maize flour

What is Maize Flour, makai ka atta? glossary | benefits | uses | recipes | Viewed 92230 times
Also known as
Makai ka atta

Maize Flour, Makai ka atta, Makki ka Atta?


Maize flour is derived from the ground and desiccated seed of the maize plant. It is the second most produced and consumed flour after wheat flour, competing with rice flour.

How to Select Maize Flour, Makai ka atta, Makki ka Atta:  It is yellow coloured flour with coarse texture. It is easily available in grocery stores.

Culinary Uses of Maize Flour, Makai ka atta, Makki ka Atta 

Makkai ka atta (maize flour) in Indian rotis

Makai ka atta is used extensively in Indian cooking. Enjoy the healthy Punjabi makai methi roti with a bowl of curds. The Makai Mooli and Methi Paratha is a popular breakfast recipe in the Punjab region.

Unleavened rotis of wheat and maize flour (makkai ka atta), Tikkar is a mouth-watering delicacy from the dessert province of Rajasthan. Cooked with ghee, this crisp bread is wonderfully flavoured with ginger, garlic, onions, and more, which makes it enough to serve it with a simple accompaniment of curds and pickle. Just make sure you serve it immediately before it hardens.

Gujaratis enjoy their khatta dhokla and khaman dhokla. We present a makai na dhokla recipe option using maize flour. Or make the Gujarati evening snack of methi makai dhebra

Mexican food using maize flour

Kids love Nacho Chips which have a characteristic texture that is quite different from other chips, perhaps due to the combination of maize flour and plain flour.

Baked tortilla chips, a quick, easy-to-make, healthy starter which is a popular choice in Mexico. The tortillas are baked and made with minimal oil from a blend of more whole wheat flour than maize flour instead of the traditional Mexicantortillas made with maize flour and refined flour which are also deep fried.

The natural bran, germ and oils in the grain are kept intact thereby retaining the fibre, protein and vitamins.
• Its fine and light texture can be used in corn bread, very famous Makki do Roti, multi-grain recipes, deep-fry batters and in any recipe that uses corn flour meal.
• Its major use is in making Mexican Tortilla, Tacos and Nachos.

How to Store Maize Flour, Makai ka atta, Makki ka Atta  
• Always store maize flour in a cool, dry, dark place where it will last indefinitely.
• Best if refrigerated.

Health Benefits of Maize Flour, Makai ka atta, Makki ka Atta Maize flour is a carbohydrate rich and energy rich flour loaded with fibre. Maize flour is a good source of magnesium which is necessary for maintaining a steady heartbeat and normal blood pressure. The fibre binds with the bile salts and throws it out of the body, which helps in reducing the cholesterol from the body and good for  heart. Find out is maize flour healthy and how to make it part of your diet.