5 essential ingredients for delicious baking recipes
What's the story
Baking is such a delightful culinary art, but it mostly relies on a few staple ingredients. But did you know there are some versatile vegetarian ingredients that can take your baking game up a notch, but still remain overlooked by many? These ingredients not only add unique flavors and textures but also come packed with nutritional benefits. Let's explore these options.
Chickpea water
Aquafaba: The magic liquid
Aquafaba is the liquid in canned chickpeas or the water remaining after boiling them. It makes an excellent substitute as it mimics the properties of whites when whipped. Three tablespoons of aquafaba can replace one in recipes such as meringues, macarons, and mousses. Its neutral flavor ensures it doesn't change the taste of your baked goodies while giving them a light, airy texture.
Ground flaxseeds
Flaxseed meal: A nutty binder
Flaxseed meal, which is made from ground flaxseeds, also makes for a great binding agent in baking. To replace eggs with it, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and allow it to sit for about five minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This mixture works great in muffins, pancakes, and cookies, adding a subtle nutty flavor and omega-3 fatty acids.
Plant-based milk alternative
Coconut milk: Creamy richness
Coconut milk brings creamy richness to all sorts of baked goods without any dairy involvement. You can replace regular milk or cream with coconut milk in recipes like cakes, pies, and custards. The natural sweetness of coconut milk elevates flavors while keeping the end product moist. Plus, it's lactose-free so if you have dietary restrictions, coconut milk is the answer.
Nut-based flour
Almond flour: Gluten-free goodness
Made from finely ground almonds, almond flour provides a gluten-free alternative to regular wheat flour. It adds a rich flavor profile and protein content, which makes it perfect for cookies or cakes that require dense textures, such as brownies or pound cakes, where structure isn't compromised by lack of gluten development.
Fruit puree
Applesauce: Natural sweetener
Applesauce serves as an oil substitute, cutting down on fat by a lot while providing natural sweetness, so you don't have to add any sugars. This comes in particularly handy in healthier versions of classic desserts like banana bread and carrot cake, keeping them moist, tender crumbed without compromising on flavor. It's a hit with everyone, even those on diets.