Learning how to use combinations of gluten-free flours is the secret to successful gluten-free cooking. Gluten-free flours have different tastes, characteristics, uses and nutritional content. The following descriptions will help you choose different flours for specific gluten-free recipes and individual nutritional needs.
Tips:
Tips:
- Any whole grain can be ground to fresh flour using an electric coffee bean grinder.
- To prevent rancidity, always store whole grains and flours in the refrigerator or freezer, in sealed and labeled containers.
Sorghum
Teri Lee Gruss
Sorghum, also known as Jowar or milo, is growing in popularity in gluten free cooking. It's a high protein, cream-colored, smooth flour with a wheat-like taste. Sorghum doesn't have the gritty texture found in brown rice flour or the heavy bean-flavor of garfava or garbanzo bean flours. Use this nutritious gluten free flour as a portion- up to 25% of the total flour ratio, in all purpose gluten free flour mixes and bread, muffin, cookie, pancake and pizza dough recipes.
Teff
Teff is an ancient seed grain that has been an important food source in Ethiopia for thousands of years. Teff is high in protein and has a nutty, sweet flavor. It is available in white, tan and brown varieties. Whole grain teff can be used alone, or combined with millet or rice in pilaf recipes. It can also be served as a hot, nutritious breakfast cereal. Add teff flour in small amounts to gluten free bread, muffin, cookie, pancake, pizza crust and cracker recipes to improve nutritional quality. Teff flour can also be used as a thickener in soups, stews and gravies.Garbanzo Bean Flour
Teri Lee Gruss
Garbanzo (chickpea) bean flour is a high protein/fiber flour that adds moisture, good texture and nutritional quality to gluten free recipes. Garbanzo bean flour is also blended with fava bean flour to make "garfava" bean flour. These products can be used interchangeably in flour mixes and recipes. Bean flours are creamy-colored and have a sweet, bean flavor. Some manufacturers heat-treat bean flour during processing to make the flour more digestible, but some people do experience digestive distress when using bean flours. Use bean flours as a portion- about 25% of total flour ratio in all purpose gluten free flour mixes and recipes. Bean flours can also be used to replace brown rice in gluten free recipes.
Soy Flour
Soy flour is naturally high in protein and fats but it is available as a processed, low-fat defatted product. It is pale yellow and has a somewhat beany, strong flavor. It adds moisture and texture to baked goods and browns quickly. Soy is listed in the top eight food allergens, along with milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Amaranth or sorghum flours work well as a substitute for soy flour in most recipes.Almond Meal/Flour
Teri Lee Gruss
Almond meal is made by grinding blanched (dark skin removed) almonds. It's a high fiber, high fat flour that adds moisture, flavor, texture and nutritional value to gluten free baked goods. Nut flours- including almond, pecan or hazelnut also make delicious coatings for chicken, fish or vegetables. Nut flours can also be used to replace powdered milk in most recipes, making them a useful, dairy-free alternative ingredient.
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour can be used in small quantities in gluten free recipes to increase fiber content. It is almost 60% fiber, is high in fats and lower in carbohydrates than other GF flours. Coconut flour works best in recipes that include eggs and has a short shelf life. Refrigerate baked goods made with coconut flour to prevent spoilage.Chestnut Flour
Chestnut flour is a light tan-colored flour made from ground whole chestnuts. It adds sweetness, moisture and texture to baked goods. Chestnut is traditionally used in rich Italian and French pastries.Arrowroot
Teri Lee Gruss
Arrowroot is a powdery white starch ground from the root of the tropical herb Maranta. It is an excellent thickener in sauces, adds body and texture to gluten free backed goods and works well as a batter coating or breading for chicken, fish and vegetables. It can be used in place of cornstarch in recipes.
