Besan Roti Recipe: How to Make it Soft, Nutty & Gluten-Free
|
|
Time to read 7 min
Key Takeaways
- Besan roti is made from chickpea flour, making it a naturally gluten-free alternative to wheat roti.
- Chana flour roti is high in protein & fiber. That means it keeps you full longer and supports better digestion and balanced blood sugar.
- The easy, everyday besan ki roti recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks in under 30 minutes.
- Resting the dough and rolling gently helps prevent cracks in besan flour roti and keeps it soft.
- Besan roti can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for up to a month for easy meals later.
A simple besan roti recipe gives you a warm, comforting flatbread made from chickpea flour. It’s wholesome and satisfying. Whether you call it gram flour roti, chickpea roti, or chana flour roti, this humble bread has been part of Indian kitchens for generations. And the best part? It’s naturally gluten-free. Let’s learn more about it!
What is Besan Roti?
At its core, besan roti or gram flour roti is a soft Indian flatbread made using chickpea flour instead of wheat. Unlike traditional rotis, this besan flatbread has a slightly grainy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. Moreover, it’s packed with plant-based protein.
When made well, the besan flatbread recipe mentioned in this article yields rotis that are soft enough to fold but sturdy enough to scoop up sabzi.
Besan Roti Recipe
Checkout this practical, everyday chickpea flour roti recipe you can rely on. No complicated steps. No unusual ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 2-3 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional but recommended)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 tsp oil (optional)
- Warm water as needed
Recommended Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Flat surface
- Tawa or skillet
- Spatula
How to Make Besan Roti (Step-by-Step Besan ki Roti Recipe)
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine besan, salt, turmeric, cumin, and optional add-ins. Slowly pour in warm water. Now here’s the key: don’t knead it like wheat dough. Press it together gently. Since besan ki roti has no gluten, overworking won’t help. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This makes a noticeable difference.
Step 2: Roll Carefully
Divide into small balls. Place the dough between parchment sheets or lightly dust with flour. Gently roll. Go slow. If cracks appear, don’t panic. Just press them together.
Step 3: Cook on Medium Heat
Heat your skillet. Place the rolled besan flour roti on it. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until you see golden spots. Lightly press with a spatula. Add a few drops of oil if desired. You can notice the nutty aroma almost immediately.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Once done, stack and cover with a clean cloth to keep them soft. Your homemade chickpea roti is ready!
Want a Smarter Way to Make Rotis?
Some days, you have the patience to roll the dough. Some days you don’t.
With Rotimatic NEXT, you simply add ingredients, select your preferences, and enjoy fresh rotis in 90 seconds. The machine handles kneading, pressing, and roasting automatically. Especially, if you are living abroad and want warm, homemade rotis without standing at the stove every evening, it’s a modern solution rooted in tradition!
What Can You Serve With Besan Ki Roti?
This flavorful besan flatbread pairs beautifully with:
- Yogurt or spiced raita
- Aloo sabzi
- Baingan bharta
- Paneer dishes
- Pickles and chutneys
Remember, besan flour roti has a deeper taste than wheat roti. Thus, it stands up well to bold spices.
How Can You Store and Reheat Besan Roti?
Made a few extra besan roti for later? Good thinking. The right storage and reheating method helps your rotis stay soft, flexible, and just as enjoyable the next day.
- To Store: Let your besan ki roti cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Warm on a skillet for 30-40 seconds per side. Sprinkle a few drops of water if it feels dry.
- Freezing Tip: Stack with parchment between each roti and freeze for up to a month.
If you’ve never tried besan roti, this is your sign. It’s simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Whether you want to experiment with gluten-free meals or just want a change from wheat, this besan roti recipe delivers comfort without compromise.
And when daily cooking starts feeling repetitive or time-consuming, kitchen innovation like Rotimatic Next can step in. Fresh rotis in 90 seconds, made consistently and effortlessly. That’s the kind of upgrade busy modern households need!
Is Besan Roti Gluten-Free?
