whole wheat noodles

What is whole wheat noodles, atta noodles? glossary | benefits | uses | recipes | Viewed 53141 times

What is whole wheat noodles, gehun ke noodles, atta noodles?


Wheat noodles refer to the long, round or flat noodles ( staple in Chinese cuisine) which are prepared from wheat flour, water and salt. Egg, lye, or food coloring may also be added to noodles made from wheat flour in order to give the noodles a yellow color. Arrowroot or tapioca starch is sometimes added to the flour mixture in low quantities to change the texture and tenderness of the noodles' strands. Wheat noodles also cook very quickly, generally requiring less than 5 minutes to become al dente (cooked through, but still firm )with thinner noodles requiring less time to cook. The shape and size of wheat noodles vary as per the place of their origin, which may be Japan, China, Vietnam or Korea.

Egg wheat noodles

These wheat noodles are made with eggs, which adds flavor, color, and body. They're often used to make chow mein (in which the cooked noodles are formed into a pancake and fried on both sides) and lo mein (in which the noodles are stir-fried along with the other ingredients). Chow mein noodles are usually cut a bit thinner than lo mein noodles, but the two can be used interchangeably.

Wheat starch noodles :

These delicate noodles are mostly used in soups. They're available fresh, dried, or frozen, and they come in various sizes, some as thin as vermicelli, others as thick and wide as fettuccine
Flat wheat noodles- The flat noodles are usually prepared in long sections, and may appear in more than one thickness.

Round noodles

The round types of these wheat noodles are usually very thin and often appear as long coiled sections. Round noodles are often used as a base when preparing soup with a few vegetables and a beef or chicken based broth.


How to select whole wheat noodles, gehun ke noodles, atta noodles


Look for the place of origin and the specific shape and the size of the noodles. The selection of a particular shape varies as per individual preference and recipe requirement. But before buying check that the packet is well sealed. Also check the manufcturing and expiry date.  

Culinary Uses of whole wheat noodles, gehun ke noodles, atta noodles in Indian Cooking


· They are generally boiled, although they may also be deep-fried in oil until crispy. Boiled noodles may then be stir fried, served with sauce or other accompaniments, or served in soup, often with meat and other ingredients.
· Wheat noodle may be added to salads or stews.
· The round Chinese wheat noodles can be used successfully with spaghetti and linguine dishes. The flat Chinese what noodles can work very well with white sauces. In fact, any French or Italian recipe that calls for pasta can be successfully made using Chinese wheat noodles.
· Chinese wheat noodles can also be used successfully in the place of rice to make a pudding, making it possible for persons who are trying to avoid a lot of starch to still enjoy something sweet with the meal.

How to store whole wheat noodles, gehun ke noodles, atta noodles


Storing wheat noodles requires no special type of container or conditions. Like any dried pasta, it is a good idea to store the wheat noodles in an airtight container, and make sure the container is stored is a cupboard that is no more than room temperature. The dried wheat noodles will last for a year or more without losing any of the basic flavor, or developing a taste that seem slightly off. 

Health benefits of whole wheat noodles, gehun ke noodles, atta noodles

Whole wheat noodles are slightly low in calories and carbs than refined noodles. What it has to offer is more fibre and some nutrients which many other noodles are devoid of. Thus whole wheat noodles made with loads of veggies minus the cheese is a wise choice for weight watchers and heart patientsDiabetics can also enjoy these noodles as mentioned above, but they need to restrict their portion size strictly. However, remember that whole grain noodles is not similar to whole grains. It is yet processed and will not have the same effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Hence we recommend the use of whole wheat noodles only occasionally.

Cooked whole wheat noodles
Cooked whole wheat noodles are prepared by cooking raw whole wheat noodles in boiling water with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of oil added to it. Boil the noodles for about 5 to 8 minutes or till they are cooked well. Drain and wash with cold water to prevent overcooking of noodles with the steam. The boiled and cooked whole wheat noodles may then be used in a variety of recipes.