Cornstarch out, oat flour in: the ultimate guide to a gluten-free and healthy alternative
What To Know
- Oat flour has a slightly nutty flavor and can add a bit of color to your baked goods.
- Oat flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baking recipes.
- To make oat flour at home, simply grind rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine powder.
When it comes to baking, cornstarch is a common ingredient used to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies. However, if you’re trying to avoid gluten or simply don‘t have cornstarch on hand, you may wonder if you can substitute it with another ingredient. One potential option is oat flour. But before you make the swap, it’s important to understand the differences between these two ingredients and how they might affect your baking results.
Oat Flour vs. Cornstarch: Key Differences
Oat flour is a whole grain flour made by grinding rolled oats into a fine powder. It’s a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Cornstarch, on the other hand, is a refined starch extracted from corn kernels. It’s a pure carbohydrate with no nutritional value.
Can Oat Flour Be Substituted for Cornstarch?
The short answer is yes, oat flour can be substituted for cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. However, there are some important differences to keep in mind.
Thickening Power
Oat flour has a lower thickening power than cornstarch. This means that you may need to use more oat flour to achieve the same level of thickening.
Flavor and Color
Oat flour has a slightly nutty flavor and can add a bit of color to your baked goods. Cornstarch, on the other hand, is flavorless and colorless.
Texture
Oat flour can give baked goods a denser, chewier texture than cornstarch. This can be desirable in some recipes, such as cookies or muffins.
When to Substitute Oat Flour for Cornstarch
Oat flour is a good substitute for cornstarch in recipes where:
- You’re trying to avoid gluten.
- You want to add fiber and nutrients to your baked goods.
- You don’t mind a slightly nutty flavor or denser texture.
Recipes That Use Oat Flour as a Cornstarch Substitute
Here are a few recipes that successfully use oat flour as a cornstarch substitute:
- Gluten-Free Gravy
- Oat Flour Thickened Soup
- Banana Oat Flour Muffins
Tips for Using Oat Flour as a Cornstarch Substitute
- Start with a 1:1 ratio of oat flour to cornstarch.
- If you need more thickening, gradually add more oat flour until you reach the desired consistency.
- Be aware that oat flour may add a slightly nutty flavor to your baked goods.
- If you don’t want a nutty flavor, try using a neutral-tasting flour, such as white rice flour or potato flour.
Final Note: Exploring Oat Flour’s Versatility
Oat flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baking recipes. Whether you’re looking to avoid gluten, add fiber to your diet, or simply experiment with new flavors, oat flour is a great option to consider. While it may not be a perfect substitute for cornstarch in every recipe, it can certainly add its own unique qualities to your baked creations.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use oat flour in all recipes that call for cornstarch?
A: Yes, oat flour can be used in most recipes that call for cornstarch. However, it may not be the best substitute in recipes where a light, fluffy texture is desired, such as cakes or meringues.
Q: How do I make oat flour at home?
A: To make oat flour at home, simply grind rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine powder.
Q: Can I use oat flour to thicken cold liquids?
A: No, oat flour is not effective at thickening cold liquids. It must be heated in order to activate its thickening properties.