Gluten-free, cassava flour is an alternative to traditional flour made from cassava root, a plant native to South America and Africa. Soft and powdery, it does not have the grainy texture typical of many other gluten-free flours. Furthermore, unlike almond or coconut flour, it has a neutral and delicate flavor, which does not particularly affect the taste of the dishes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Cassava Flour as a Substitute
Step 1. Avoid using it in recipes that include a leavening process
Cassava flour is denser, which is great for making foods like cookies and brownies, but isn't as effective for making foods that require a leavening process, such as bread and cakes. Dishes made with cassava flour tend to be generally a little denser than those made with multipurpose flour or other types of gluten-containing flours.
Cassava flour is great for recipes such as tortillas, pita bread, cookies, and brownies
Step 2. Weigh the cassava flour
For other types of flour, a cup-sized measuring spoon is usually sufficient, but cassava flour is denser than wheat flour. Therefore, before using it for cooking, it must be measured with a digital scale. If you don't have a scale, do the following: fluff it up, then take it out using a measuring spoon to prevent it from becoming compact. When you have finished measuring it, level it with a butter knife or other flat utensil.
Step 3. To replace wheat flour, calculate a ratio of 1: 1
this is the method to follow for most of the recipes. The only exception comes with recipes that require the use of yeast, as cassava flour is notoriously denser and does not rise effectively.
Cassava flour doesn't have the same nutritional value as wheat flour, so if you decide to use it, be sure to incorporate foods rich in vitamins and nutrients into your diet
Step 4. To get used to using it correctly, first use it to prepare recipes you are already familiar with
See how it affects the texture and flavor of the food. Before using it for more elaborate recipes, try to figure out if you like it.
- Once you get used to using it, start experimenting with other recipes.
- Cassava flour gives a delicate and intense flavor reminiscent of hazelnut. Take this into consideration when cooking.
Step 5. Buy pure cassava flour, free of artificial additives
Read the product label - they should only contain cassava or cassava flour. Avoid those that contain artificial ingredients or fillers, as they are not as healthy as pure flour.
- Cassava flour is also sometimes called yuca flour.
- You can find it in stores that sell natural products.
Step 6. Modify recipes that involve the use of yeast by replacing it with xanthan gum, which in combination with cassava flour takes on a binding function
If you are not vegan, add an egg as well, which has the same properties.
In most recipes, you need to measure half a teaspoon of xanthan gum for each cup of flour used
Step 7. Be aware that cassava flour is different from tapioca flour
Although they are both derived from the same root, their use is substantially different. Tapioca flour is usually used as a thickening agent and is effective for making puddings or sauces, while cassava flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose or gluten-free flour. Do not confuse them when buying.
Tapioca is the starch extracted from the cassava root, while cassava flour is made by grinding and peeling the entire root
Method 2 of 3: Incorporate Cassava into the Kitchen
Step 1. Use cassava flour to make gluten-free cupcakes, perfect for those with food allergies or who are on a particular diet but want to indulge in something sweet
Adding the whipped egg whites makes the pastries acquire a soft and light consistency.
Step 2. Make tortillas or naan bread with cassava flour
To make tortillas, mix 1 cup (about 120g) of cassava flour with a pinch of baking soda and 160ml of warm water. Knead and spread the preparation on a flat surface before cutting it to obtain circular discs. At this point, cook the tortillas in a pan greased with butter or oil for one minute per side. Instead of buying tortillas made from wheat or corn, try making them at home with cassava flour.
Step 3. Make cookies and brownies with cassava flour
If you are vegan or do not eat eggs, you can replace them with pumpkin puree or cooked apples, which have a binding function. Prepare the cookies or brownies as usual. To make them thicker and thicker, add more flour.
Step 4. Cassava flour is also suitable for making pancake batter
It usually absorbs more liquid than traditional flour, so keep this in mind when preparing the recipe. For this reason it is usually necessary to add more milk or eggs.
Step 5. Use cassava flour to make pizza dough by replacing the yeast or egg with 2 tablespoons of baking powder
Since it absorbs more liquids, be sure to measure half a cup of warm water for each cup of cassava flour. You can also combine it with other flours, such as coconut, to make the ingredients better combine.
Method 3 of 3: Using Cassava Flour for Health Reasons
Step 1. Try using cassava flour if you follow a paleo diet based on the consumption of foods such as meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and nuts
This type of diet excludes processed foods, containing grain or refined sugar. If you follow this type of diet, cassava flour is a great solution, as it replaces the wheat found in traditional multipurpose flours.
Step 2. Switch to cassava flour if you have food allergies
If you are celiac or gluten intolerant, using cassava flour may be the solution for you, as it does not contain gluten and can be used in many recipes. It is also recommended for those who are allergic to wheat.
Step 3. Don't eat raw cassava root
It is poisonous, as it contains a cyanide compound. The procedure implemented to obtain the flour frees it of this substance. If you have decided to make cassava root flour, don't eat it raw.
- The toxic substance contained in cassava is called linamarin.
- Cassava poisoning can damage the liver, kidneys and brain.
Step 4. Discover the benefits of cassava flour, which boasts many interesting properties
For example, it offers a high calorie intake and is an excellent source of carbohydrates. In addition, it is completely free of traces of dried fruit, gluten and wheat, therefore recommended for those suffering from celiac disease or allergies to dried fruit. It also contains nutrients and vitamins, including potassium and B vitamins.
