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Sometimes we limit ourselves to certain ingredients when it comes to any activity especially cooking. We are often reluctant as we think that this may hamper the recipe and can lead to a disaster. But changes are a must. Especially in cooking or baking, one must look for alternatives that can enhance the taste and maybe even the nutritional value of the item. Just like we have been using wheat flour for ages but what we didn’t know is that there are healthier alternatives to it as well.
As much as it is essential to use flour in our everyday cooking, it is equally important to use the right flour. Since a majority of people have started shifting towards a healthier lifestyle, it's time to know about the healthier alternatives to wheat flour that could be used in everyday life. You may not know about these flours until now, but believe me, once you learn about them, you will be thankful. Each of these flours is different and unique.
Here are six lesser-known flour varieties you must know about..
Coconut Flour
Coconut is extensively used in Indian cooking. But there are only a handful of people that know about coconut flour. Made up of dried coconut flesh, coconut flour is power packed with fiber. It can be great when it comes to binding and thickening. Coconut flour could be perfectly used in cakes, soups and cookies.
Cassava Flour
If you are a fan of gluten-free baking, you must go for cassava flour. Made up of stary tuber known as cassava, it has a savoury and nutty taste. This flour is loaded with fiber and low in calories, sugar and fat. This is amongst the most popular gluten-free flour options and could be used in cakes, pizza bases, breads, cookies, tortillas etc.
Buckwheat Flour
An excellent source of minerals and antioxidants, buckwheat flour is amongst the most nutritious flours available. Also known as ‘kuttu ka aata’, buckwheat flour has a nutty taste but very high nutritional value. Commonly consumed during fasts, this flour could be used in so many recipes in everyday cooking.
Oat Flour
Oats have always been considered a healthy breakfast option. But did you know about oat flour? Made up of oats, it is a whole grain flour which is gluten-free and loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium, thiamine, zinc as well as phosphorus. It is also rich in protein and fiber and could be used in cooking as well as baking.
Amaranth Flour
This gluten-free flour has been used for centuries because of its high nutritional content. Tiny seeds of amaranth are ground to make this flour, which is high in fiber, protein as well as iron. Amaranth flour has a nutty flavour and could be used in multiple ways.
Ragi Flour
Ragi flour is made up of ragi millet, known as a superfood. Ragi flour has a high content of protein, minerals and fiber. Not just this simple grain could be used in ample recipes, it is also considered ideal for weight loss diet, thanks to its properties.
What say? Try switching to these flours and let us know which one worked the best for you!
