Why did I have to coat my veggies with flour?
I made a corn chowder this evening containing corn, potatoes, onions, garlic, and some other good stuff. This particular recipe instructed me to add a little bit of flour once I softened the onions and garlic in butter and oil. The instructions specifically said to coat the veggies in flour before adding vegetable stock.
I understand the flour's role in thickening the chowder, but what's the reason for adding it at that stage? Would it not work as well if I added the flour after bringing the veggie stock to a boil, for example?
Best Answer
You already have mentioned the primary reason for adding the flour: to thicken the chowder.
The author of this particular recipe has added it to the recipe while you are sauteeing the aromatics, I infer. This creates, in essence, a quick roux, cooking some of the raw taste out of the flour, and helping ensure that you will not get lumps.
You could certainly thicken the chowder later with a flour slurry, for example, but this method is convenient and effective in this type of recipe.
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Quick Answer about "Why did I have to coat my veggies with flour?"
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