Chickpea flour, also called garbanzo bean flour or besan, is a fine powder ground from dried chickpeas, valued for its nutty flavor and high protein content. It's a staple in Indian cooking, used in dishes like pakoras and chana masala; in the Middle East, it's a base for falafel; and in Provence, France, it's used to make the flatbread socca. It's also widely used as a gluten-free, protein-rich alternative to wheat flour in vegan baking, where it helps bind and add structure.