Do you have a recipe that calls for buckwheat flour, but you don’t have any on hand?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This article will list four of the best substitutes and explain the differences and similarities between them.
We’ll also provide the exact ratios to use when substituting and give examples of using these substitutes in our cooking.
Buckwheat Flour Overview
Buckwheat flour is a type of flour made from buckwheat groats. Buckwheat groats are the hulled seeds of buckwheat, and they have a nutty, earthy flavor.
Buckwheat flour is usually darker in color than other types of flour, and it has a slightly coarser texture. It is often used in pancakes and waffles, but you can also use it in other recipes such as cookies, muffins, and bread.
Substitutes for Buckwheat Flour:
- Chickpea Flour
- Wheat Flour
- Potato Flour
- Rice Flour
Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is a great alternative to buckwheat flour because you can use it in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Chickpea flour works in any recipe that calls for buckwheat flour, making it a versatile ingredient. In addition, chickpea flour is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option.
Chickpea flour is also gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
When using chickpea flour as a replacement for buckwheat flour, be sure to sift the flour before using it to avoid clumps.
Chickpea can be used as an ingredient in meals such as pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, and bread.
You can also use chickpea flour in making crepes.
How to Make Chickpea Flour Crepes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup water
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, melted
Method:
- Combine the chickpea flour, water, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- If the batter is too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add the olive oil or butter and blend again.
- Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the chickpea flour to hydrate and the crepes to be less likely to tear when cooking.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Pour or scoop the desired amount of batter into the pan.
- Tilt the pan to spread the crepe evenly. Cook for one minute or until the crepe is firm and cooked through. The edges should be lightly browned.
- Remove the crepe from the pan and place it on a plate.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve with your desired toppings.
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is another buckwheat flour substitute that you can use in a 1-to-1 ratio. It’s made from ground wheat, and it has a light, powdery texture.
Wheat flour is a good choice for recipes that require buckwheat flour because it’s similar in taste and texture.
Wheat flour is packed with nutrients, including protein, iron, and B vitamins. It is also a good source of fiber.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free buckwheat flour substitute, wheat flour is not the best choice because it contains gluten.
You can also use wheat flour in several recipes, such as pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, and bread.
How to Make Homemade Bread with Wheat Flour
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wheat flour and salt.
- Add the olive oil or butter and water and mix until everything is well combined. The dough should be moist but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add more flour until it’s the right consistency.
- If the dough is too dry, add more water a little at a time until it comes together.
- Knead the dough for about five minutes.
- Shape it into a ball and place it on a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a flat loaf shape.
- Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
Potato Flour
Potato flour is a buckwheat flour substitute that’s made from ground potatoes. It has a light, powdery texture and a slightly sweet taste.
When substituting potato flour for buckwheat flour, use half as much potato flour as you would buckwheat flour.
For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of buckwheat flour, use half a cup of potato flour.
Potato flour is a good source of fiber and vitamins C and B. It’s also gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
When using potato flour as a buckwheat flour substitute, keep in mind that it will make the result moister.
Add an extra teaspoon or two of potato flour to the recipe to offset this.
You can use potato flour in recipes such as pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, and bread. It’s also a good thickener for soups and sauces.
How to Make Potato Flour Pancakes
Ingredients:
- ½ cup potato flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup of water
- ½ teaspoon vinegar
- ½ tablespoon melted butter or oil
Method:
- Whisk together the potato flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the milk, water, vinegar, and melted butter or oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Scoop ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake—Cook for one to two minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve with your desired toppings.
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a great alternative to buckwheat flour and can be used in any recipe that calls for buckwheat flour.
Rice flour has a similar texture to buckwheat flour and can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio as a replacement.
Rice flour is also a good choice for anyone with wheat allergies or sensitivities. When using rice flour as a replacement for buckwheat flour, be sure to add extra liquid to the recipe as needed.
Rice flour is a versatile gluten-free flour that is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious alternative to wheat flour.
Rice flour works well in desserts like cakes, cookies, bread, and other baked goods.
How to Make Rice Flour Muffin
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whisk together the rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the butter and mix until everything is well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Scoop the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown.
FAQ
Can I use plain flour as a substitute for buckwheat flour?
You can use plain flour as a buckwheat flour substitute in any recipe. However, you may need to add more liquid to the recipe as needed.
What is the difference between buckwheat flour and regular flour?
Buckwheat flour is made from buckwheat, a grain that is related to rhubarb and sorrel. It is gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
On the other hand, regular flour is made from wheat and contains gluten.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for buckwheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for buckwheat flour in any recipe. The texture of the final product may be slightly different, but the taste will be similar.
Conclusion
Though buckwheat flour is a great choice for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, you can substitute it with other readily available flours. There’s no reason to miss out on your favorite recipes with so many options available.