HOW TO USE BUCKWHEAT FLOUR WHEN BAKING

Whether you're whipping up a stack of pancakes or creating a homemade sourdough, buckwheat flour brings a novel twist to your baking endeavors. This multi-purpose, gluten-free flour packs a nutritional punch and adds distinctive flavours, texture, and a rich, dark colour to your culinary masterpieces. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to incorporate buckwheat flour into your baking.

WHAT IS BUCKWHEAT?

A delectable assortment of scones crafted using buckwheat flour. A delectable assortment of scones crafted using buckwheat flour.

Buckwheat flour finds its origin in buckwheat, which are grain-like seeds of a plant akin to rhubarb. Once milled into flour, buckwheat introduces a unique blend of nutty and earthy flavours while offering textural improvement and a deep colour to your creations.

BUCKWHEAT FLOUR: HOW DO YOU MAKE IT?

Crafting your own buckwheat flour through milling or grinding buckwheat groats not only lifts the flavour profile of your dishes but also allows a level of customization that lends a personal touch to your recipes. Here's how to make your own buckwheat flour:

A person is seen adding buckwheat groats into a transparent mixing bowl attached to a KitchenAid Grain Mill. A person is seen adding buckwheat groats into a transparent mixing bowl attached to a KitchenAid Grain Mill.
  • Obtain your buckwheat groats and place them in the KitchenAid® All Metal Grain Mill which can be attached to your KitchenAid® Stand Mixer.
  • Position your mixing bowl strategically under the attachment to catch the milled buckwheat.
  • Adjust your grain mill to the required setting.
  • Repeat the process until you've obtained enough homemade buckwheat flour to bring a unique flair to your recipes.

The KitchenAid brand’s range of food processors and blenders also serves as excellent tools for experimenting with buckwheat flour dough and incorporating it into your recipes.

COMPARING BUCKWHEAT FLOUR TO CONVENTIONAL FLOUR

On the counter, a KitchenAid metal Grain Mill holds a clear mixing dish abundantly filled with buckwheat flour. On the counter, a KitchenAid metal Grain Mill holds a clear mixing dish abundantly filled with buckwheat flour.

Unlike regular grains, buckwheat is gluten-free and infuses dishes with a nutty essence, delicate texture, and darker hues. In many recipes, you can replace up to a quarter of the regular or other types of flour with buckwheat flour.

IS BUCKWHEAT FLOUR HEALTHIER THAN STANDARD FLOUR?

With its rich fiber, protein, and mineral content as well as its gluten-free composition, buckwheat flour is not just a source of distinct flavour and colour but also a healthier alternative to standard or wheat flour.

Using buckwheat flour allows you to introduce a unique, earthy taste profile to your favourite recipes, all while enhancing their nutritional value. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, integrating buckwheat flour into your cooking routine can elevate your meals, adding a special twist that's both delicious and beneficial for your health

CAN ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR BE REPLACED WITH BUCKWHEAT FLOUR?

On the countertop, a lovely KitchenAid mixer accompanies an individual as she introduces buckwheat flour into her pizza dough. On the countertop, a lovely KitchenAid mixer accompanies an individual as she introduces buckwheat flour into her pizza dough.

Absolutely. In recipes that rely on gluten, like bread or pasta, you can substitute up to a quarter of all-purpose flour with buckwheat flour. Keep in mind that using buckwheat flour may yield a denser final product. Gluten-free flours, like buckwheat, are more likely to succeed in recipes for cookies, quick breads, cakes, pancakes, and soba noodles.

HOW DOES BUCKWHEAT FLOUR TASTE?

Buckwheat flour adds a distinct earthy note to your baked goods, breads, noodles, and desserts. While the natural bitterness may seem intense initially, cooking and integrating this flour into your recipes can balance the flavour for the perfect hint of bitterness.

HOW TO STORE BUCKWHEAT FLOUR

For storage, place your buckwheat flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry area. Typically, baking enthusiasts store whole grain flours like buckwheat in a cupboard or pantry where it can stay fresh for 1-2 months. To extend the shelf life to three to six months, consider refrigerating or freezing the flour in a sealed container.

BAKING WITH BUCKWHEAT FLOUR: SOME RECIPE IDEAS

A platter of delightful muffins beautifully adorned with a drizzle glaze and thin apple slices on the top A platter of delightful muffins beautifully adorned with a drizzle glaze and thin apple slices on the top

Buckwheat flour is incredibly versatile and can be a component of many recipes that call for standard flour. Consider experimenting with buckwheat flour in sourdough bread, thin crepes, or even gluten-free buckwheat chocolate chip cookies for a delightful variation in your next culinary adventure.

1. HEARTY BUCKWHEAT SOURDOUGH BREAD

A close-up image capturing the texture and details of a tasty Buckwheat Sourdough Bread loaf. A close-up image capturing the texture and details of a tasty Buckwheat Sourdough Bread loaf.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup (240 gms) buckwheat flour
  • 3 cups (720 gms) bread flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 gms) sourdough starter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (8.5 gms) salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water

METHOD:

  • Mix the buckwheat flour, bread flour, sourdough starter, salt, and warm water in a large bowl.
  • Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Let it rise in a warm place for about 3-4 hours.
  • Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a loaf pan, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

2. SWEET BUCKWHEAT CREPES WITH BERRIES

A plate presenting a delicious arrangement of Buckwheat Crepes topped with fresh blueberries. A plate presenting a delicious arrangement of Buckwheat Crepes topped with fresh blueberries.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup (240 gms) buckwheat flour

  • 1 cup (240 gms) whole milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tablespoon (17 gms) honey

  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 gms) salt

  • Fresh berries for serving

METHOD:

  • Blend the buckwheat flour, milk, eggs, honey, and salt in a blender until smooth.

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in a quarter cup of the batter.

  • Swirl to evenly distribute the batter, cooking until lightly browned, and then flip.

  • Cook the other side for about 1 minute, then remove from the pan and keep warm.

  • Repeat with the remaining batter and serve warm with fresh berries.

3. GLUTEN-FREE BUCKWHEAT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

An enticing close-up view of delectable chocolate chip cookies crafted with Gluten-free Buckwheat. An enticing close-up view of delectable chocolate chip cookies crafted with Gluten-free Buckwheat.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 gms) buckwheat flour

  • 1/2 cup (120 gms) softened unsalted butter

  • 3/4 (180 gms)cup sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon (5.7 gms) vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.9 gms) baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 gms) salt

  • 1 cup (240 gms) chocolate chips

METHOD:

  • Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  • Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.

  • In a separate bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, baking soda, and salt.

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then stir in the chocolate chips.

  • Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.

UPGRADE YOUR BAKING WITH THE KITCHENAID BRAND

Elevate your culinary ventures and infuse newfound delight into your baking with the possibilities provided by the KitchenAid brand. The array of KitchenAid® food processors and KitchenAid® blenders available empowers experimentation with buckwheat flour dough, seamlessly integrating it into your culinary routine.