To make bean flour from scratch, follow these steps:
Select your beans: Choose the type of beans you want to use for your flour. Common options include chickpeas, black beans, navy beans, or any other variety of dry beans.
Clean and sort the beans: Thoroughly rinse the beans under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, sort through the beans to remove any damaged or discolored ones.
Soak the beans: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. This soaking process helps soften the beans, making them easier to grind into flour.
Drain and dry the beans: After soaking, drain the beans and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet. Let them air dry for several hours until they are completely dry to the touch. This step is essential as wet beans may not grind properly.
Grind the beans: Once the beans are dry, you can grind them into flour. There are several methods you can use:
Blender or food processor: Place a small batch of dried beans into a blender or food processor and process until you achieve a fine powder. Repeat this step with the remaining beans until you have ground all of them.
Coffee grinder: If you have a dedicated coffee grinder, you can use it to grind the dried beans in small batches until you have a fine flour consistency. Be sure to clean the grinder thoroughly before and after use.
Grain mill: If you have a grain mill, follow the manufacturer's instructions to grind the dried beans into flour.
Sift the flour (optional): If you desire a finer flour texture, you can pass the ground bean flour through a fine-mesh sieve or flour sifter to remove any larger particles. This step is not necessary if you prefer a slightly coarser texture.
Store the bean flour: Transfer the bean flour to an airtight container or sealable bag. Store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and sunlight. Properly stored, bean flour can stay fresh for several months.
That's it! You have successfully made bean flour from scratch. Remember to use this homemade bean flour in recipes that specifically call for it or experiment with your own creations.