3 Chapter 3-How to Use Thickeners
Learning Objectives
- How to Use Thickeners
Most thickeners are used in the same basic way.
- Start with boiling the liquid you would like to thicken.
- Meanwhile, mix the starch with some cold liquid to form a smooth mixture (slurry).
- Temper the hot mixture into the cold starch mixture and put the liquid back on the heat, whisking constantly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until thick.
- Once boiling, continue to whisk for 1-3 minutes to fully gelatinize the starch molecules.
Why do you need to boil the cornstarch at the end of the gelatinization process?
- To ensure the starchy flavor is cooked out of your product.
- To ensure the product has a shine.
- To fully thicken your product.
definition
A mixture of starch and a cold liquid