Teff flour is a perfect gluten-free alternative for baking and is packed with nutrients.
Teff has been a staple in Ethiopian and Eritrean diets for thousands of years, but only recently has it gained popularity in the west.
Teff flour is naturally gluten-free and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a fine texture make it incredibly versatile. Teff flour is great for baking bread, pancakes, cookies, and much more!
Teff flour is made by grinding Teff grains into a fine powder. Though Teff is the tiniest grain in the world, so it doesn’t take much! At The Teff Company we grind fresh teff flour daily. Our process retains all of the grain’s nutrients, ensuring that our flour remains rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals.
Teff flour adds moisture and structure to baked goods. It pairs well with other gluten-free flours, especially in recipes like cookies, pancakes, and muffins.
How to Substitute Teff Flour in Recipes
Teff flour can be used as the primary flour in baking or blended with other flours. Keep your teff recipes gluten-free by blending with other gluten free flours like brown rice flour or almond flour.
Replacing Wheat Flour With Teff
When replacing wheat flour with teff flour, increase liquids slightly to maintain moisture, as teff flour absorbs more water than wheat.
Using Teff as a Binding Agent
One common technique for baking with teff is to use a binding agent, like xanthan gum or psyllium husk, to mimic the elasticity of gluten.
Dealing with Dryness
If your teff-based recipes turn out dense or dry, you can adjust the liquid ratio or increase the resting time of the batter, allowing the flour to fully absorb the moisture.
Compared to other gluten-free flours like rice, almond, and coconut, teff flour offers more protein and iron, making it a more nutrient-dense option. It also has a more balanced texture, lending itself well to a wide range of recipes.
To preserve its freshness, store teff flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, it can last up to six months. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze the flour.
Teff flour works great in recipes like pancakes, muffins, and cookies, where a denser texture is beneficial. It also shines in savory dishes like flatbreads, pizza crusts, and thickening stews or sauces.
The Teff Company grows Maskal Teff in the western USA, a non-GMO gluten-free grain that’s a superfood full of high quality complex carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and fiber. Teff is an ancient grain native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Explore our website to learn more about teff. Learn how to make traditional injera or discover 100s of teff recipes from breakfasts to desserts.
