How to Make Cassava Flour

Making cassava flour at home is relatively easy and requires only a few basic tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make cassava flour:

Ingredients:

Fresh cassava roots

Tools:

Large pot
Grater
Clean cloth or cheesecloth
Baking sheet or dehydrator
Blender or food processor (optional)

Instructions:

Wash and peel the cassava roots using a sharp knife or peeler.
Cut the cassava roots into small pieces to make it easier to grate.
Grate the cassava using a grater or a food processor until you have a fine, fluffy texture.
Place the grated cassava in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the cassava is tender and soft.
Once the cassava is cooked, drain off the water and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Spread the cooked cassava on a clean cloth or cheesecloth and wring out the excess water. Make sure to remove as much water as possible to ensure the flour dries properly.
Spread the cassava on a baking sheet or a dehydrator and let it dry for about 24-48 hours. You can also dry it in the sun if you live in a warm and dry climate.
Once the cassava is completely dried, grind it into a fine powder using a blender or a food processor.
Store the cassava flour in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Tips:

Be careful when grating the cassava as it can be quite tough and hard to handle. Use a food processor or a grater with a handle for easier handling.
You can add some lime juice to the water when boiling the cassava to reduce the cyanide content and improve the taste.
Make sure the cassava is completely dry before grinding it into a fine powder. Any moisture left can cause the flour to spoil.

Uses of Cassava Flour

Cassava flour is a versatile and gluten-free ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is made from the starchy root of the cassava plant and is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Here are some tips on how to use cassava flour:

Baking: Cassava flour can be used as a 1:1 replacement for wheat flour in many baking recipes, including cakes, cookies, and bread. However, it is important to note that cassava flour does not rise as much as wheat flour, so you may need to add a leavening agent like baking powder to your recipes.
Thickener: Cassava flour can be used as a thickener for soups, stews, and gravies. Mix it with a small amount of water to make a slurry, then add it to your dish and cook until thickened.
Coating: Cassava flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs for coating chicken, fish, or vegetables before frying or baking.
Pasta: Cassava flour can be used to make gluten-free pasta. Mix it with water and egg (or a vegan egg substitute) to make a dough, then roll it out and cut it into your desired shapes.
Tortillas: Cassava flour can be used to make gluten-free tortillas. Mix it with water, oil, and salt to make a dough, then roll it out and cook it on a griddle or skillet.
Pizza crust: Cassava flour can be used to make a gluten-free pizza crust. Mix it with water, oil, and salt to make a dough, then roll it out and add your desired toppings.
Thinning agent: Cassava flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies.

When using cassava flour in recipes, keep in mind that it has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Also, be aware that cassava flour absorbs more liquid than wheat flour, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipes. With these tips, you can easily incorporate cassava flour into your cooking and enjoy its many benefits.

In conclusion, making cassava flour at home is a simple process that requires only a few basic tools. With some patience and effort, you can make your own cassava flour that can be used in a variety of dishes, including bread, cakes, and cookies.