Cooking with coconut flour is not really that hard. In fact, some individuals do not really see the difference between coconut flour and the usual wheat flour that they taste every day. Consistency and lightness are basically the same but since some characteristics are a tad different, some chefs handle coconut flour differently to bring out its best flavor. That being said, following are some tips on how coconut flour is usually handled by the experts.
Less Sweeteners
Coconut flour is a byproduct of coconut milk and therefore carries its own unique flavor. It’s even naturally sweet which means that cooks would need to decrease the number of sugar they place in their recipes. This is especially true for dessert concoctions such as cookies, cakes and cupcakes.
Ratio to Regular Flour
If the recipe demands for one cup of regular wheat flour, it does not follow that you can substitute the same amount of coconut flour to it especially when it comes to baking. Usually, a small amount of coconut flour can produce a successful baked product. There is really no exact ratio, it depends on what the recipe is. It is best therefore to stick to a tested recipe rather than doing experimentation.
More Eggs
Now this is something lots of people seem to forget. The fact is that coconut flour is looser than wheat flour and would therefore need something that would allow it to become more compact. In order to do this, cooks would need to add more eggs into the recipe to attain their desired consistent. What’s great about this is that eggs are only additional protein so individuals shouldn’t have too much problem with the content. Even better, good quality eggs would provide excellent taste to the concoction.
Gravy and Sauces
Coconut flour isn’t just for baking needs. Some individuals find it better to place this particular product in their gravy to get that thick and rich taste for their food. What’s even better here is that since coconut flour is considered healthy, individuals wouldn’t have any problem serving it to their guests or clients. The kind of gravy produced by coconut flour and sauce mixtures is also highly unique and product a much more appealing texture. Coconut flour soaks in more water so make sure to add in a little at a time.
Addition for Food Types
Coconut flour can also be added to a wide array of food products from porridge, soup to casseroles. They provide a very specific texture that is likened to adding wheat flour to the recipe. The only difference is that they are healthier, making them more acceptable in a regular fare.
Storage
Storage can be done by placing the coconut flour in an airtight container and keeping it in the refrigerator. It can last for one year in storage.
Of course, those aren’t the only cooking tips people need to keep in mind when using coconut flour. The fact is that this by-product of coconut milk is highly efficient for the body. Not only does it lack gluten, it’s also high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Hence, it’s perfect for people who are trying to lose weight. Note however that there are lots of coconut flour products out in the market today so make sure to purchase brands that are of good reputation.
