Low Carb Substitutes for Cornstarch

FYI for puddings....I'm subbing gluccie for more and more recipes...used it last night to thicken my hamburger steak with gravy.  Worked perfectly!
EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT AS IT SWELLS RAPIDLY ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID OF ANY SORT AND CAN PRESENT A CHOKING HAZARD!  KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN!!!




Konjac root (Konjac corm)


http://www.konjacfoods.com/noodles/24.htm
Low-carb Cornstarch Substitutes


Almond Flour (Unsweetened)
Almond flour is basically ground, blanched almonds from which the oil has been extracted. This flour is low-carb and loaded with calcium, copper, zinc, fiber, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, and vitamin E. It has a very distinctive nutty flavor and it is this unique flavor which makes almond flour a perfect cornstarch substitute when it comes to using it specifically in Chinese sweet-and-sour delicacies. Use about 1 tablespoon of this flour to substitute for an equal amount of cornstarch. You can also use almond flour for sweet dishes like cakes, cookies, muffins, sweet breads, streusel scones, and tons of other desserts.

Konjac Glucomannan
This non-glutinous, zero calorie, non-gelatinous flour can be stored for a very long time, provided it is protected from moisture. Having a thickening power that supersedes the power of cornstarch by at least ten times, konjac flour gives a glistening finish to dishes, especially to continental delicacies. Ideal for making dessert recipes like custards, pies, as well as gravies and glazed condiments. With no sugar and almost undetectable taste, it is a good choice when making savory sauces. Also, since it is a completely water-soluble fiber, konjac actually had positive effects on insulin and lipid levels of a person. However, do not use it directly in a hot solution as it then leads to the formation of lumps. Mingle it with cold water and then introduce it to the hot liquid to be thickened. Since it facilitates thickening at relatively low temperatures like arrowroot, it is a very good cornstarch substitute when making custards and egg-based condiments.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cornstarch-substitute.html

*Note-  I tried pinning this directly but I just wanted the low-carb substitutes and the article contained all subs and featured the high carb ones.
**- They are recommending a 1:10  substitution with glucomannan for cornstarch.
***- Almond flour is 1:1

			How to use Konjac flour? Konjac flour finds application in the food industry as thickener for sauces, gravies, puddings and pie fillings. In bakeries, it helps to make wheat flour soft and lends a good texture. Konjac flour is the perfect thickener for lowcarb or grain-free diets, It recreates the thick rich textures you want without adding calories, fat, or carbohydrates. It even gives you fiber, all of it the soluble fiber that is so hard to get on a restricted diet. Konjac flour can be added to baking products such as cookies, cakes, bread, and biscuits. (one teaspoons konjac flour with two cup wheat flour when made bread) Konjac flour thickens like cornstarch in gravies, sauces, and soups -- without the carbs -- and it's much easier to use, dissolves directly in hot or cold liquids. Suggested uses: sauces, soups, gravies, and salad dressings. Directions: Use Konjac flour like cornstarch. However, a teaspoon thickens much more than one teaspoon of cornstarch, and one tablespoon konjac flour more like 10 tablespoons of cornstarch.  more about the low carb thickener Konjac Foods USA355 W. Olive Ave., Suite 104 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 USA Tel: 408-257-1813 Fax: 408-749-7079 info@konjacfoods.com