Arrowroot Powder: A Great Cornstarch Substitute for Gluten-Free and Paleo-Friendly Dishes

Are you looking for a gluten-free or paleo-friendly solution to thicken sauces, gravies, and puddings?

If so, arrowroot powder may be the perfect solution. This light and flavorless starch, made from the root of the West Indian arrowroot plant, is a popular grain-free alternative to cornstarch, and it can help you make tasty gluten-free and paleo-friendly dishes.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the many uses and benefits of arrowroot powder and provide tips on how to use it in cooking and baking.

Using Arrowroot Powder as a Thickener

Arrowroot powder has excellent thickening properties similar to cornstarch, but without the starchy flavor. To use it as a thickener for sauces and gravies, mix the arrowroot powder with cold water or other cool liquid until you get a smooth slurry.

Then add the slurry to your hot sauce or gravy while stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency. Bear in mind that arrowroot can take longer to thicken than cornstarch, so make sure to give it enough time.

In addition to its thickening powers, arrowroot can also act as an emulsifier in recipes that require oil, such as salad dressings or sauces like mayonnaise. When combined with other ingredients like olive oil and vinegars, arrowroot helps form an even texture that prevents separation over time. It’s important to note that using too much arrowroot can impair the flavor of your dish, so always be careful not to overuse it when making dressings or sauces.

Apart from using it in savory dishes like soups or stews, you can also use arrowroot powder in baked goods like cakes or cookies for extra tenderness without compromising texture. Also, if you need an egg replacement in vegan baking recipes, combining equal parts of water and arrowroot powder makes a great egg substitute since they both have similar binding properties.

Potential Downsides of Arrowroot Powder

While there are many benefits associated with using arrowroot as a cornstarch substitute, there are some potential downsides worth considering before including it into your diet on a regular basis.

One downside is its high glycemic index; since this starch is composed mainly of carbohydrates (around 84%), eating foods containing large amounts of this powdered plant matter could spike your blood sugar levels due to its strong glucose content.

 Additionally, consuming too much arrowroot could cause digestive issues such as diarrhea due to its high fiber content; if this happens repeatedly over time by consuming too much of this plant matter then you should probably switch back to using cornstarch again as it doesn’t contain any fibers at all! 

 Finally depending on where you live buying quality organic certified pure food grade fresh organic will cost significantly more than regular cornstarch which sometimes contains additives such preservatives salts etc…to improve shelf life.

Given its many uses, arrowroot powder remains a popular cornstarch substitute for gluten-free and paleo-friendly dishes.

Whether you’re thickening sauces and gravies, making vegan baked goods, or making dressings and sauces with extra zip, arrowroot powder is a great solution. Just remember to be mindful of your portions as it can have some strong side effects when consumed in large amounts. With that being said, the many uses and benefits of this underappreciated starch make it an excellent addition to your pantry and kitchen shelf.

FAQ

How do I use arrowroot powder in recipes? Answer: To use it as a thickener for sauces and gravies, mix the arrowroot powder with cold water or other cool liquid until you get a smooth slurry. Then add the slurry to your hot sauce or gravy while stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency. Arrowroot can also be used as an egg replacement in vegan baking recipes by combining equal parts of water and arrow