Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is a gluten-free starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant, which is indigenous to South America but widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world. It is a staple in many gluten-free diets due to its neutral flavor and excellent thickening properties. The starch has a mild, slightly sweet taste with no distinctive aroma, allowing it to blend seamlessly into both savory and sweet dishes. Its texture is smooth and gel-like when cooked, providing a glossy finish to sauces and puddings. In cooking, tapioca starch is prized for its ability to thicken liquids quickly and effectively, creating a clear, stable gel that withstands freezing and thawing without becoming grainy.

Notes

When selecting tapioca starch, opt for brands that are pure and free of additives. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place where it can keep for up to two years. When using, mix it with a small amount of cold liquid before adding to hot dishes to prevent clumping. While tapioca starch is naturally gluten-free, those with allergies should check labels for cross-contamination warnings.

Uses

Thicken gravies and sauces
Make clear fruit gels
Prepare tapioca pudding
Enhance pie fillings
Bake gluten-free bread
Create chewy boba pearls

Replacements

Oat Milk

Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative made by blending oats with water and then straining the mixture to create a smooth liquid. Originating from Scandinavia, it has gained global popularity for its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor with subtle notes of oats. Unlike almond or soy milk, oat milk has a natural thickness that resembles dairy milk, making it ideal for both drinking and cooking. Its neutral taste allows it to complement a variety of dishes without overpowering other ingredients. In cooking, oat milk behaves well in recipes that require a creamy consistency, such as soups, sauces, and baked goods, and it froths beautifully for coffee beverages.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable celebrated for its delicate yet distinctive flavor and tender texture. Originating in the coastal regions of eastern Europe and western Asia, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and remains a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Its flavor is subtly sweet with a grassy, earthy undertone that becomes more pronounced when cooked. The spears are renowned for their crisp yet yielding texture, which holds up well in a variety of cooking methods. In the kitchen, asparagus can be steamed, grilled, roasted, or sautéed, often enhancing dishes with its vibrant color and ability to absorb surrounding flavors without losing its integrity.

Recipes to try

Spinach Ricotta Potato Gratin

Creamy ricotta mingles with tender spinach and potatoes in this irresistibly cheesy gratin that'll warm your soul.

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuit Cups

Golden, buttery biscuit cups stuffed with sweet, juicy strawberries and a whisper of whipped cream make for a delightful dessert.