What happen when you mix flour and cooking oil?

When you mix flour and cooking oil, you create a paste-like mixture with several interesting properties. Here's what happens:

Physical Changes:

* The oil coats the flour particles. This creates a barrier around each flour particle, preventing them from absorbing water as easily.

* The mixture becomes sticky and pliable. The oil acts as a lubricant, allowing the flour particles to move around more freely.

* The texture depends on the ratio of flour to oil. A higher oil ratio will result in a smoother, more spreadable paste. A higher flour ratio will create a thicker, more crumbly mixture.

Chemical Changes:

* No significant chemical reactions occur. This is simply a physical combination of ingredients.

Uses:

This simple mixture has many uses in cooking and baking:

* Thickening sauces: A little flour and oil can help to thicken sauces and gravies.

* Making doughs: For some breads and pastries, adding a small amount of oil to the flour can improve its texture.

* Frying: When mixed with other ingredients, it can create a batter for frying foods.

* Making roux: Flour and oil are the base for roux, a thickener used in many sauces.

* Dusting surfaces: A light coating of flour mixed with a bit of oil can be used to prevent foods from sticking to surfaces.

Important Note: The specific outcome will depend on the type of flour, oil, and the exact ratio used. Experimentation is key to finding the right combination for your needs.