How to properly sift flour at home with and without a sieve? Secrets, subtleties, life hacks and a step-by-step recipe with a photo. Video recipe.
The flour is sieved to saturate it with air, which makes the future dough more uniform, and the baked goods lighter and fluffier. Most recipes require sifting flour, especially when making batter, which should have a delicate consistency. Since the flour that is sold in the store as a result of packaging, transportation and storage is usually pressed and tightly packed. Flour that has been in the bag for a long time, if there was another object on it or it was in a cramped cabinet, must also be sifted. Since this will lead to its compaction. Sifting will also help get rid of lumps in the flour that will negatively affect baked goods. During the sifting process, it is convenient to mix flour with other bulk ingredients like salt, baking powder (baking powder), cocoa powder, soda …
At the same time, before starting the preparation of any baked goods, carefully read the recipe that is written regarding sifting flour. If the recipe says “1 glass of flour, sift”, then measure out one glass of flour and sift it. And if it says "1 cup of sifted flour", then first sift the flour, and then spoon it into a measuring cup and level the top with a knife. However, when you need to sift flour, you may not have a sieve on hand. Even if there is a sieve, its use may not bring the desired result. In a hurry, many skip this step, but for certain recipes this may be extremely necessary. In this review, we will learn how to sift flour with and without a sieve.
- Caloric content per 100 g - 369 kcal.
- Servings - Any Amount
- Cooking time - 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Flour - any amount
Step-by-step preparation of sifting flour with and without a sieve, recipe with photo:
1. Take a deep bowl larger than the sieve. Place a fine small strainer in it, which will hold the required amount of flour.
2. Take flour with a tablespoon and pour it into a sieve.
3. Grasp the sieve by the handle and slide it from side to side or tap on the rim to get the flour into the bowl. Keep in mind that flour has a powdery consistency, so pour it out slowly. If you do this quickly, the flour will end up on the work surface and on your belongings. Do not speed up the sieving process and knock too hard on the sieve. If the flour passes through the sieve too quickly, sifting will be impaired.
Keep in mind that the higher you hold the sieve, the more airy the flour will become. However, if you hold the sieve too high, you can sprinkle the flour. Therefore, place a large sheet of waxed paper under the bowl so that after sifting, collect the spilled flour and send it to the bowl.
4. You can also stir the flour in a sieve with a tablespoon in a circular motion to sift through it. Such manipulation will allow you to sift the flour as accurately as possible and not get dirty.
5. If there is no sieve, you can sift the flour with a wire whisk or fork. Although these methods will not make it as light and airy as using a sieve, breaking up the lumps and giving it airiness will work.
6. To do this, pour the required amount of flour into a sieve and fluff it with a whisk in a quick circular motion. You will see some lumps and debris detach during this process. If any lumps remain, rotate the whisk faster.
7. In the absence of a sieve and whisk, you can use a fork. With its help, you effectively sift the flour, and it will be crumbly without lumps.
Tips and tricks:
- If you have a food processor with a knife attachment, pour flour into it, close the lid tightly and run 4-5 times. A food processor can help you achieve the same results as a whisk and fork, only faster.
- Shake the flour a little before starting work, especially if it has been stored in a plastic box or airtight container. This will make it easier to work with her.
- If the flour is stored properly, it will take less time to sift it. Therefore, having bought flour in a store, pour it into an airtight container and store it in it.
See also a video recipe on how to sift flour without a sieve?