Yes. Besan roti is naturally gluten-free because it’s made from chickpea flour, not wheat. If you’ve struggled with gluten-free breads that fall apart or taste bland, besan flour roti feels like a relief. It has structure. It has flavor. And it doesn’t feel like a compromise. Just make sure your besan is labeled gluten-free if you are highly sensitive.
Why Does Besan Work Better Than Other Gluten-Free Flours?
Not all gluten-free flours behave nicely in flatbreads. Rice flour can feel dry. Almond flour can crumble. Coconut flour needs too many adjustments. But besan flour roti works better for a few reasons:
- Naturally Higher Protein: Compared to rice flour, chana flour roti keeps you fuller longer.
- Better Water Absorption: Chickpea flour hydrates well, which helps bind the dough. It still needs gentle handling, but once you get the feel of it, it’s very manageable.
- Rich in Fiber: A good chickpea flour roti supports digestion.
- More Flavor: The nutty taste makes besan roti more satisfying than many gluten-free alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Besan Roti?
At its core, besan roti or gram flour roti is a soft Indian flatbread made using chickpea flour instead of wheat. Unlike traditional rotis, this besan flatbread has a slightly grainy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
Is chana flour roti gluten-free?
Yes. Besan ki roti is made from chickpea flour and contains no gluten.
Is besan ki roti healthy?
Yes. Chickpea roti is rich in protein and fiber and can support balanced eating.
How do you make besan flour roti soft and not brittle?
Use warm water, let the dough rest for 10 minutes, and roll gently. A little oil improves flexibility.
Why does besan roti break while rolling?
It breaks because it has no gluten structure. Roll slowly and use parchment paper if needed.
Can chickpea roti be made without oil?
Yes. This besan flatbread recipe also works without oil, though oil improves softness.
Is besan roti keto or low carb?
It is lower in carbs than wheat roti, but not strictly keto.
Can besan flour roti be frozen?
Yes. You can freeze them stacked with parchment for easy reheating.
What do you serve with chana flour roti?
It pairs well with curries, yogurt, and traditional Indian sides.
Can I add vegetables to the besan roti?
Yes, adding vegetables like onions, carrots, spinach, or bell peppers gives extra nutrients and a slight crunch.
Is besan ki roti healthier than a whole wheat roti?
Besan roti is high in protein and fiber, which makes it more filling and beneficial for blood sugar control. It’s ideal for you if you want to control your carb intake.
Is besan flour flatbread good for weight loss?
Yes, besan flour is lower in calories and high in protein, keeping you full longer. It can support weight management goals.
Is chickpea roti nutritious?
Besan/chickpea roti is rich in essential nutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
What to do if the gram flour flatbread dough is not pliable?
Adding a small amount of wheat flour can make the dough more flexible and easier to handle. Do it only if you are okay with some amount of gluten in your roti.
Is gram flour roti healthy?
Absolutely. Gram flour is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting a healthy diet.
Can I eat besan ki roti at night?
Yes, besan roti is light enough to be enjoyed at night, with its high protein content supporting balanced blood sugar levels.
Can I use gram flour every day?
Yes, incorporating gram flour regularly can be beneficial due to its high protein and fiber content.
How many calories are in besan roti?
A medium-sized besan flour roti generally contains around 140-160 calories, depending on its size and proportion of ingredients.
Besan Ki Roti (Gram Flour Flatbread) Recipe Card
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
4 rotis
Cuisine:
Indian
Diet:
Gluten-free, vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 2-3 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tsp oil (optional)
- Warm water as needed
Instructions
- Mix besan, spices, salt, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Add warm water gradually and bring the mixture together into a soft dough.
- Rest the dough for 8-10 minutes to help it hydrate.
- Divide into 4 portions and gently roll each between parchment into a medium-thick circle.
- Cook on a hot tawa for 1-2 minutes per side until golden spots appear, adding oil if desired.
- Remove, keep covered in a cloth, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
(Per 1 Medium Roti - Approximate)
Calories:
140–160 kcal
Carbohydrates:
18–20 g
Protein:
6–7 g
Fat:
4–5 g
Fiber:
4–5 g
Iron:
~2 mg
Calcium:
~25 mg