Refined flour and refined sugar are dominantly used in the baking industry because of their desirable texture and very long shelf life. Refined flour as the name suggests is made by removing the parts of grain that have the most amount of nutrients and fibre. Refined flour is neither nutritious nor easy to digest.
Eating this type of flour on a perpetual basis can lead to problems like inflammation, indigestion, and even cardiovascular problems in the long run. Despite the cons of consuming refined flour, most people do not give up on its consumption because it is next to impossible to bake any dessert without all-purpose flour. But what if we tell you that you can most definitely bake desserts at home without using even a tad bit of all-purpose flour? Yes, that's true, and in this article, everyone can find not one but multiple alternatives to all-purpose flour that they can use to make equally decadent and scrumptious desserts.
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* Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is already very popular in India and also has the germ and the bran components that are missing in refined flour. This flour also has high fibre content and can be digested very easily other than being a great source of vitamins and minerals. The presence of fibre also reduces the chances of cardiovascular problems. Wheat flour can be used as a replacement in the ratio 1:1 with all-purpose flour. But one must remember that this mixture is going to create a denser final product. So one must be prepared for it. The best way to use wheat flour is to make pancakes, muffins and cookies with it.
* Almond Flour
Almond flour is extremely delicious and is also a gluten-free alternative to a lot of traditional flours. One can also make it at home by taking some fresh almonds and grinding them in a food processor. The low-fat content in this alternative is great for people who are trying to eat healthily. Almond flour goes well to make things like bread and pizza dough. If a person wants to include almond flour in a dish that doesn't involve the usage of yeast, then they can swap one-quarter of all-purpose flour with almond flour in the recipe.
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* Quinoa Flour
Quinoa flour is obtained by grinding quinoa and is a gluten-free plant-based flour that has an earthy and very nutty flavour. It is very rich in fibre, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B along with antioxidants. One can add it to different types of waffles, pancakes and muffins as it's going to pair well with them. Also, if one wants to impart a nutty and nutritious touch in their food, then they can try using quinoa flour.
* Chickpea Flour
Chickpea is very famous for being a great source of protein, iron, and fibre which is also vegan. Chickpea flour is very popular not just in India but in a lot of other Southeast Asian countries as well as in the Middle East. To get the best flavour in desserts, one needs to swap out 25% to 30% of the all-purpose flour from the needed quantity of flour and add chickpea flour. Since it's made with beans, it is also gluten-free.
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* Buckwheat Flour
Many people think that buckwheat is a type of flour that is derived from wheat because of its name. However, buckwheat is a gluten-free flour sourced from plants that is grainy and has a seed-like texture. It is very nutritious, nutty, and quite fulfilling at the same time. Buckwheat flour goes well, if one is trying to make healthy pancakes, breads, and muffins at home. The best way to use this flour is to always take it in 1:1 replacement.
* Millet Flour
Millet flour is a gluten-free grain that is very similar to buckwheat flour. Millet also has nutty undertones and is quite low in fat, vitamins, minerals, as well as antioxidants. The millet flour can be used to make pancakes, cookies, cakes, and some other desserts as well. Millet flour can be used in the ratio of 1:1 with all-purpose flour. This flower is low in calories and also very nutritious.