Process optimization for the development of traditionally roasted chickpea flour for meal replacement beverages

Abstract

Chickpeas are gaining importance as a sustainable, plant-based protein source. The present study was conducted to optimize the conditions for roasting chickpea seeds that can be used in the development of products having characteristics similar to those made by the traditional approach. The temperature range was selected as 140–220°C and the time was 1–5 min. The effect of roasting parameters on puffing index, bulk density, water absorption capacity, browning index, color difference, TPC, antioxidant activity, and overall acceptability was analyzed. Based on the criteria set, optimum roasting conditions were selected using numerical optimization. The optimum solution was found at 181.64°C and a time of 3.17 min, with a desirability of 0.871. Roasting significantly affected chickpea flour's physical, proximate, functional, microstructural, thermal, and pasting properties. TPC and antioxidant activity increased, whereas TFC decreased after roasting. The morphology of starch granules was highly modified, and their thermal properties also varied considerably.