Bicarbonate in cooking - the secret to better taste and texture

Bicarbonate in cooking - the secret to better taste and texture

Baking soda is an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen and can be used for more than just baking. It acts as a natural leavening agent, can tenderize meat, give pancakes a fluffier texture and even improve the taste of coffee. In addition, it is an excellent aid for neutralizing acids in sauces, preserving the colour of vegetables and reducing bitterness in some dishes. With bicarbonate of soda in your pantry, you have a versatile helper for both baking and cooking. Here are some smart tips on how to use bicarbonate to take your dishes to the next level!

---------------

1. Baking:

• Bicarbonate acts as a leavening agent and helps baked goods to rise. It is often used in recipes that contain acid, such as sour milk, yogurt or lemon juice.

• Typically use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate per cup of flour in recipes containing an acid. Note that baking soda is not the same as baking powder.

2. Soft cakes and muffins:

• For softer cakes and muffins, add bicarbonate of soda to the batter. This helps to create a light and airy texture.

3. Tender meat:

• Bicarbonate can be used as a meat tenderizer. Sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda over slices of meat and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and cooking the meat.

4. Neutralize acids in sauces:

• If your tomato sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to neutralize the acid and balance the taste. Also works if you've used too much vinegar.

5. Crispier pancakes and waffles:

• Add bicarbonate of soda to pancake or waffle batter for a lighter, crispier texture.

6. Fluffy omelette:

• Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda

7. Fluffy mashed potatoes:

• Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda

8. Processing beans:

• Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to the water when soaking dried beans. This can help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

9. Vegetables:

• To retain the color of green vegetables such as broccoli or peas, add a small amount of bicarbonate to the cooking water.

• Cauliflower - Add 1 tsp of bicarbonate when boiling, it will be odorless, crispy and white.

10. Homemade cookies:

• Baking soda is often used in cake recipes to give them a soft and chewy texture.

11. Bread baking:

• Some quick bread recipes use bicarbonate of soda as a leavening agent instead of yeast.

12. Wash fruits and vegetables to remove some pesticides:

• Use bicarbonate of soda to wash fruit and vegetables. Fill a bowl with water, add a tablespoon of bicarbonate, soak the fruit and vegetables for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

13. Sweetening of sauces:

• To reduce the bitterness of some sauces or dishes, you can add a small amount of bicarbonate.

14. The cut sauce:

• Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda and whisk.

15. Glossy glaze:

• Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to make the glaze glossy and prevent it from cracking.

16. Chocolatey cake:

• Add 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda to the flour before mixing in the other ingredients.

17. Improve the taste of coffee:

• Add a small pinch of bicarbonate to the coffee to reduce its bitterness.

18. Crispy pig rinds:

• Rub the rind with bicarbonate before frying or grilling

19. Unripe acidic fruit:

• Sprinkle on some bicarbonate of soda to help the fruit ripen faster.

20. Cut down on sugar:

• Add a little bicarbonate of soda when making a cream or pie with sour fruits or berries, for example.

21. Besk Besk grapefruit:

• Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda on the flesh.
  

When using bicarbonate in cooking, make sure to follow recipes carefully as too much bicarbonate can give food an undesirable taste.