Gluten-Free Savory Chickpea Flour Spinach Rolls

Prep: 15 minCook: 5 min12 servingsmediumIndian
Savory Chickpea Flour Spinach Rolls with Sesame Tempering

These soft, steamed rolls combine chickpea flour and fresh spinach into a nutritious snack popular in Indian cuisine. The batter is cooked until thick, spread thin to cool, then rolled and sliced into attractive spiral rounds. A fragrant tempering of sesame seeds and lemon juice adds aromatic finish, while coconut provides sweet contrast. Perfect as an appetizer, tea-time snack, or light meal component. The rolls offer protein from chickpea flour and vitamins from spinach, making them both satisfying and wholesome.

VegetarianGluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 cup chickpea flour/green gram flour
    besan flour1:1none

    same ingredient

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup yogurt/curd
    buttermilk1:1dairy

    tangier flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup spinach leaves, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ½ tsp red chilly powder
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 pinch assafoetida powder(optional)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    ghee1:1noneadds dairy

    richer flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp coconut, grated
  • ½ tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blend all ingredients except tempering ingredients into a very fine paste

  2. 2

    Heat the batter in a thick bottom pan for 10-12 minutes on slow flame stirring continuously to avoid lumps

  3. 3

    Remove from heat when batter starts leaving sides of vessel and pour immediately onto kitchen counter or large flat plate

  4. 4

    Spread into thin sheet with spatula and cool for 5 minutes

  5. 5

    Cut into broad strips using knife and roll each strip into spiral shaped rolls

  6. 6

    Slice each roll into smaller roundels of about 2-3 inch length and place in serving dish

  7. 7

    Heat oil in wok and crackle sesame seeds for few seconds then add lemon juice

  8. 8

    Pour tempering over sliced rolls and garnish with grated coconut

Tips

Tip 1

Stir continuously while cooking the batter to prevent lumps from forming and ensure smooth texture

Tip 2

Spread the cooked batter immediately while warm as it becomes difficult to handle once completely cooled

Tip 3

Cut rolls into uniform sizes for even presentation and easier serving

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days

Make Ahead

Can prepare rolls 1 day ahead, add tempering just before serving

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm as appetizer or snack

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Stir batter continuously to avoid lumps forming during cooking

Watch

Spread batter immediately while warm to avoid difficulty in handling

Watch

Cut with sharp knife to prevent rolls from breaking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

yogurt→
buttermilk1:1dairy

tangier flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chickpea flour→
besan flour1:1none

same ingredient

Full guide →
vegetable oil→
ghee1:1noneadds dairy

richer flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without yogurt?

Yes, substitute with buttermilk or add extra water with a tablespoon of lemon juice for tanginess, though texture will be slightly different.

What if my batter is too thick?

Add water gradually while cooking until you reach a spreadable consistency that leaves the sides of the pan when ready.

How long do these rolls keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh tempering before serving for best flavor and aroma.