Physicochemical and rheological properties of rice-based gluten-free blends containing differently treated chickpea flours

This study focused on the evaluation of the physicochemical and rheological properties of chickpea flours and blends obtained by partially substituting rice flour (25 g/100 g) with raw, roasted and dehulled chickpea flour. The characteristics of the resultant doughs were evaluated. In comparison with rice flour, blends containing chickpea flours exhibited high protein and fat content, a reduced retrogradation tendency (setback values of 404-415 vs. 479 Brabender Unit) and a higher foaming capacity and stability, which can be beneficial for their use in baked food formulations. However, roasting decreased foaming capacity and stability. Even if the rheofermentographic test evidenced a slight reduction in dough development, high CO2 retention capacity (≥ 98%) and similar-to-lower leavening times were observed for doughs containing chickpea flours. Incorporating chickpea flours also caused an increase in the viscous and elastic moduli of rice-based doughs, resulting in a good structuring of the dough. The results of this study indicated that chickpea flours could be used as a healthy ingredient in gluten-free rice-based formulations.