Roll out the rice flour!

Training: Body Pump

Ever had a dinner recipe in mind that kept you excited all day?? One that had you dreaming of dinner even though you are yet to finish your breakfast??

Well tonight's dinner was exactly like that.

It all started when I drew this ingredient out of the Mystery Box...

Rice Flour!

Did you know? Rice flour is made from finely milled brown or white rice.  The husk of the rice is removed, to reveal the raw rice, which is then ground to flour. Not only is it a good alternative to wheat flour, it can also be used as a thickener.

While I am no stranger to using non-wheat flours and starches, I was curious as to what I could create  using rice flour. I have previously used rice flour to make pizza bases, pide and even Easter buns, but tonight I wanted to try something new.

After a little internet browsing, I came across a dish that would be perfect - Akki Roti - aka an Indian pancake made using of rice flour!

While the normal recipe called for a mixture of rice flour, water and vegetables, I couldn’t help but make my own variation. I substituted some of the rice flour for coconut flour, and added a sprinkle of fenugreek seeds for extra flavour. Knowing that I was also serving the roti with a vegetable loaded curry, I decided to keep the rots themselves simple and vegetable free.

Combined with boiling water…

And worked into a dough.

Divided into 4…

Rolled into a ball, and placed on a lightly oiled sheet of baking paper.

Pressed to flatten.

Repeat.

Grilled – dough side down…

Paper removed..

And flipped.

Cooked until golden brown, and served alongside my "6Cs curry" .

(Recipe to follow tomorrow night)

   

The roti was light, yet chewy, with a hint of sweetness from the coconut flour….

and little hits of spice from the flecks of coriander and fenugreek throughout.

But the best part??

It was a perfect dipping tool!

Coconut Akki Roti (makes 4)

These gluten free breads are a wonderful accompaniment to curries and stews. Gluten-free, simple and tasty – why serve store-bought when you can make your own at home?? If you don’t have coconut flour, just use extra rice flour instead.

• 1.5 cups rice flour
• 0.5 cup coconut flour
• 1 – 1.5 cups water
• Handful fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tbs fenugreek seeds
• 1 tbs vegetable oil

1. Bring the water to the boil, and remove from heat.
2. Stir in flours, coriander and fenugreek seeds, and combine well. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.
3. Add the oil, then knead lightly to form a dough. Divide into 4 portions, and roll each into a ball.
4. Lightly spray 4 sheets of baking paper with oil.
5. Press a ball of dough onto each sheet of paper, and pat into a pancake shape (as thin as you can).
6. One at a time, place the roti, dough side down, into a hot frypan. Remove baking paper.
7. Cook for 4 minutes or until cooked, flipping halfway through.
8. Keep warm in the oven while you cook the remaining rotis.

What about you? Do you cook with rice flour?

Happy Baking :)