What do we call Senagapindi in english?

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

A staple in South Asian cuisine for centuries, Senagapindi is a flour with many names. If you're asking what do we call Senagapindi in English, the answer is most commonly 'gram flour' or 'chickpea flour,' a key ingredient in many gluten-free recipes. This versatile flour has culinary and cosmetic uses that have been valued for generations.

Quick Summary

Senagapindi is the Telugu word for gram flour, a fine, yellow powder made from ground chickpeas. It is also widely known as besan and is used in a variety of savory and sweet dishes.

Key Points

English Translation: Senagapindi is known as gram flour or chickpea flour in English.
Another Name: In many regions of India, the flour is also commonly called besan.
Made From: The flour is made from ground chickpeas, specifically split brown chickpeas known as chana dal.
Nutritional Profile: It is a gluten-free flour rich in protein and dietary fiber, with a low glycemic index.
Culinary Versatility: Used for making crispy fritters (pakoras), flatbreads (chillas), thickeners for curries (kadhi), and various sweets.
Skincare Uses: Traditionally applied as a natural exfoliant and face pack to cleanse and brighten skin.

Senagapindi's English Translation: Gram Flour and Chickpea Flour

Senagapindi, a term commonly used in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, translates directly to gram flour or chickpea flour in English. This fine, yellowish powder is made from ground chickpeas and is a fundamental ingredient in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent. While 'gram flour' is the traditional name, 'chickpea flour' is an equally accurate and increasingly popular modern alternative, especially in Western markets.

The Relationship Between Senagapindi, Gram Flour, and Besan

The most important detail for understanding this ingredient is recognizing its different names. Senagapindi is the Telugu name for the product. In Hindi and many other parts of India, it is known as besan. All three terms—Senagapindi, gram flour, and besan—refer to the same culinary product, though there can be subtle variations in milling. Some variations in milling can lead to differences in texture, with some besan being more coarsely ground than other chickpea flours. The key takeaway is that when you see a recipe calling for gram flour or besan, Senagapindi is the ingredient you need.

Key Nutritional Benefits of Gram Flour

Gram flour offers a range of impressive nutritional benefits that make it a healthy alternative to refined wheat flour. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, including:

High in Protein: Gram flour contains a high proportion of protein, making it an excellent source for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their intake.
Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Gluten-Free: Since it is made from chickpeas and not wheat, it is naturally gluten-free, suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Low Glycemic Index: Gram flour has a low glycemic index, which helps prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar, making it beneficial for diabetics.
Packed with Minerals: It is a good source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and folate, which support overall health.

Comparison: Gram Flour (Besan) vs. Other Flours


Feature	Gram Flour (Besan)	All-Purpose Wheat Flour	Almond Flour
Main Ingredient	Ground Chickpeas	Ground Wheat	Ground Almonds
Gluten-Free	Yes	No	Yes
Protein Content	High	Medium	High
Fiber Content	High	Low	High
Glycemic Index	Low	High	Low
Culinary Uses	Fritters, batters, flatbreads	Baking, sauces, general purpose	Baking, coatings
Common Flavor Profile	Earthy, nutty	Neutral	Mild, nutty

Culinary Applications of Senagapindi (Gram Flour)

Gram flour's versatility makes it a kitchen staple for both savory and sweet dishes. Its binding properties make it an ideal egg substitute in vegan cooking.

Here are some popular culinary uses:

Savory Fritters (Pakoras and Bhajiyas): One of the most famous applications is for making crispy fritters by coating vegetables in a spicy besan batter and deep-frying them.
Indian Pancakes (Chillas): A thin pancake or crepe made from a gram flour batter mixed with spices and vegetables, perfect for a quick breakfast.
Curry Thickener (Kadhi): In dishes like Kadhi, gram flour is used as a thickening agent to give a rich, creamy consistency to the sauce.
Indian Sweets (Laddus and Mysore Pak): It is also used to make delicious, dense sweets, adding a unique, nutty flavor.
Battering: Gram flour provides a light, airy, and crispy coating for various deep-fried foods.

Beyond the Kitchen: Skincare Benefits

In addition to its culinary uses, gram flour has been used for centuries in traditional Indian beauty treatments. It is a popular ingredient in homemade face packs and scrubs due to its exfoliating and cleansing properties. Mixed with water, milk, or yogurt, besan can help remove excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells, and brighten skin tone.

Conclusion

In summary, Senagapindi is the Telugu word for what is known in English as gram flour or chickpea flour. It is also commonly referred to as besan throughout the Indian subcontinent. This gluten-free, protein-rich flour is a versatile and nutritious ingredient with a wide array of uses, from preparing popular snacks and curries to serving as a beneficial component in natural skincare routines. Understanding its different names is key to exploring its many culinary and healthful applications, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Can’t get enough of this amazing flour? Find out more from this helpful guide on the different varieties of chickpeas and their uses, including Bengal gram. More about Chickpeas

Frequently Asked Questions

While the names are often used interchangeably, besan (gram flour) is typically made from split brown chickpeas (chana dal), while standard chickpea flour can be made from whole white chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Both are gluten-free and can be used similarly.

Yes, Senagapindi, or gram flour, is naturally gluten-free as it is made from chickpeas rather than wheat. This makes it a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Common recipes include savory snacks like pakoras (fritters), bhajjis, and chillas (pancakes). It is also used to thicken curries like kadhi and to make traditional Indian sweets such as besan ladoo and mysore pak.

Yes, Senagapindi has long been used in traditional Indian skincare. A paste made from the flour, often mixed with water, yogurt, or turmeric, serves as a natural exfoliant and face pack to improve skin texture and tone.

Yes, gram flour is high in protein, fiber, and various minerals like iron and magnesium. Its low glycemic index makes it beneficial for managing blood sugar, and its fiber content can aid digestion and weight management.

You can find gram flour or besan at most Indian and Asian grocery stores. As it has become more popular, it is also available in the specialty baking aisle of many large supermarkets or from online retailers.

For maximum freshness, store gram flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be refrigerated to extend its shelf life, which is typically 6-8 weeks when stored at room temperature.