10 Chickpea Flour Recipes Perfect for Gluten-Free Dishes

Chickpea flour is a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and it’s easy to see why: it’s high in protein and fiber, and it’s budget-friendly. Compared to other grain- and gluten-free flours like almond and cassava, chickpea flour is far less expensive; it costs $3 per 16-ounce bag on average (by contrast, almond flour is nearly $10 for the same amount). With 5 grams of both protein and fiber per ¼-cup serving, chickpea flour stands out for its nutritional benefits.

You’ll often find this savory flour in Mediterranean recipes such as socca. Its nutty flavor profile comes from milled chickpeas, so it pairs well with savory recipes or sweet desserts that can have a savory edge. For a different way to enjoy chickpeas, try one of these tasty and filling chickpea flour recipes. 

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Is chickpea flour healthy?

There are several reasons to add chickpea flour to your diet: It’s a simple way to sneak more plant-based protein into dishes, and it’s a hearty addition to gluten-free flour blends to replace wheat flour. 

Along with protein and fiber, chickpea flour is full of polyphenols, as well as the mineral manganese, both of which fight off inflammation. Part of the legume family, chickpeas have a low glycemic index, so they can help promote healthy blood sugar management. And, thanks to minerals such as magnesium and potassium, chickpea flour is heart-healthy. 

Here are 10 healthy chickpea flour recipes to get you started.

1. Eggplant Fries

Here’s a fun spin on roasted veggies. Whip up a simple vegan and gluten-free batter by mixing chickpea flour and warm water until smooth. Thoroughly coat eggplant sticks, season with garlic and red pepper flakes, and bake until crispy. Serve these eggplant “fries” with fresh marinara sauce. Tip: Add nutritional yeast to the batter for a “cheesy” flavor. 

Try this recipe from Power Hungry.

2. Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust

Enjoy a protein-packed, high-fiber pizza with just five ingredients. The pizza crust here is gluten-free thanks to chickpea flour — plus, it’s super crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. Top with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, like black olives or basil. Bake in a cast-iron skillet for an easy, one-pan dinner on busy weeknights. Serve with a peppery arugula salad on the side to round out the meal. 

Try this recipe from Pinch Me Good.

3. Vegan Frittata

Chickpea flour transforms into an “egg” batter in this light vegan frittata. Unlike eggs or a tofu scramble, this frittata has a satisfyingly crispy topping, thanks to the chickpea flour. With only 6 ingredients for the base, along with any veggies you have on hand (like zucchini or red onions), this frittata is ready in 20 minutes. 

Try this recipe from The Plant Based School.

4. Socca

Originally from Italy, socca is a savory flatbread that cooks quickly in a skillet. The base is just chickpea flour, water, salt, and olive oil — and you can leave it as is, or customize it with your favorite seasonings, like garlic, red pepper flakes, or cumin. This dense bread has crisp edges and a tender center, perfect as a filling side dish. Pair it with a light salad or dip it into hummus.  

Try this recipe from The Simple Veganista.

5. Berry-Peach Breakfast Crisp

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this breakfast crisp, a perfect combination of tart yet sweet flavors. Create the crisp topping using hemp seeds, oats, and chickpea flour (we’d swap olive oil for the vegetable oil in the recipe). For the filling, keep the sugar minimal or omit it entirely if following a low-sugar diet; the fruit is sweet on its own. Serve with a dollop of yogurt. 

Try this recipe from The Full Helping.

Related: 10 Incredibly Delicious Ways To Turn a Can of Chickpeas Into Dinner

6. Savory Chickpea Crepes

Here’s a simple and savory vegan version of crepes, made with water, oil, salt, and chickpea flour — and that’s it. The result is a surprisingly light and airy crepe. The recipe features a creamy spinach filling, but you could also wrap the crepes around vegetables, a tofu scramble, or anything else you have on hand. Bonus: Each crepe packs 9 grams of protein.

Try this recipe from The New Baguette.

7. Chickpea Tofu 

Also known as Burmese tofu, this recipe is quick and easy, with just 4 ingredients. Chickpea tofu has more protein, calcium, and iron than regular tofu, and is also a good option if soy isn’t your thing. Add garlic, turmeric, and nutritional yeast for extra flavor and depth. Pan-fry the chickpea tofu and serve with fried rice or salad. 

Try this recipe from The Hidden Veggies.

8. Chickpea Flour Banana Bread

Turn banana bread gluten– and refined sugar-free with this creative recipe — perfect to meal-prep for breakfast at 6 grams of protein per serving. Swap to a muffin pan for a shorter cook time and a convenient grab-and-go snack. Mix in dark chocolate chunks, coconut, nuts, or even blueberries, depending on what you’re craving.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

9. Chickpea Flour Falafel

A favorite Middle Eastern dish, falafel is delicious on top of a salad, piled into pitas with tahini sauce, or as part of a platter with hummus, baba ganoush, and other dishes. With chickpeas and chickpea flour, plus tons of fresh herbs and garlic, these falafel are loaded with flavor and good nutrition. Form into patties and bake or air fry instead of frying in oil, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from Downshiftology.

10. Vegetable Pakora

If you love fried vegetables like tempura or onion rings, you’re in for a treat. Pakora, an Indian staple, is packed with rich spice from curry powder, cayenne, and garlic. Make a simple batter with just chickpea flour and water, season the vegetables (such as red onion, yellow potatoes, and cauliflower) with the spices, coat the veggies with the batter, and pan fry. A dipping sauce like chutney is a must.

Try this recipe from Minimalist Baker Recipes.

Read next: Is Chickpea Pasta *Actually* Healthy? The Answer May Surprise You