In India, wheat has been very prominently used in everyday meals. Round, fluffy, wholesome rotis, parathas, puris, and many more, we Indians cannot live in a world without wheat.
Despite wheat being very nutritious, it does get tagged along with health problems at times. The wheat flour we use contains gluten, resulting in digestive issues, heart disease, weight gain, and constipation. All of these are subjective to use and may not hamper your living as a whole, but we can consider a switch.
We should start experimenting with our meals to make them healthier with chemical-free and organic flours for a twist in taste and lifestyle.
Here are seven healthy alternatives to wheat flour:
1. Jowar Flour
Jowar Flour or sorghum is a hardy crop, light-colored and texture. It has a mildly sweet flavor and is naturally gluten-free. It lacks the elasticity of wheat but can be used with other gluten-free flours to make a varied range of dishes. In Indian households, predominantly rural areas, it contributes to making wholesome meals, the kind that makes you feel active and not over-stuffed. Even jowar daliya can be a wholesome dish.
2. Bajra flour
Bajra flour, also known as pearl millet, is the most widely grown type of millet. It is greyish and has a nutty flavor. Bajra roti is trendy in India's northern and western regions, specially made in the winter season since it's a heat-producing ingredient. Bajra is often a poor man's staple food, as it's cheap and makes you feel fuller.
3. Corn flour
Corn flour is a finely ground version of cornmeal known as ""Makki ka atta"" in India. It is typically yellow, but it also comes in a white variety. The texture of cornflour is smooth, and it has an earthy and sweet flavor. Corn flour is generally used as a binding agent and popularly used in desserts to make gluten-free pastries, cakes and confectionery items.
4. Barley
Barley is also a cereal grain and a healthier version of wheat and oats, slightly chewy and nutty in taste. Barley flour proves to be a suitable binder and thickener. It only contains 5 to 8% of gluten instead of wheat with a high amount of gluten.
5. Rice flour
Rice flour is an ideal substitute for your wheat or refined flour (Maida). Use it in gravies, sauces, or any recipe that needs thickening. It can also be used to make rice noodles and some pancakes, such as South Indian appams. It is entirely safe for gluten intolerants. Rice flour is high in fiber, enhances liver functioning, and cures your slow bowel system. It can also be beneficial for your skin.
6. Amaranth or Rajgira flour
Amaranth or rajgira flour is mainly used for baking and combined with other flours for better consistency. Food items like tortillas, pie crusts and different kinds of bread are made with his flour. In India, we use this a lot while fasting. It's super-rich in essential fiber, protein, and micronutrients such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and selenium, promoting brain and bone health.
7. Black chickpeas
Black chickpeas (or kala chana) is another staple of Indian households. You can make the base of this flour at your home by grinding a cup of kala chana. Knead the dough with water, and milk/curd is added to make the texture of the chapati soft.
So why float when you can dive! Dive into varied options of healthy flours await you. Depending on what's available to you, you can swap your wheat or refined flour with a different variety of flour. These flours are tasty, nutritious, and incredibly versatile.
WhatsApp Earthy Tales on +91-93118 25942 can start receiving a regular supply of a freshly milled and healthy range of flours that can help you boost your immunity. "
