Making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is a great way to add a protein-packed, gluten-free flour to your pantry. Chickpea flour is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, including bread, pancakes, and even desserts. By making it at home, you can avoid the preservatives and additives found in store-bought flour and customize the texture to your liking.
To make chickpea flour in a Vitamix, all you need is dried chickpeas and a high-speed blender. Simply blend the chickpeas on high speed until they are ground into a fine powder. The process takes only a few minutes and produces a fresh, flavorful flour that can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.
Using chickpea flour in your cooking is a great way to add protein, fiber, and nutrients to your meals. It’s also a great option for those following a gluten-free or vegan diet. With its nutty flavor and versatility, chickpea flour is a must-have in any kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is a quick and easy process that produces a fresh, flavorful flour.
- Chickpea flour is a great option for those following a gluten-free or vegan diet and can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Chickpea flour is a great source of protein, fiber, and nutrients and can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.
Why Make Chickpea Flour in a Vitamix?
Chickpea flour plays a pivotal role in Indian cuisines, particularly in crafting signature street foods. Examples include the gluten-free vegetable Bajji fritters, a variety of crispy treats, and desserts like Khaman Dhokla, a soft and flavorful steamed cake, and Besan Barfi, a fusion of chickpea flour and date fudge. My fondest memories as a child growing up in the south of India, is eating Bajji fritters in the evening after school, sitting with my sibbings and friends on our door step and enjoying this delicious treat. I have seen my mom, grandma and aunts all use chickpea flour daily in their cooking. I can confidently say that chickpea flour is one of my favorites. Not only is it naturally gluten-free, but it also has a unique nutty flavor that adds depth to any recipe. However, buying chickpea flour from the store can be expensive, and it’s not always easy to find. That’s why I started making my own chickpea flour in a Vitamix, when I moved to Canada in my early 20s, and I haven’t looked back since.
Here are some of the reasons why I prefer making chickpea flour in a Vitamix:
Cost-Effective
One of the biggest advantages of making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is that it’s much more cost-effective than buying it from the store. A bag of dried chickpeas can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of pre-made chickpea flour, and it yields a much larger quantity of flour.
Freshness
When you make your own chickpea flour, you can be sure that it’s fresh and hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for months. This is especially important for gluten-free flours, which can go rancid more quickly than wheat flour.
Control Over Texture
Another benefit of making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is that you have complete control over the texture of the flour. Whether you want a fine flour for baking or a coarser flour for savory dishes, you can achieve the perfect texture by adjusting the speed and blending time.
Nutritional Benefits
Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients. When you make your own chickpea flour, you can be sure that you’re getting all of the nutritional benefits of the whole chickpea, rather than just the starch and protein that are typically found in pre-made chickpea flour.
Overall, making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is a simple and cost-effective way to add a nutritious and flavorful ingredient to your pantry. Give it a try and see how it can elevate your cooking and baking!
Ingredients and Equipment
Making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is easy and requires only a few ingredients and equipment. Here are the essentials:
Ingredients
- Dried Chickpeas: Chickpeas are the main ingredient for making chickpea flour. You can use any brand of dried chickpeas, but I recommend using organic chickpeas for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Airtight Container: Once you make the chickpea flour, store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling the flour. I use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, but any container with a good seal will work.
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender like a Vitamix is the best equipment for making chickpea flour. A Vitamix can grind the chickpeas to a fine flour in just a few seconds. If you don’t have a Vitamix, you can use a food processor, spice grinder, or coffee grinder, but the process will take longer, and the flour may not be as fine.
- Sieve: After grinding the chickpeas, you may want to sift the flour through a sieve to remove any large pieces that didn’t get ground up. This step is optional but can help make the flour smoother.
- Optional Flour Alternatives: You can mix chickpea flour with other flours like oat flour or all-purpose flour to create a gluten-free flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill is a popular brand for gluten-free flours.
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the recipe for making chickpea flour in a Vitamix.
How to Make Chickpea Flour in a Vitamix
If you’re looking for a gluten-free flour alternative, chickpea flour is a great option. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for baking and cooking. Making chickpea flour at home is easy with a Vitamix blender. Here’s how I make my homemade chickpea flour:
Step 1: Measure the Chickpeas
First, I measure out 2 cups of dried chickpeas, remove any dirt or debris and ensures that the chickpeas are clean.
Step 2: Dry the Chickpeas
Next, I spread the rinsed chickpeas out on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry with another towel. It’s important to make sure the chickpeas are completely dry before blending them in the Vitamix.
Step 3: Blend the Chickpeas in a Vitamix
I add the dried chickpeas to my Vitamix container and secure the lid. Starting on the lowest speed, I quickly increase to the highest speed and blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute. The chickpeas should be ground into a fine flour.
Step 4: Sieve the Flour
To remove any larger pieces of chickpea, I sift the flour through a fine-mesh sieve. This ensures that the flour is smooth and consistent.
Step 5: Store the Flour in an Airtight Container
Finally, I store the chickpea flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can be used in a variety of recipes, from pancakes to breads to falafel.
Making chickpea flour at home is a simple and cost-effective way to have a gluten-free flour alternative on hand. With just a few steps and a Vitamix blender, you can have fresh, homemade chickpea flour in no time.
For an accurate recipe, check out this recipe from Vitamix.
