OK , I know I'm a sad case, I've been reading the packet ingredients contents of my bread mixes. It seems that every single one contains "chickpea flour". Why is this? What does chickpea flour do to the bread mix? Can't wait to find out so if anyone can shed any light on this, am eagerly awaiting to hear....[link]
[Big Grin]

Chickpea flour is what is says on the tin! (or rather packet) Its finely ground chickpeas. You can buy it from indian grocers very cheaply, where it is called "gram" flour. Its what is used to make poppadums.

I'm not sure what chickpea flour would do the a final bread. Chickpea flour is richer in protein than wheat flour, but doesn't have any gluten, so I think it would provide a lighter texture to the bread and possibly make it rise less.

Hmmm, interesting, thanks Tim. (I shall use it when I'm stuck for chat at a future dinner party!) I wonder why it isn't in ordinary shop bought bread then, or maybe it is and they don't tell us? Is it the only flour-type ingredient in Poppadums?