15 Pantry Essentials Every Indian Kitchen Needs

13. Besan (gram / chickpea flour)

Besan is a versatile flour used across India for battering pakoras, making sweets like besan ladoo, and binding kebabs. Its nutty flavor and thickening properties mean it’s useful beyond fritters—try it for a savory pancake batter or as a gluten-free binder. Store besan in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; in warm climates, refrigerate for longer shelf life. Roasting besan lightly in a skillet before using enhances its aroma and reduces the raw flour taste for sweets and batters. In North America, besan is commonly available at Indian grocery stores and many mainstream supermarkets in the international aisle. Besan behaves differently than wheat flour; follow recipes rather than assuming a one-to-one swap, and enjoy it as a staple for both snacks and savory everyday cooking.