Using Chickpea Flour in Recipes
Chickpea flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is a great alternative to wheat flour and adds a unique flavor to dishes. Here are some ideas for using chickpea flour in your recipes.
Baking with Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour can be used in baking recipes such as bread, pancakes, cakes, and cookies. When baking with chickpea flour, it is important to note that it is denser than wheat flour and can result in a heavier texture. It is best to use a blend of chickpea flour and other flours such as all-purpose flour or almond flour to achieve the desired texture.
Here are some tips for baking with chickpea flour:
- Use a blend of chickpea flour and other flours for best results.
- Add xanthan gum to the recipe to improve the texture.
- Use chickpea flour in recipes that call for nut flours for a nutty flavor.
Cooking with Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour can also be used in savory dishes such as veggie burgers, omelettes, and pizza crusts. It is a great alternative to wheat flour in recipes that require a binding agent.
To make a chickpea omelet – all you need is: 1/4 cup chickpea flour; 1/3 cup water; 1/4 cup vegetables of choice, (I used kale, red onion and chillies); a pinch of turmeric; salt to taste and 2 tbsp of oil for pan frying. Chop your vegetables fine; mix the chickpea flour, salt, turmeric and water, add in the chopped vegetables. Heat the oil and now add in the chickpea batter to make a few small omelets or one large omelet. Serve hot with sauce.
Here are some tips for cooking with chickpea flour:
- Use chickpea flour to make veggie burgers for a protein-packed meal.
- Use chickpea flour in omelettes for a gluten-free option.
- Use chickpea flour to make pizza crusts for a crispy, flavorful base.
Chef’s Notes
Chickpea flour is also known as garbanzo flour and can be used interchangeably in recipes. Socca and farinata are traditional dishes made with chickpea flour in France and Italy, respectively.
When using chickpea flour in recipes, it is important to note that it has a distinctive flavor that may not be suitable for all dishes. It is best to experiment with small amounts of chickpea flour in recipes to find the right balance of flavor and texture.
Overall, chickpea flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is a great alternative to wheat flour and adds a unique flavor to dishes.
For more information on using chickpea flour in recipes, check out The Spruce Eats and Epicurious.
Nutrition Information
Chickpea flour is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. As someone who frequently makes their own chickpea flour in a Vitamix, I am always interested in the nutritional benefits that this flour provides.
One of the great things about chickpea flour is that it is relatively low in calories. According to Healthline, one cup of chickpea flour contains around 356 calories. This makes it a great option for people who are watching their calorie intake.
In addition to being low in calories, chickpea flour is also high in protein and fiber. This makes it a great option for people who are looking to increase their protein and fiber intake. According to Bob’s Red Mill one cup of chickpea flour contains around 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
Chickpea flour is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. According to Livestrong, one cup of chickpea flour contains around 13% of the recommended daily intake of iron, 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6, and 8% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium.
Another great thing about chickpea flour is that it is gluten-free. This makes it a great option for people who are allergic or sensitive to gluten. Overall, chickpea flour is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is low in calories, high in protein and fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it is gluten-free, making it a great option for people who are allergic or sensitive to gluten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is a quick and easy process that can be done in the comfort of your own home. It is a great alternative to wheat flour and is perfect for those who are gluten-free or looking for a healthier option.
When storing chickpea flour, it is important to keep it in a cool dry place to prevent it from going rancid. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.
Reviews of making chickpea flour in a Vitamix have been overwhelmingly positive, with many people finding it to be a convenient and cost-effective way of making flour at home. It is also a great way to ensure that the flour is fresh and free from any additives or preservatives.
While chickpea flour is a great alternative to wheat flour, it may not be suitable for everyone. Those with nut allergies should be aware that some recipes may call for almond flour, which is not a suitable substitute for chickpea flour.
Overall, making chickpea flour in a Vitamix is a great way to ensure that you have fresh, healthy flour on hand whenever you need it. With a little bit of practice, you can create a variety of delicious and nutritious recipes using this versatile ingredient.
For more information on the benefits of chickpea flour and how to use it in your cooking, check out these external sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I grind chickpeas in a Vitamix?
To grind chickpeas in a Vitamix, start by placing the dried chickpeas in the container. Secure the lid and start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to the highest speed. Blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute or until the chickpeas are ground into a fine powder.
What is the process for making flour in a Vitamix?
The process for making flour in a Vitamix is simple. Start by placing the dried chickpeas in the container. Secure the lid and start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to the highest speed. Blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute or until the chickpeas are ground into a fine powder. Store the flour in an airtight container.
Can I use other types of beans to make flour in my Vitamix?
Yes, you can use other types of beans to make flour in your Vitamix. Some popular options include varieties of lentils including green, and red lentil.
What are some recipes that use chickpea flour?
Chickpea flour can be used in a variety of recipes, including bread, pancakes, and even as a substitute for eggs in vegan baking. Here are some recipes to get you started:
How do I store chickpea flour made in a Vitamix?
To store chickpea flour made in a Vitamix, place it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. It should last for several months.
What are the benefits of making your own flour in a Vitamix?
Making your own flour in a Vitamix has several benefits. First, it is more cost-effective than buying pre-made flour. Second, you have control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Finally, it allows you to experiment with different types of flour and create unique, flavorful dishes.