What is corn flour?
Corn flour is a fine powder made from finely ground cornmeal, which is dried corn kernels that have been soaked in an alkaline solution to soften the outer hull. It is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cooking and baking, especially in the cuisines of Mexico, South America and Southeast Asia.
What sets corn flour apart is its unique texture and flavor profile. It is much finer than cornmeal, gives baked goods a smoother texture and helps thicken sauces, soups and stews. Cornmeal has a distinct flavor, with a slight sweetness and slight earthiness that contribute to the overall flavor of the dishes in which it is used.
What is Corn Flour, Exactly?
Corn flour is a type of flour made from finely ground corn kernels. It is a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world, especially in Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. To make corn flour, the corn kernels are dried and ground into a fine powder.
The kernels used to make cornmeal vary, but they are typically made from yellow or white corn. The grains are thoroughly dried and then finely ground to achieve the desired texture, which is much finer than cornmeal. The result is a soft, powdery flour with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
Corn flour is widely used for various culinary purposes. It is the main ingredient for making cornbread, tortillas, tamales and other traditional dishes. Additionally, because of its ability to absorb and bind liquids, cornmeal is often used as a thickener in soups, stews, sauces, and gravies.
Cornmeal vs. Corn Flour
Cornmeal:
- Cornmeal is like tiny pieces of dried corn.
- It’s a little sandy, like tiny grains of sand.
- People use it to make cornbread, muffins, or to coat fried foods.
- It gives food a rough, grainy texture.
Corn flour:
- Corn flour is similar to a soft powdered flour made from corn.
- It is very fine, like regular wheat flour, but made from corn.
- People use it to make smooth dishes such as flatbreads, pancakes, or as a thickener for soups.
- It gives food a soft and smooth texture.
In short, cornmeal is grainy and coarse, while cornmeal is soft and powdery, like regular flour but made from corn. Both come from corn, but are used for different recipes!
Cornstarch vs Corn Flour
Corn starch:
- Cornstarch is like a silky powdery substance.
- Ideal for thickening sauces, soups or puddings.
- If you add it to a hot mixture and stir it, it will become thick and sticky.
- Think of it as a magical thickener that makes food thicker and smoother.
Corn flour:
- Corn flour is a soft, fine flour made from corn.
- It works well in baked goods, especially scones or pancakes.
- It is also used to coat foods before frying, creating a nice crispy layer.
- Consider it a versatile ingredient for cooking and baking.
How to prepare corn flour?
Get corn kernels:
- Start with dried corn kernels. You can buy them at the store or use dried corn.
Grind corn:
- Use a machine called a sander. It’s like a large blender designed for blending solid foods.
- Place the dried corn kernels into the mill and turn it on. The mill grinds the kernels into powder form.
Sift the powder:
- After grinding, you will get a mixture of fine powder and a few small pieces. Imagine that if you crush a cookie, it will leave crumbs and dust behind.
- To separate the fine powder (that’s your cornmeal!) from the chunks, you can strain it through a strainer or strainer.
Collect corn flour:
- The fine powder that passes through the sieve is cornmeal. Collect it in a bowl.
Use or store:
- You now have homemade cornmeal! You can use it straight away in your recipes or store it in an airtight container for later.
Making corn flour is similar to turning corn kernels into a soft, powdery ingredient that can be used in cooking and baking. It is simply a matter of grinding the corn kernels and collecting a smooth powder.
What do you make with corn flour?
Cornbread:
Mix corn flour with some ingredients such as milk, eggs and baking powder to make a special type of bread called cornbread. It’s tasty and a little crumbly.
Flatbreads:
Mix corn flour with water and a pinch of salt to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough and bake on a hot surface. They’re called flatbreads and they’re great for packing delicious toppings.
Pancakes:
Mix corn flour with a little sugar, milk and baking powder and knead into a dough. Use a spoonful of this batter to make corn fritters for a delicious breakfast.
Frying coating:
Dip foods such as chicken or vegetables into the cornmeal and spice mixture before frying. A crispy golden crust is formed.
Thicken soups and sauces:
If you want to thicken soups or sauces, mix some cornmeal with cold water and then add it to the hot soup or sauce. He becomes more beautiful and thicker.
Cornmeal is a versatile ingredient and these are just a few simple things you can make with it. Cornmeal can do a lot in the kitchen, from bread to pancakes to making fried foods truly delicious!