Gluten and Lactose Free Rain Cake

Bolinhos de chuva are a classic of Brazilian cuisine, bringing back fond memories and an unparalleled flavor. However, many people who follow restrictive diets due to food intolerances or allergies end up depriving themselves of these delicacies.

With this in mind, we developed a recipe for rain cake gluten free and lactose free for everyone to enjoy. Let's dive into this delicious and inclusive recipe!

Necessary Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup potato starch
• 1/2 cup sweet cassava starch
• 1 cup of demerara sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquid Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, coconut, or soy)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

For Frying

• Enough vegetable oil for frying
• Paper towel to drain

To Sprinkle

• Sugar and cinnamon to taste

Preparation Method

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rice flour, potato starch, sweet cassava starch, demerara sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Incorporating the Liquid Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk until well mixed. Add the plant-based milk, melted coconut oil and vanilla essence. Mix well until you get a smooth mixture.
3. Joining the Mixtures: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid mixture. Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and even.
4. Adding the Yeast: Finally, add the baking powder and mix gently to incorporate it into the dough.

Frying the Dumplings

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is at the right temperature, drop a small amount of dough into the oil. If it immediately rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
2. Forming the Dumplings: Using two spoons, shape small portions of dough and place them in the hot oil. Fry a few balls at a time to avoid cooling the oil and to ensure that they cook evenly.
3. Perfectly Browning: Fry the dumplings until golden brown and cooked through, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Draining Excess Oil: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Finishing with Sugar and Cinnamon

1. Sprinkling: While they’re still warm, sprinkle the cupcakes with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This step is optional, but it adds a special touch of flavor and texture.

Tips and Substitutions

Variations of Plant-Based Milk

You can use any plant-based milk you prefer, as long as it fits your diet. Almond milk adds a slight sweetness, while coconut milk adds a tropical touch to the recipe. Experiment with different options to find your favorite.

Other Gluten Free Flours

If you prefer, you can replace the rice flour with other gluten-free flours, such as oat flour (certified gluten-free) or coconut flour.

Each flour has its own unique characteristics and may slightly alter the texture of the cupcakes.

Natural Sweeteners

For an even healthier version, you can replace the demerara sugar with natural sweeteners, such as coconut sugar or xylitol.

Remember to adjust the amounts as needed, as some sweeteners are more or less sweet than traditional sugar.

Benefits of Choosing Gluten-Free and Lactose-Free Recipes

Adopting a gluten-free and lactose-free diet offers a number of advantages, both for health and for social inclusion and quality of life. Below, we explore the main benefits of this choice.

1. Improved Digestive Health

Many people, even without a formal diagnosis of gluten or lactose intolerance, report significant improvements in digestion when they reduce or eliminate these components from their diet. Removing gluten and lactose can help minimize symptoms such as bloating, gas, heartburn, abdominal pain, and constipation. This is because lighter ingredients, such as plant-based milks and gluten-free flours, are generally easier to digest, promoting a constant sense of well-being and greater energy throughout the day.

Additionally, for those with conditions such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, the exclusion of these elements is essential to avoid inflammation, intestinal lesions and other more serious health problems.

2. Food and Social Inclusion

There’s nothing more comforting than sharing meals with loved ones. However, for many people with dietary restrictions, social gatherings can be challenging due to the lack of suitable options. Gluten-free and lactose-free recipes expand dietary inclusion, allowing everyone to enjoy the same delicious treats without worrying about potential adverse reactions.

This approach also demonstrates empathy and care on the part of the hosts, showing that each guest is important. In this way, family gatherings, get-togethers with friends and celebrations become moments of togetherness, where no one has to give up the pleasure of enjoying a sweet treat or a special meal.

3. Healthier and more balanced diet

By replacing traditional ingredients with gluten-free and lactose-free options, you automatically explore more nutritious and less processed alternatives. For example, by using whole-grain flours, such as gluten-free almond, rice or oat flour, you incorporate more fiber and nutrients into your diet. Similarly, plant-based milks, such as almond, coconut or oat milk, are rich in vitamins and minerals, without the saturated fat found in some dairy products.

Furthermore, this change favors the reduction of sugars and preservatives, since many homemade recipes prioritize natural ingredients. This contributes to a balanced diet, preventing chronic diseases, improving immunity and helping to maintain a healthy weight.

Prepare gluten-free and lactose-free rain cakes It’s a wonderful way to share culinary traditions, ensuring that everyone can participate in these special moments, regardless of their dietary restrictions. Adapting classic recipes to make them inclusive shows care and respect for each person’s needs, ensuring that no one is left out of the little joys of everyday life.

With simple ingredients and a little attention to detail, you can create heart-warming treats that bring back fond memories and strengthen bonds between family and friends. After all, there’s nothing more comforting than smelling the sweet aroma of freshly fried dumplings and sharing smiles around a table.