Psyllium Husk - a Magic Ingredient for Gluten Free Bread Making

Psyllium Husk – a Magic Ingredient for Gluten Free Bread Making

If want gluten free bread that is soft and bouncy, and gluten free dough that you can actually knead and shape, then psyllium husk is the answer – it’s a real magic ingredient for gluten free bread making.

Naturally derived, psyllium husk is the dried seed husk of the plant Plantago ovata. Native to Asia, the Mediterranean and North American, it is widely used in traditional Indian medicine to aid healthy digestion, and is now increasingly used in food products.

Image credit: https://www.allergywise.com/

When combined with water, psyllium husk transforms into a thick gel and works as a wonderful binder in gluten free bread. As well as helping to retain moisture, ensuring bread stays softer and is less prone to crumbling or drying out.

The result – incredible gluten free breads like this chocolate babka or crusty bread rolls. As a coeliac, I have found it such a joy to be able to make amazing bread like this at home and it’s really revolutionised the way I bake.

What Type of Psyllium Husk Do I Need?

I prefer using whole blonde psyllium husk in my baking. Powdered psyllium is another option, however it is a bit more potent and sometimes gives bread a purple tinge (if made with a non blonde variety of psyllium).

If you only have powdered psyllium, reduce the quantity by 20% if the recipe you are following calls for whole psyllium husk.

Where Can I Buy Psyllium Husk?

I’ve not found it in any UK supermarkets, it’s still the remit on online retailers and health food shops.

I buy this particular variety from Amazon and it works very well for me. Plus a bag lasts a long time, so I find it to be good value.

What Recipes Can I Make with Psyllium Husk?

Okay, now for the fun bit, getting started using psyllium husk for baking! If you have my cookbook Eat & Enjoy Gluten Free, you can try to doughnuts (Dessert chapter) or a number of the breads from the Brilliant Breads chapter. Including some rather miraculous 3-ingredient wraps!

As for recipes on my website, I think you’ll love these: