More than three million Americans follow a gluten-free diet. Whether or not the choice is due to celiac disease or for other health reasons, the demand for alternative flours has increased dramatically in recent years. Among your many options is plantain flour.
What is plantain flour? It’s made from green plantains, which are dehydrated and ground into flour. It’s not the same thing as banana flour, though the two are often lumped together.
Plantain flour has been widely used in both African and Caribbean cuisine for generations. However, it’s having its moment in the spotlight among many in the gluten-free community.
Baking with plantain flour is not only easy to do but also gives you the chance to try something new and delicious.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how to use plantain flour for baking.
1. Expect a Denser Texture
Many alternative flours create denser baked goods than you might be used to. The plantain version is no exception.
When baking with plantain flour, expect your finished product to have a bit of a heavier texture and taste than traditional baked goods.
The good news is that this allows you to substitute it for wheat flour in many recipes. Sometimes denser is better and you’ll love how plantains can help you get that result.
Try it in pancakes, banana bread, cookies, or brownies.
2. Use Less Plantain Flour
Because plantain flour contains more starch than wheat flour, you won’t need as much of it when you’re baking.
Experts recommend using up to 40 percent less than the recipe calls for. You may need to experiment just a bit to find the right ratio for your favorite baked goods.
The slightly bitter taste of the flour works well in many recipes. Cutting back on how much you use keeps the flavor from taking over the other ingredients while also giving you a tasty finished product.
3. Try Mixing Alternative Flours
Baking with plantain flour naturally requires a bit of experimentation. You might find that combining it with other gluten-free flours produces the taste and texture you’re looking for.
There are a huge variety of alternative flours on store shelves these days, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right option. Mix and match to find what you like best.
One reason for this is to cut back on the bitter taste that plantain flour lends baked goods. It’s also more expensive than other grain-free flour, so mixing it can save you money when you’re following a gluten-free diet.
4. Sweeten Things Up
Because plantain flour is so starchy, it can leave a different taste when you bake with it. For that reason, one of the best plantain flour tips is to use sweetener to balance the flavor.
This can be done in a couple of ways. You can add a bit more sugar or another sweetener to the recipe when you mix it. Another option is to sweeten the finished product with frosting or glaze.
For example, spread a simple cream cheese frosting on banana bread or swipe some extra glaze on your cinnamon rolls. This helps mask the bitterness of the plantains.
5. Add Extra Water
Plantain flour soaks up water much more effectively than other flours. For that reason, you may need to add more water (or other fluid) to the mix. You’ll know this is necessary if your dough is thick and hard to stir.
Add the fluid slowly to prevent diluting your dough too much. Just a tablespoon at a time is enough to work toward the consistency you desire.
6. Consider Fiber Content
It shouldn’t be overlooked that plantain flour is higher in fiber than other kinds of flour. This is important to keep in mind when you’re baking with it, since more fiber than you’re used to can lead to digestive disturbances.
In some health circles, plantains, as well as the flour made from them, are recommended as a way to treat constipation. You can expect that the fiber may lead to gas and diarrhea if you’re not used to it.
You don’t have to worry that a cookie made from plantain flour will send you running to the bathroom after one bite. However, it is important to keep the fiber content in mind so that you can balance it with your intake from other sources.
If you are trying to increase your fiber intake for any reason, substituting flour made from plantains in your baking is an easy way to do so.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Using alternative flours can be overwhelming. The best advice we can offer is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. This will help you figure out how to use plantain flour in your kitchen.
In addition to delightfully dense and chewy brownies, pancakes, and bread, it can be used in many other ways.
Try using it to make pie crust, cookies, tortillas, cupcakes, pizza crust, waffles, and dinner rolls. Again, experimentation is the name of the game, so don’t be afraid to try it in any and all of your favorite baking recipes.
Getting Started
Ready to try using plantain flour in your kitchen? You will love the texture and flavor it lends to your favorite baked goods. You’ll also love how easy it is to use.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll feel good about serving healthy treats to your family, using flour that is packed with nutrition.
We’re so glad you’re here. Let us help you enjoy delicious foods and a happy gluten-free life. Check out our great products and try any of our plantain flour recipes.
