Why You Need Corn Flour in Your Pantry

Is corn flour currently a staple ingredient in your pantry? If not, it should be. This versatile ingredient can be used in anything – from breakfast to lunch to dinner; for baking, frying, or thickening, the possibilities are endless. Come with us as we take a look at this kitchen staple and its variety of uses.

What is Corn Flour?

As we discuss in our previous post, corn flour is a very finely ground corn product created by grinding the entire dried corn kernel including the starch, fiber, protein, and even the vitamins and minerals found in the whole kernel. It has a slightly sweet, earthy taste unlike other flours or corn starch. As an added benefit, corn flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent ingredient option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It also provides essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. In the case of Professor Torbert’s Orange Corn flour, it also includes carotenoids, the potent antioxidants that provide numerous benefits from maintaining healthy eye function to boosting vitamin A levels. Keep reading for some of our favorite uses for corn flour!

Baking

Corn flour is a great gluten-free baking alternative or even just a delicious addition to your favorite baking recipe. Like corn, the earthy sweet taste of corn flour that can enhance the flavors of your favorite recipes. When baking  with corn flour it is often combined with a binder, like eggs to provide structure to baked goods and other food, like other flours. It can be used as a gluten free substitute to wheat or regular flour, but since it does not contain gluten, it may result in a denser, more crumbly result. Here are some of our favorite Orange Corn baking recipes using corn flour:

• Pancakes, waffles, and more! – try out our ultimate buttermilk waffles and pancakes or our delicious gluten-free version. Our orange corn flour crepes also provide a unique twist on the typical crepe with the nutty, buttery taste from the corn flour. Perfect for breakfast or even dessert topped with chocolate and ice cream.
  
  
• Pies – the Orange Corn in our golden pie dough gives incredible color and a wonderful, buttery taste. Our tomato tart recipe is a great savory pie using corn flour and the perfect way to use up your summer tomato haul.
  
  
• Cakes – our yellow cake recipe is perfect for any special occasion especially topped with berries and whipped cream.  Traditional Mexican corn cake also incorporates corn flour into this moist, and mildly sweet dessert. Best served with a drizzle of honey or condensed milk!
  
  
• Muffins – there are a plethora of corn muffin recipes out there. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone. A couple of our favorites include the blueberry corn meal cupcakes and bacon onion muffins. Both have very different flavors but are equally delicious!
  

Batter and Breadings

 Corn flour can add a delightful color and flavor to fry batters. When paired with corn meal, it also adds a delicious texture and crunch. Check out some of our favorite corn flour breading and batter recipes:
 

• Eggplant parmesan – enjoy with Italian restaurant classic in the comfort of your own home! Corn flour adds beautiful color and flavor to this ultimate comfort food that will soon become a family favorite.
  
  
• Vegetable fritters- these fritters are a family-friendly recipe that is the perfect way to incorporate more veggies into your day! The corn flour creates a crisp, light outside even the pickiest of eaters will love.
  
  
• Beer batter and fried chicken – fry batters are a simple and way to add flavor to your favorite dishes! Our beer batter works with anything from fish to vegetables, delivering a light, flavorful crunch. Our fried chicken recipe is equally as delicious and easy to make. This classic recipe is great for summertime picnics or just a night at home.
  
  
• Schnitzel – the combo of corn meal and corn flour adds a delicious crunch to this favorite recipe. This popular dish in German-speaking Europe pairs well with any salad or side for a complete meal.

Other Uses

In many cases, corn flour can also be used as a thickening agent. It tends to work best in soups and sauces that are fat-based such as those made with milk, cream, or butter. Unlike cornstarch, it’s finer grain cousin, corn flour will also add an earthy flavor and texture to the dish.

Corn flour can also be used as a substitute for corn meal in a pinch. When swapped out in baking it can create a lighter fluffier finished product since it is finer ground.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to try something different, here are a few other creative uses for your new favorite pantry staple:

• Awiesu – this classic dessert from Ghana and West Africa will soon become your new favorite sweet treat! Orange Corn flour adds a rich, buttery flavor and gives the fluffy inside a beautiful golden color.
  
  
• Ice cream cones – summer (or really any time) is the perfect season to try your hand at homemade ice cream cones! The natural nutty and buttery flavor of the Orange Corn flour in our recipe pairs perfectly with the sweetness of ice cream.

The versatility of corn flour makes it the perfect addition to your pantry. It not only enhances the flavor and texture of many foods but is also a great gluten-free alternative in a variety of recipes. Don’t forget to grab a bag of Professor Torbert’s Orange Corn Flour today and get cooking!