi made with toasted chickpea flour, cardamom, pistachios, and almonds. This traditional Indian sweet uses a one-thread sugar syrup for fudge-like texture.

All 36 recipes