What to use to thicken gravies

[Johny]

Hi all, i am wondering if anyone knows if there is a good substitute for white flour to thicken gravies etc.
thanks
Johny :)

[dar917]

Cornstarch? Mine only has 7g of carbs per tablespoon and that should be all you need, maybe a little more.

[lisa821]

You could try arrowroot. It comes in powder form and is found with the spices at the grocery store. If your grocery doesn't carry it, try a health food store.

Use about two teaspoons of arrowroot in place of one tablespoon flour. You can usually use the same measure of arrowroot as you would cornstarch in a recipe. It contains calcium and carbs, but fewer carbs than cornstarch. It is flavorless and becomes clear when cooked. It also thickens at a lower temperature than flour or cornstarch. It should be mixed with a cold liquid thoroughly (as you would with cornstarch) before adding it to hot mixtures.

Happy cooking!

~Lisa

[Johny]

Cornstarch? Mine only has 7g of carbs per tablespoon and that should be all you need, maybe a little more.

Thanks very much dar917, i will look around for some.

Johny :)

[Johny]

You could try arrowroot. It comes in powder form and is found with the spices at the grocery store. If your grocery doesn't carry it, try a health food store.

Use about two teaspoons of arrowroot in place of one tablespoon flour. You can usually use the same measure of arrowroot as you would cornstarch in a recipe. It contains calcium and carbs, but fewer carbs than cornstarch. It is flavorless and becomes clear when cooked. It also thickens at a lower temperature than flour or cornstarch. It should be mixed with a cold liquid thoroughly (as you would with cornstarch) before adding it to hot mixtures.

Happy cooking!

~Lisa

Ok, thanks a lot Lisa, i will check the both of them out.

Johny :)

[matingara]

i use arrowroot also!

it works very well.

-- Joel.

[Johny]

i use arrowroot also!

it works very well.

-- Joel.

Hi Joel, would you know if it's available at Safeway or Coles stores ?
thanks
Johny :)

[matingara]

Hi Johny,

indeed it is available in Safeway. that is where i bought mine. it is in a cylindrical package about 4-5 inches high and 2 inches in diameter.

The brand is McKenzies. the package is yellow and white with a couple of black stripes. you will find it in the aisle with herbs and spices and baking soda etc.

interesting note.

100 g of arrowroot has 84g of CHO (carbs).
100 g of corn starch has 87 g CHO.
100 g of plain flour has 72 g CHO.

However, you need much less arrowroot or corn starch than flour to do the same amount of "thickening". but it does look like arrowroot and corn starch are pretty much interchangeable.

-- Joel.

[Johny]

Hi Johny,

indeed it is available in Safeway. that is where i bought mine. it is in a cylindrical package about 4-5 inches high and 2 inches in diameter.

The brand is McKenzies. the package is yellow and white with a couple of black stripes. you will find it in the aisle with herbs and spices and baking soda etc.

interesting note.

100 g of arrowroot has 84g of CHO (carbs).
100 g of corn starch has 87 g CHO.
100 g of plain flour has 72 g CHO.

However, you need much less arrowroot or corn starch than flour to do the same amount of "thickening". but it does look like arrowroot and corn starch are pretty much interchangeable.

-- Joel.

That's great Joel, we have a Safeway only 5 minutes away in the next township otherwise it's a 20 minute drive to get to Coles or any health shops, thanks very much for the perfect description to look for and the carb amounts info as well.
many thanks
Johny :)

[shabbie]

i swear by cornflour!

mix it with a small amount of cold water and stir it into your prepared dish before serving.

about a heaped dessertspoon per half pint about does the trick

[mho357]

I still use flour for mine most of the time. I have used cornstarch but I prefer the control (of the sauce) that I get with flour.

Mark

[princesslinda]

I buy the brown gravy and turkey gravy in a jar...the brand I buy (Heinz) has about 3 carbs in a 1/4 cup serving and its quite good.

[kgm0612]

Most times I use a jar gravy, but when I do make home-made, I thicken it using Wondra.

Wondra Flour (http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/brands/product_image.aspx?catID=60&itemID=2076)

[Johny]

Many thanks to all that have replied, it's really appreciated.

Johny :)

[mark-TN]

I use glucomanan powder (Konjac Flour). (http://www.konjacfoods.com/product/powder.htm) It has 0g net carbs and is 100% soluble fiber.

How to use Glucomanan (Konjac Flour). (http://www.konjacfoods.com/uses.htm)

I buy mine online from Konjac Foods but you should be able to find it at any local Asian Market.

I use it mostly to make low carb puddings but I have used it to thicken gravies also and it work quite well.

Mark

[Johny]

Thanks Mark, sounds very good with no carbs in it, i will look out for it when i get to the city again.

Johny :)