Flour is a powdery substance, usually made from wheat, that is the basic ingredient of bread, cakes, and pastries It is made by milling, which is the grinding of grains such as wheat or oats into a powdery substance. Flour is one of the most important ingredients in baking, as it helps to create a light, fluffy texture and provides structure to baked goods. Flour is also a key ingredient in pasta, as it is used as the base of the dough.
One of the best uses of flour is in bread. Bread is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and salt. Once mixed, the dough is kneaded and left to rise until it has doubled in size. After rising, it is shaped into loaves and baked in the oven. The flour provides the bread with the structure and texture that makes it light and airy.
Another popular use of flour is for baking cakes. Cakes are typically made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The flour helps to provide structure and hold the cake together, while the sugar and butter add flavor and moisture.
Flour can also be used to make desserts like cookies, pies, and tarts. Flour is used to form the crust for pies and tarts, and can also be used to make cookie dough. Cookies are usually made with a combination of flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes eggs and baking powder. The flour helps to provide the dough with structure and a crispy texture.
Pasta is also made with flour, as it is the main ingredient in noodles. Flour is combined with eggs and salt, then kneaded and rolled into sheets. The sheets are then cut into shapes and boiled, creating everything from spaghetti to ravioli.
Finally, flour can be used to make batter for fried foods like fried chicken, fish and chips, and tempura. Batter is typically made with a combination of flour, eggs, and milk. The flour helps to give the batter a thick, crunchy texture when it is fried.
Flour is an incredibly versatile and important ingredient in baking, as well as many other types of cooking. From cakes to breads to pastas to fried foods, it plays a key role in creating a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes.