Delicious No-Oil, No-Butter Oatmeal Choux Puffs

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Introduction:
These No-Oil, No-Butter Oatmeal Choux Puffs are a light and healthy twist on the classic French choux pastry, made without any butter or oil. Incorporating oats into the dough gives them added fiber and texture, making them a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. These airy puffs are versatile and can be filled with sweet or savory fillings, making them an all-around delicious and healthier option.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup rolled oats (ground into oat flour)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for sweet puffs)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sweet puffs) or a pinch of herbs (for savory puffs)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  1. Prepare Oat Flour:
  • Using a food processor or blender, grind the rolled oats until they become a fine oat flour.
  1. Boil Water:
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the salt and, if making sweet puffs, the sugar. Stir until dissolved.
  1. Mix in the Flours:
  • Lower the heat and add the oat flour and all-purpose flour to the boiling water. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This should take about 2 minutes.
  1. Cool the Dough:
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dough to cool for 3-5 minutes. This will make it easier to add the eggs without cooking them.
  1. Add Eggs:
  • One at a time, add the eggs to the dough, mixing thoroughly between each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, sticky, and slightly glossy.
  1. Add Flavoring:
  • For sweet puffs, mix in the vanilla extract. For savory puffs, you can add a pinch of your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
  1. Scoop the Dough:
  • Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop or pipe small mounds of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Avoid opening the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent them from deflating.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the puffs cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. You can serve them plain or fill them with your choice of filling. For a sweet option, try whipped cream or yogurt. For savory, use cream cheese or a savory spread.

Tips for Success:

  • Keep the oven closed: Do not open the oven while the choux puffs are baking, as this could cause them to deflate.
  • Egg addition: Make sure to thoroughly incorporate each egg before adding the next one to ensure a smooth dough.
  • Oat flour: Make sure the oat flour is ground finely to avoid a gritty texture in the puffs.

Recommendation:

These No-Oil, No-Butter Oatmeal Choux Puffs are perfect for a health-conscious yet indulgent treat. Fill them with fruit and yogurt for a wholesome breakfast or go for a savory cheese filling for a delicious appetizer!

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