Need a better digestion? Try this fiber-rich ingredient
What's the story
Inulin, a plant-based dietary fiber, is the new rising star in the world of vegan cooking and healthy eating. Sourced mainly from chicory root, it functions as a prebiotic, fostering a healthy gut. Discover five creative ways to use inulin in your vegan dishes, adding not only a health boost but also a unique texture to your meals.
Smoothie enhancer
Boost your smoothies
Just by adding a tablespoon of inulin powder to your morning smoothie, you can turn it into a high-fiber drink that tastes just as good. Inulin has no flavor and it dissolves quickly, so you can add it to any smoothie recipe without changing the taste. This one small step can help keep your digestion on track and give you a steady flow of energy all day long.
Yogurt magic
Homemade vegan yogurt thickener
Vegan yogurt often misses the mark when it comes to the creamy consistency of traditional dairy yogurt. Adding one to two teaspoons of inulin during the process can help achieve that desired creaminess in homemade vegan yogurt. Inulin doesn't just add a velvety texture, it's also a prebiotic that supports a healthy gut.
Sweetness swap
Natural sweetener substitute
Inulin has a slightly sweet taste, which makes it a great natural sweetener substitute in baking and cooking. When substituting sugar with inulin powder, begin with half the amount of sugar the recipe requires as its sweetness is more delicate. This substitution not only cuts down on sugar consumption but also introduces dietary fiber to desserts and baked goods.
Bread booster
Enhance homemade bread
By adding two tablespoons of inulin powder per cup of flour to your bread recipes, you can drastically improve both the texture and the nutritional content of your bread. Inulin is crucial in assisting the bread to maintain moisture, resulting in a softer loaf that stays fresh for an extended period. Plus, it increases the dietary fiber content without affecting the taste or compromising the bread's structural integrity.
Dressing delight
Fiber-rich salad dressings
Making salad dressings with inulin powder not only increases their fiber content but also improves thickness and mouthfeel. Simply start by adding one teaspoon of inulin powder to your go-to dressing recipes and tweak as needed for taste and desired consistency. This way, you can savor creamier dressings without resorting to high-fat ingredients or artificial thickeners.