Why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand?

Why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand? - A Person Making a Dough

I did corn dough empanadas and the dough felt almost like wet sand and was tearing apart in my hands, impossible to shape up.

What should I do better next time ?

I followed this simple receipe:

  • 2 1/2 cup (290 g) corn flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water (plus a splash or two of water)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

I tried to add more water and/or more flour and it was the same.

I finally added weat flour to save the day as the clock was ticking but I really wished I could land that dough.

edit: I used the parchemin paper technique for shaping and it went well.

I really wonder about the texture of raw dough not about shaping technique. I couldn't achieve any of the shaping steps with my dough.



Best Answer

Corn masa is what you need for this.

The process of nixtamalization makes the corn more easily ground and therefore the texture of doughs made with it will not be "gritty" in the way that a dough made with corn meal or corn flour will be.

Also, corn masa (or masa harina) is more nutritious than standard corn products due to the chemical changes that result from the nixtamalization process.




Pictures about "Why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand?"

Why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand? - Pizza with tomatoes and cheese on table with flour
Why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand? - Pizza with vegetables surrounded with flour and condiment
Why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand? - Cut pizza with olive and corn on thick dough served on table with flour



Can you use cornflour instead of plain flour?

Cornflour. Great for thickening sauces, you can also use cornflour to make gluten-free brownies or super-light sponges. It can't replace wheat flour gram-for-gram \u2013 you need much less \u2013 around one third to half the amount of flour stated in the recipe. It is ideal used in airy, whisked sponge recipes.

Can you make cornbread with corn flour instead of cornmeal?

For example, if you're making pancakes or muffins, using cornmeal in place of corn flour will give them a grittier texture. Conversely, using corn flour in place of cornmeal will give baked goods like cornbread a finer, less crumbly texture.

Why is cornflour hard?

The cornflour particles are suspended in the water, so it flows like a liquid. But when you apply a force to it, the particles lock together, acting like a solid.

How do you make corn flour dough?

Instructions
  • Place the cornstarch in a large bowl.
  • Mix in the hair conditioner with your hands\u2013it will just start coming together and it will be pliable and very, very smooth. If desired, add a drop or two or food coloring.
  • You may need to add more conditioner as you go. Use food coloring to color as desired.




  • Reading your Dough: Too wet/Too Dry




    More answers regarding why does my corn flour dough feel like wet sand?

    Answer 2

    Just a few weeks ago, I was trying to make empenadas with a corn dough, and the dough didn't quite come together (as it was way too wet and sticky, even after I let it sit and hydrate for a while). I'm not sure what I did wrong, But I also had problems with shaping them. I got around the issue with the following technique:

    1. Cut up a large zip-top plastic bag so you have a sheet of heavy plastic.
    2. Spread the dough/batter onto the plastic
    3. Place a spoonful of filling on the dough.
    4. Use the plastic to wrap the dough around the filling. (pull one side over, peel it back, pull the opposing side over, repeat for the top & bottom).
    5. Transfer to the baking sheet
    6. Repeat 2 through 5.
    7. Bake

    It didn't look empenada-like. It was more like a naked tamale, as with the consistency of my dough, I didn't trust it to have the lip on it. I ended up frying them, as I already had oil going (and the oven was taken up by something that fell apart when frying).

    Answer 3

    Corn flour is known in the US as cornstarch, it's not the right thing at all. You want corn meal. Corn starch is used as a thickening agent, it's not something you could use to make a dough. Depending on where you are in the world corn meal may be called Polenta or Masa if it's not called corn meal.

    Answer 4

    Use more egg and flour is my advice.

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