Flour is used as a basic ingredient in many recipes. It is a healthy and nutritious option that preserves all the nutrients and fiber found in whole grains. Whether you want to use flour in baked goods, main dishes, or desserts, here are simple flour recipes ideas to try and enjoy its delicious taste and health benefits.
Flour recipes and its most important benefits
The term flour most often refers to wheat flour, but flour in general is the finely ground substance of grains, so flour is not limited to wheat flour alone, but can also be produced from nuts such as chestnuts, from seeds such as buckwheat, as well as from root vegetables such as potatoes, and from legumes such as chickpeas.
As for wheat flour, it is one of the basic elements in kitchens, and it is classified according to the type of wheat used. It contains gluten, which gives the dough its elasticity and helps it ferment and rise.
What about people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease? In this case, it is best to look for gluten-free flours, such as rice, chickpea, and almond flour.
Flour provides the body with energy because it is a rich source of starch. Some types of flour also contain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin B.
Organic flour is a healthy option for many people looking for better quality, because the modern flour manufacturing process may affect its flavor and nutritional quality.
Uses of flour in cooking and how to store it
You can use flour in many dishes and baked goods such as breads and pastries, sauces and stews, pies and cakes, and pasta.
It is best to sift the flour before using it to remove any lumps or impurities, and if you want to store it, keep it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
The longer you store unopened flour, the better the quality of the bread it produces. The flour becomes softer due to natural chemical changes, and thus the dough rises more easily. It is best to use it within one year of opening it, as after opening, the fatty acids begin to oxidize.
Simple flour recipes
Here are simple flour recipes you can prepare at home:
Spiced tea cake
Spiced tea cake is a cake rich in antioxidant spices. To prepare it, we need 250 grams of flour, 100 grams of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 150 ml of milk, 150 grams of brown sugar, and 2 eggs.
Sift the flour with the baking powder and dry spices, then beat the sugar with the butter until the mixture becomes creamy. Add the two eggs one by one, then add the flour mixture alternately with the milk. Mix until combined, pour the mixture into a buttered mold. Then bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C.
Flour recipes | Ossetian pies with beetroot and cheese
Prepare it with 300 grams of flour, 200 grams of feta cheese or cottage cheese, 150 ml of warm water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 cup of boiled and grated beetroot, 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Mix the flour with the yeast and salt, then gradually add the water until a smooth dough is formed. Leave the dough to ferment for an hour until it doubles in size. Then divide it into small balls, and spread them into circles, then mix the cheese with the grated beets.
In this step, put a little filling in the center of each circle, then close the dough into a ball, then gently spread it again. Now, it is time to cook, cook it on a hot, oiled pan until it becomes golden on both sides.
Chicken pie
This pie is a filling and delicious meal, as it provides protein from the chicken, and healthy fats from the butter. You can prepare it with 250 grams of flour, 300 grams of chopped chicken breasts, 100 grams of cold butter, 1 egg, 50 ml of cold water, salt and black pepper, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 chopped onion, and 1 cup of milk.
Mix the flour with the butter until it becomes sandy, then add the egg and cold water and knead until a cohesive dough is formed. Cover the dough and leave it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then cook the chicken with the onions until cooked, then add the flour and stir for a minute.
Gradually add the milk, stirring until a thick sauce forms. Spread the dough in a tray, then add the filling, cover with another layer of dough, and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for 30 minutes.
Pizza dough
Make a pizza dough with a rich flavor and a crispy outside and soft inside texture by preparing 3 cups freshly ground flour, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup active natural yeast, 1 cup warm water.
Mix the water with the natural yeast until it dissolves well in a large bowl. Then add the flour and salt, and mix until a cohesive dough is formed. Add the olive oil and knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave the dough to rise for 6 hours until doubled in size. Place the dough on a floured surface, then add the sauce, cheese and vegetables. Bake for 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 220°C until golden.
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Flour recipes | Pumpkin cinnamon rolls with flour
This recipe is highly nutritious. To prepare it and benefit from its nutritional value, we need 3 cups of ground flour, 1 egg, 1 cup of mashed pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of warm milk.
Mix the warm milk with the yeast and leave it for 5 minutes to react. Now, mix the flour with the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, then add the eggs, mashed pumpkin and butter. Then add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough is formed.
Cover the dough and let it rise for 2 hours, then spread the dough on a floured surface, brush its surface with cinnamon and brown sugar. Then roll the dough into a roll, cut it into small rolls and place it on a greased tray.
Leave it to ferment for 30 minutes, then bake it at 180 °C for 20 minutes. As for decoration, you can decorate it with cream cheese sauce or powdered sugar as you like.
Chia bata bread with white flour
Chia Bata Bread with White Flour is a light bread with a crispy texture. You can prepare it and use it in sandwiches with 3 cups of white bread flour, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Mix the flour with the yeast and salt, then gradually add the water while kneading until a soft dough is formed. Add the olive oil, and knead until the dough becomes elastic. Then cover it to ferment for an hour, bake it for 20 minutes in a hot oven at 200 °C.
Finally, make sure to choose the right flour for your needs, and enjoy nutrient-rich and delicious recipes from the simple flour recipes ideas that we have presented to you.