What is baking powder?

Baking powder is a fine white powder, which is used as a leavening agent. That is, it helps dough, batter, etc., to rise well. Baking powder is a combination of an acid (cream of tartar) and alkali (baking soda).

To make your own baking powder at home when it is not available in the store, combine baking soda and cream of tartar in the ratio 1:2. If a recipe calls for 3 tsp. of baking powder use, baking soda and cream of tartar in the ratio 1 tsp.: 2 tsp.

Some things to remember when using baking powder:
• In any recipe, the amount of baking powder should be used very precisely, as excess baking powder will cause the product to collapse while less baking powder will make it heavy.
• Usually recipes call for a teaspoon of baking powder per cup of plain flour.
• Recipes that contain an acidic substance like lemon juice, curds or buttermilk will activate baking powder more effectively. So, if there is an acid medium in the recipe, you can easily reduce the quantity of baking powder used.
• Always sift baking powder along with the dry ingredients to provide for aeration.
• Baking powder activates only at room temperature. Thus, it is important that all the other ingredients used in the recipe are also at room temperature.
• In order to prevent baking powder from absorbing moisture, corn-starch may be added in minute quantities.

There are two varieties of baking powder which are readily available in the market. Choose according to the recipe requirement.
• Single acting baking powder: It reacts once it is mixed with the moist ingredients/ liquid. If you are baking as soon as you make the dough/ batter, then use single acting baking powder.
• Double acting baking powder: It contains two acidic ingredients, usually alum and cream of tartar. The primary action is when the moist ingredients/ liquid are added and the secondary action begins when the product is baked/ heated/ cooked.

How to select baking powder

• Select from known brands.
• Choose between single acting and double acting baking powder according to your requirement.
• Check the manufacturing date, expiry date and the packaging before purchasing.

Culinary Uses of baking powder in Indian Cooking

Baking powder is one of the most important ingredients in all types of sweet baking including Cakes and pastries. The most common things made like this are

1. Eggless Chocolate Cake : eggless chocolate cake in pressure cooker recipe| eggless chocolate pressure cooker cake | pressure cooker cake | eggless chocolate cake without oven | is an Indian style eggless chocolate cake in cooker! There are millions of Indians who are vegetarian and make their cakes in a pressure cooker and this eggless chocolate cake recipe in pressure cooker is for them.

2. Vanilla Sponge Cake. : vegetarian sponge cake | eggless sponge cake | Indian vanilla sponge cake no eggs | with 22 amazing images.

This vegetarian sponge cake is just what it should be – perfectly spongy! With the right level of sweetness, a pleasing flavour and melt-in-the-mouth softness, this versatile Indian vanilla sponge cake is the ultimate go-to dessert for vegetarians.

Muffins get the perfect fluff and rise because of baking powder.

1. eggless apple cinnamon muffin recipe | apple muffins | Indian style apple muffins | with 20 amazing images.

Our Indian style apple muffins are eggless apple cinnamon muffins.

The eggless apple cinnamon muffin is so delicious, it will entice even those who are not very fond of apples. The fruity aroma of apples and the delicate smell of cinnamon fill the entire house with their magic even as these apple muffins bakes!

Baking Powder Recipes for Indian Snacks

Just like baking powder is used for sweet pancakes it is also used for savory pancakes like Green Moong Dal and Carrot Mini Pancakes. It is added to dipping batters like that of Onion Rings which makes the batter lighter and fluffier and not flat.

breads using baking powder

1. homemade almond bread without eggs | keto almond bread | eggless almond bread | low carb almond bread| with 20 amazing images.

Since it is a leavening agent, it is predominantly used in cake recipes.
• It can be substituted for yeast in quick bread recipes.
• Combine with pancake batter to make delicious savoury and sweet pancakes with fillings of your choice.

How to store baking powder

• Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
• Remember that moisture and heat can reduce the effectiveness of baking powder.
• To test the freshness before use, place 1 tsp. of baking powder in a small bowl containing hot water. If it fizzes at once, it is active and can still be used.

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