Topic: What can I use instead of gram flour?

[Tartan_Terrier]

Hi guys,
Living in Denmark as I do, I find it difficult to find all the necessary ingredients for some of the recipes on here. This is a bit annoying as I'd really like to give some of them a go.

Today's problem is that I can't get hold of gram flour. I've been to every 'ethnic' store within 10 miles and can't find any. Which kind of flour(if any) can I use instead (I'm trying to make pakora)?

Cheers
T_T

[Cory Ander]

Hello TT,

Welcome to cr0 TT 

Gram flour (or "besan") is simply ground chana dhal (or chick peas, split-peas or lentils).  You can undoubtedly get chana dhal, chick peas or lentils (red or yellow) there?  If they don't sell them as a flour, try grinding whole, dried, versions into a flour in a coffee grinder or spice mill?

Regards,

[Tartan_Terrier]

Is that it? Brilliant, I'll give it a go.
Thanks very much!

T_T

[Tartan_Terrier]

Well I gave it a go last night. After nearly burning out two hand blenders (I swapped back and forth as the one in use started to smoke, lucky we've got two!), I ended up with about 100 grams of flour. I mixed it with normal flour (about 3-1) and got a reasonable result though.

I'll have to try another method next time. Perhaps a coffee grinder as you suggested.

Regards
T_T

[Cory Ander]

.....or maybe use a pestle and mortar TT?

The other suggestion is to try a health shop?  You may be able to find gram-flour (or a similar pulse type flour) there?

[marcandsusan]

 :)hi there
you can also do a web search in your area for delivery or maybe import some. i know a little more expensive this way but just a thought
marc and susan