Corn flour or corn starch is commonly used in households to thicken curries, soups, and sauces. However, culinary experts say this versatile ingredient offers far more benefits beyond its traditional role.
In everyday cooking, people often get used to using certain ingredients for just one purpose, remaining unaware of their full potential. Corn flour is one such staple that can be used in several simple yet effective ways in the kitchen.
Before exploring its uses, it is important to understand the difference between corn flour and corn starch. Corn flour is made by grinding whole corn kernels and has a yellow color with a distinct taste. In contrast, corn starch is pure corn extract, white in color and nearly tasteless, making it easy to incorporate into a wide variety of dishes.
According to experts, corn starch is an excellent choice for achieving extra crispiness in fried foods. Whether vegetables or meat, lightly coating them with corn starch before frying can produce a crunchy outer layer without the need for batter or breadcrumbs, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Corn starch is also considered useful for making soft and fluffy omelets. Adding a small amount while whisking eggs with spices helps create a lighter, airier omelet, as the starch works effectively with egg proteins.
Maintaining moisture while cooking meat can be challenging, but corn starch can help here as well. When added to marinades, it helps seal in juices, keeping the meat tender and forming a light protective coating during cooking.
For baking enthusiasts, corn flour serves as a practical alternative ingredient. Mixed with water, it can replace eggs in certain recipes, especially when preparing vegan or gluten-free baked goods, as corn starch contains no gluten.
Additionally, if cake or pie batter becomes too thin during baking preparation, adding a measured amount of corn flour can help restore the desired consistency. Overall, corn flour proves to be a simple yet multi-purpose ingredient that offers practical solutions to many common kitchen challenges.
