How do you use Namaste gluten-free flour?

Namaste Foods offers a line of gluten-free all-purpose baking mixes and flours, providing a versatile flour alternative for anyone following a gluten-free diet. For those managing celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply looking to avoid wheat, Namaste gluten-free flour allows you to continue enjoying your favorite baked goods. This flour can be used to make everything from breads and pizza crusts to cakes, cookies, and more. Read on to learn more about Namaste gluten-free flour, its benefits and uses, helpful tips for baking success, and some delicious recipe ideas to try with this multipurpose flour.

What is Namaste Gluten-Free Flour?

Namaste Foods’ gluten-free all-purpose flour is made from a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum. It contains no wheat, barley, rye, or any gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe option for gluten-free diets. Namaste’s flour has a fine, silky texture that resembles traditional all-purpose flour. The rice flour provides structure and binding, while the starches lend lightness and create lift in baked goods. A touch of xanthan gum helps replicate the stretchy qualities of gluten to aid in rising and prevent crumbling.

Compared to some other gluten-free flours, Namaste’s blend is lower in gritty texture and has better holding power. The versatility of this flour makes it an ideal substitute for all-purpose flour in a wide variety of recipes, from breads to cookies and everything in between. It’s a pantry staple ingredient for gluten-free baking.

Benefits of Namaste Gluten-Free Flour

There are many benefits that make Namaste gluten-free flour a great choice:

– Gluten-free – Namaste flour contains no wheat, barley, rye or gluten, making it safe for celiac disease and gluten intolerance
– Versatile – Works well in diverse baking and cooking applications, from breads to cakes and cookies
– Fine texture – Has a smooth, silky texture without grittiness
– Flavor neutrality – Does not impart any strong flavors that would overwhelm recipes
– Improves binding – Starches and xanthan gum help with structure and rising
– Shelf stability – Does not require refrigeration and has a long shelf life
– Blend of flours – Combination of flours and starches creates optimal performance
– Trusted brand – Made by a leading producer of gluten-free foods and mixes

With such versatility and ease of use, Namaste gluten-free flour makes it simple to continue enjoying your favorite baked treats and dishes while following a gluten-free lifestyle.

Where to Buy Namaste Gluten-Free Flour

Namaste gluten-free flours can be found in the specialty flour or gluten-free sections of many major grocery stores. Some locations where you can typically find Namaste products include:

– Major grocery store chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Stop & Shop, etc. Check the gluten-free or specialty flour aisles.
– Natural food stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare
– Warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club often carry it in larger bags
– Online retailers such as Amazon, Vitacost, Walmart, Thrive Market, etc.
– Direct from the Namaste Foods website which offers online ordering

If your regular grocery store does not carry it, check the listings on the Namaste Foods website to find stores near you that stock their gluten-free flour. You can also order it online to have bags delivered right to your door. Gluten-free flours are typically pricier than wheat flours, but Namaste flour is competitively priced, especially when buying in bulk or multi-packs online.

Tips for Baking Success with Namaste Gluten-Free Flour

Switching to gluten-free flour usually requires adjusting some steps in your usual baking methods. Here are helpful tips for success when baking with Namaste gluten-free flour:

Follow recipe instructions carefully

Gluten-free flours behave differently in baking, so be sure to follow recipe instructions precisely, at least the first time you make a recipe. Measure ingredients accurately and stick to specified baking times and temperatures.

Sift before using

Gluten-free flour tends to compact in the bag. Sifting it before use helps aerate the flour for better rising results.

Whisk flour and liquids

Whisk together the flour and any liquids called for rather than dump and stir. This prevents clumping.

Use extra leaveners

Without gluten, baked goods need a boost to rise properly. Add an extra 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking powder or soda per cup of flour.

Increase binding ingredients

Add an extra egg or two, or use an extra tablespoon of yogurt, to help bind moisture in gluten-free batters.

Expect a different texture

Baked goods won’t have the chewy texture of gluten flours. Aim for moist baked goods instead of expecting bread-like results.

Rest doughs when possible

Letting doughs rest allows time for flours to fully hydrate for better consistency.

Prevent crumbling with xanthan gum

Add a dash more xanthan gum if needed to create structure and prevent crumbling in delicate baked goods.

Check for doneness early

Gluten-free items bake faster than wheat-based ones. Keep an eye on items and test for doneness a few minutes early.

With practice and patience, you’ll get the hang of baking delicious creations with Namaste gluten-free flour!

How to Substitute Namaste Flour in Recipes

The simplest way to use Namaste gluten-free flour is to substitute it 1:1 for all-purpose flour in recipes you already enjoy. However, some adjustments may be needed for best results:

– Cakes: Add 1-2 extra eggs for moisture and structure. May need a touch more leavener.

– Cookies: Add 1-2 Tbsp extra butter or oil to bind. Cookies may spread more than usual.

– Yeast breads: Add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 tsp xanthan gum per loaf to aid rising. Allow for longer proofing time.

– Quick breads: Add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp more baking powder or soda to ensure sufficient rise.

– Pie crusts: Use 1/4 to 1/3 cups extra butter for flakiness. Chill dough thoroughly before rolling.

– Fried foods: Dredge in mixture of flour and cornstarch for crispy coating.

