Gluten allergies and sensitivities are becoming more common, and experts now believe that around 10% of people may be affected. Even those without a diagnosed intolerance often choose to avoid gluten as part of their diet. So, showing up to a dinner party with a loaf of homemade brioche might not be the safe bet it used to be.
But if you’re set on making gluten-free bread — whether it’s for you or someone else — there’s one ingredient you definitely need to know about: psyllium husk. It’s a game-changer that can help you get the texture and structure you miss from traditional bread.
What Is Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium husk contains soluble fiber that may benefit your digestion and heart health and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems. Psyllium has also been used to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Psyllium husk has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to support digestion. When dissolved in water, it forms a gel-like substance. This gel-like substance assists gastrointestinal function and helps promote the healthy elimination of waste. It also supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
How Do You Use Psyllium Husk in Gluten-Free Baking?
Even though there are more gluten-free products in stores these days, it can still feel like gluten is hiding in everything. If you’re trying to eat healthy and gluten-free but don’t like what the store has to offer, why not try making your own recipes at home?
Psyllium husk makes it easy to recreate scrumptiously moist cakes and savory bread without gluten. Whether you’re a gourmet chef or barely know your way around the kitchen, psyllium husk might just become your favorite pantry staple.
Types of Psyllium Husk
There are two types of psyllium husk: whole and powdered. If you’re planning to bake something with this husk, you should consider using psyllium husk powder in baking. It will make your baked goods taste and look like real bread. In addition, it will improve your health by reducing cholesterol.
Benefits of Using Psyllium Husk in Baking
psyllium husk is an excellent binder. Its gluten-free properties make it the best choice for making free-form gluten-free loaves of bread. Its unique taste and texture make it an ideal ingredient for baking. In addition, it has no flavour and can be used in smoothies. In a smoothie, psyllium husk is a great alternative to wheat germ. It is not only delicious but can also prevent diarrhea.
Where to Buy Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium husk is a natural ingredient that you can find as a powder in many grocery stores or online at sadbhaavspices. It’s completely dairy-free and works great as a substitute for cornstarch in baking.
What makes psyllium husk special is that no other ingredient does quite what it does. If you want your baked goods to look and feel better—like softer bread or fluffier cakes—just mix in some psyllium husk.
