Sorghum flour is a pretty popular ingredient in many types of dishes. It has also become especially popular with more people wanting to engage in gluten-free baking.
With its versatility, it’s hard to think of anything that sorghum flour can’t do. But, there are times when you need something else to work instead.
So, what is the best substitute for sorghum flour? Almond flour is the best substitute for sorghum flour for several reasons, including its consistency and versatility. It might not taste like sorghum flour, but it works for everything else and will be a valuable addition to your recipe.
An Overview of Sorghum Flour
Sorghum flour is a finely ground form of flour that is gotten from – you guessed it – sorghum. Of course, sorghum itself is an ancient grain that is indigenous to Africa and some parts of the Middle East. Sorghum is one of the oldest grains known to man, with its history dating as far back as 5,000 years!
Sorghum flour is famous for many things, although nothing beats its versatility. You can use this in solid meals like porridge, to thicken stews, and to make sorghum syrup. But, where it really shines is in baking. You can use sorghum flour to bake pretty much anything – that’s how versatile it is!
Many people also love sorghum flour for its health benefits. It is rich in fiber and antioxidants, allowing it to support the health of your heart. The flour is also a low gi food, meaning that it is easy to digest. With its high protein content, sorghum flour is truly the whole package.
Why Replace Sorghum Flour?
- Taste differences: Sometimes, you just want to get something different in your recipe. So, you’ll need a substitute.
- Non-availability: If you can’t get sorghum flour in your surroundings, you’ll need to find a better substitute in your recipe.
Options for Sorghum Flour Substitutes
Best Overall Substitute for Sorghum Flour: Almond Flour
Almond flour ranks as the best substitute for sorghum flour for several reasons. It doesn’t necessarily taste like sorghum flour, but it does everything else.
As many know, almonds are native to the Middle East. You get almond flour from severely grinding almonds until you get something with a clear and fine consistency. So, when it comes to texture, it is definitely similar to sorghum flour.
As for functionality, almond flour also works like sorghum flour. Both are very versatile, and they can be used to bake almost anything. Almond flour even works in vegan dishes, so you don’t have a reason to fear it. You can use almond flour to make cookies, cakes, pancakes, and more. Even better, you can mix it into a recipe for sweets without having to worry about loading yourself with too many calories.
Then, we get to the health benefits of almond flour. It comes with magnesium, which helps you to monitor your blood sugar levels. You also get a low calorie and carbohydrate content, making almond flour suitable for those watching their diet. With a strong content of antioxidants and vitamin E, almond flour helps to prevent several cognitive problems.
As expected, almond flour is a great one-for-one substitute for sorghum flour.
A Great Second Option: Oat Flour
As you would expect, oat flour is what you get when you process oats. This processing is what makes oat flour such an interesting substitute for sorghum flour.
Like almond flour, oat flour doesn’t necessarily taste like sorghum flour. Unlike almond flour, it also doesn’t have the same texture and consistency as sorghum flour. Oat flour is flakier, but it is a fine addition to any dish nonetheless.
Oat flour works for different types of dishes. Its mildly nutty flavor allows it to seamlessly slot into any recipe, although you simply need to be careful with how much of it you use in the dish. From baking cakes and brownies to acting as a nice sprinkler for yogurt, oat flour is everywhere.
Moving on to health benefits, oat flour also packs a pretty heavy punch. It comes with vitamin B12 and riboflavin, which can help to improve your skin and hair health. It also bolsters your heart health and can help to regulate your blood sugar levels.
You can substitute oat flour as a one-for-one option for sorghum flour. But, depending on the recipe, you can always make adjustments for taste.
Best Non-Flour Substitute: Cornstarch
For those who have some experience with cooking, cornstarch is probably one ingredient that needs no introduction. This light-colored carbohydrate comes in different forms and is just as versatile as it is flexible.
With cornstarch, you can thicken soups, dress salads, and even thicken some solid foods. It will keep all the ingredients in a recipe properly balanced and tie them together. With its mild taste, you’ll barely even notice it is there.
With its odorless nature and light texture, cornstarch won’t interfere with anything that has to do with your dish.
In its purest form, cornstarch is gluten-free and has a low glycemic index. It also makes it much easier to swallow food, thanks to its thickening properties. However, you also want to be careful with this one. It might increase your blood sugar, so we recommend taking it in moderation.
You can use cornstarch as a one-for-one substitute for sorghum flour. However, depending on the dish and your health, you also want to be careful with its application.