Flour is one of the most important staples when it comes to prepping. Whether you’re baking bread or thickening soups, having a reliable source of flour is key to survival and self-sufficiency. But what happens when you run out of your typical wheat flour? Fortunately, nature and your pantry offer plenty of alternatives. You’d be surprised at how many common items in your cupboard can be ground into flour. Here’s a look at twelve that you can easily use when you need to make do with what you have.
1. Rice
One of the most common grains in many homes, rice can easily be turned into flour. Whether you have white or brown rice, just grind it in a high-powered blender or food processor until you get a fine powder. Rice flour is perfect for gluten-free baking and is often used to make breads, cakes, and noodles.
2. Oats
Oats are a powerhouse when it comes to versatility. If you’ve got a container of rolled or steel-cut oats, you’ve got the foundation for oat flour. Simply blend them until they reach a flour-like consistency. Oat flour is great for cookies, pancakes, and muffins, offering a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
3. Corn
If you have dried corn or even popcorn kernels, you can grind them into corn flour or cornmeal. Corn flour is perfect for making tortillas, cornbread, or thickening stews. Just be sure your grains are completely dry before grinding to avoid a gummy texture.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa, often thought of as a superfood, is a high-protein grain that can easily be turned into flour. After rinsing and drying the seeds, grind them into a fine powder. Quinoa flour is great for boosting the nutrition of baked goods and works well in pancakes, muffins, and breads.
5. Chickpeas
Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, is made by grinding dried chickpeas. If you’ve got a bag of these protein-packed legumes, you can make a hearty, gluten-free flour. Chickpea flour is often used in Mediterranean and Indian cooking, perfect for making flatbreads or fritters.
6. Almonds
Almond flour is a popular gluten-free option that’s easy to make if you have whole almonds or almond meal on hand. Just grind the nuts until they become a fine, powdery flour. Almond flour is perfect for baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pie crusts, and it offers a sweet, nutty flavor.
7. Lentils
Lentil flour might not be on your radar, but it’s a great gluten-free and protein-rich option. If you have dried lentils, you can grind them into flour that’s excellent for savory dishes like breads and crackers. It’s also commonly used in making vegan and gluten-free burgers.
8. Coconut
If you have dried, unsweetened coconut flakes in your cupboard, you can grind them down to make coconut flour. Coconut flour is highly absorbent and works well in baked goods like cookies, muffins, and cakes. It’s a popular option in paleo and keto diets due to its low carb content.
9. Buckwheat
Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is naturally gluten-free. You can grind buckwheat groats into a fine flour that’s perfect for pancakes, crepes, and even noodles. Buckwheat flour has an earthy flavor and is packed with nutrients.
10. Cashews
Cashews are another nut that can easily be turned into flour. Like almonds, cashew flour is simple to make—just blend the nuts into a fine powder. Cashew flour is creamy and slightly sweet, ideal for use in baked goods and thickening sauces.
11. Peas
Dried split peas can be ground into a protein-packed flour. Pea flour is versatile and can be used in soups, stews, or baking. It’s also a great ingredient for gluten-free recipes and can be used to make flatbreads, crackers, or even pasta.
12. Beans
Dried beans, like black beans, navy beans, or pinto beans, can be ground into flour that adds fiber and protein to your meals. Bean flour is great for thickening soups, making tortillas, or adding to bread recipes for a nutritional boost. Just make sure the beans are fully dried before grinding.