For any recipe, sift the flour first and whisk together liquids to prevent overmixing. Check for doneness early as gluten-free baked goods set faster. Make adjustments to extra binding or leavening agents as needed for best results.

How to Store Namaste Gluten-Free Flour

To maintain freshness and quality, store Namaste gluten-free flour:

– In a cool, dry place: Avoid hot spots like near the oven or in direct sunlight.

– In an airtight container: Store open bags in a sealed plastic, glass or metal container. This prevents moisture from causing clumping.

– Off the counter: For longest shelf life, store flour in the pantry or cupboard, not out on the counter.

– Away from strong odors: Since gluten-free flour is more porous, it can absorb other food smells more easily.

– Refrigeration is optional: The flour itself does not require chilled storage, but refrigeration can prolong shelf life in humid environments. Allow chilled flour to come to room temperature before using.

– Freeze for extended storage: For keeping flour longer term (6-12 months), the freezer prevents rancidity. Thaw completely before opening.

When stored properly in a cool, dry spot, Namaste gluten-free flour will stay fresh for up to 6 months past the use-by date on the packaging. Always use flour by the best-by date for optimal freshness and performance.

Delicious Recipes Using Namaste Gluten-Free Flour

Namaste gluten-free flour works wonderfully in all kinds of everyday recipes. Here are some delicious ideas to try:

Breakfast and Brunch

– Pancakes
– Waffles
– Crepes
– Muffins
– Scones
– Coffee cake
– Donuts
– Breakfast breads

Breads

– Sandwich bread
– Dinner rolls
– Ciabatta
– Focaccia
– Pizza crust
– Breadsticks
– Tortillas
– Naan
– Bagels

Desserts

– Birthday cake
– Layer cake
– Cupcakes
– Brownies
– Cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, etc)
– Pie crust and fillings
– Cobblers and crisps

Other Uses

– Pancake or waffle batter
– Fried chicken or fish coating
– Gravies and sauces
– Dumplings
– Biscuits
– Scones
– Crackers

The possibilities are endless with this versatile gluten-free flour. From everyday meals to special occasion treats, Namaste flour allows you to continue enjoying your favorite baked goods gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Flour Recipe Inspiration

Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire your gluten-free baking with Namaste flour:

Fluffy Pancakes

Light, fluffy pancakes are easy to make gluten-free. Swap the wheat flour for Namaste flour in your favorite recipe, or try this basic combination:

– 1 cup Namaste flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 Tbsp sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 cup milk
– 2 Tbsp oil or melted butter

Whisk dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Stir in milk and oil. Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk just until combined. For fluffiest texture, let batter rest 5 minutes before cooking pancakes on a hot griddle.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Who doesn’t love a warm homemade donut? Namaste flour makes it possible to enjoy these guilty pleasures gluten-free.

– 2 1/4 cups Namaste flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 cup sugar for coating

In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat egg then stir in melted butter and milk. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix to form a thick, sticky batter.

On a floured surface, roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into donut shapes using a cutter or glass. Fry in 350°F oil for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Toss hot donuts in cinnamon sugar to coat.

Blueberry Muffins

Namaste flour brings you back all the muffin goodness, now in gluten-free form.

– 2 cups Namaste flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 egg
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup oil
– 1 tsp vanilla
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with papers.

In a bowl, mix together dry ingredients. In another bowl, beat egg. Add milk, oil and vanilla and mix well. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry just until incorporated. Fold in blueberries.

Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden on top. Remove from tin and let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!

The options for gluten-free recipes are endless with Namaste flour. Have fun experimenting to find new favorites!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Namaste gluten-free flour:

Is Namaste flour whole grain?

Namaste gluten-free flour is not whole grain. It is made from a blend of white rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and xanthan gum. For a whole grain gluten-free flour, try mixes that contain buckwheat, millet, sorghum or teff flours.

What is the protein content?

Namaste gluten-free flour contains approximately 2 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving. This is lower than all-purpose wheat flour which has around 3-4 grams per 1/4 cup serving. Adding eggs, milk or yogurt to recipes can help boost the protein level when using gluten-free flours.

Is Namaste flour nut-free?

Yes, Namaste gluten-free products are free from nuts and manufactured in a nut-free facility, making them safe for people with nut allergies. Always check packaging to confirm allergen information.

Is xanthan gum necessary?

The xanthan gum in Namaste flour helps with binding and structure in gluten-free baking. You can leave it out, but this can compromise the texture of baked goods. Add an extra egg or gum-containing ingredients like guar gum to help compensate if eliminating the xanthan.

Can you use it for bread machines?

Yes, Namaste flour works well in most bread machines. You may need to add an extra egg and adjust the yeast, liquids or rising times to get the perfect gluten-free loaf. Check your machine’s instructions for tips on successful gluten-free settings.

What is the shelf life of this flour?

Unopened bags of Namaste gluten-free flour have a shelf life of one year from the packaging date. Once opened, store in an airtight container and use within 4 to 6 months for best freshness and performance in baking.

Conclusion

Namaste Foods offers an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that makes baking without gluten simple and delicious. Their unique blend of flours and starches produces baked goods with a tender, moist texture and sweet, neutral taste. This versatile flour can become a pantry staple, allowing you to continue enjoying a wide variety of your favorite treats and dishes gluten-free. Follow the helpful tips and recipe ideas in this article to get started baking successfully with Namaste gluten-free flour today.

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