THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF WHEAT FLOUR WITH CHICKPEA FLOUR ON THE TECHNOLOGICAL, NUTRITIONAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF COUSCOUS

Turkish couscous is a traditional cereal product that is generally produced by coating wheat bulgur with the wheat flour and water or milk. In this research, wheat flour used in couscous production to cover bulgur was replaced with chickpea flour (CPF) up to 100% to improve the nutritional status of couscous. Technological properties, color values, chemical and sensory properties of couscous samples were determined. Technological properties of couscous were affected negatively by the increasing CPF amounts in couscous formulation. The color values of couscous samples with 75-100% CPF were darker than the others. The ash, protein and cellulose contents of the couscous increased with increasing amount of CPF. Rich phytic acid (PA) content of CPF significantly (P < 0.05) affected the PA content of the end products. PA contents of 100% CPF added couscous samples were found 4.4 times higher than the control sample. Ca, Mg, K, P, Fe and Zn amounts increased at different degrees with CPF addition. CPF affected flavor, firmness, stickiness and overall acceptability of couscous significantly (P < 0.05). As a result, CPF substitution decreased the cooking properties but increased nutritional and sensory properties except 100% substitution level compared with control samples. Acceptable CPF level was found as 50% in terms of technological, nutritional and sensory and also functional properties of couscous. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Refined wheat flour is inadequate in terms of ash, mineral, dietary fiber and lysine amino acid. Legumes are most suitable material for enrichment of cereal product. In this research, for obtaining optimum couscous quality and nutritional enrichment, couscous was supplemented with chickpea flour. Acceptable substitution level was found as 50% for the technologic, nutritional and sensory properties. This new product may be an innovative nutritious food because of its favorite taste and aromatic profile.