Cornflour, commonly known in the U.S. as cornstarch, is a carbohydrate extracted from corn. It is a versatile ingredient mainly used to thicken soups, gravies, sauces, and desserts. When mixed with a liquid and heated, cornflour’s molecules expand, causing the mixture to thicken. Because of its neutral taste, it doesn’t alter the flavor of dishes it’s added to.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: 381 kcal
- Protein: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 91g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sodium: 9mg
- Potassium: 3mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand and specific processing methods.)
Ingredients:
- Endosperm of corn kernels
How to Use: Cornflour needs to be mixed with a cold liquid (often water or milk) to form a “slurry” before being added to hot mixtures. This prevents lumping. Once the slurry is mixed into the hot mixture, it needs to be cooked for a short period to activate the thickening properties.
Recipe Idea – Berry Fruit Sauce: Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and half of the water. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornflour with the remaining cold water until smooth.
- Slowly stir the cornflour slurry into the simmering berry mixture.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let it cool. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Note: Always check product labels, as processing and additives can affect dietary compatibility.
