Effects of Lentil Flour on the Quality of Gluten-free Muffins

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a gluten-free muffin recipe containing lentil flour. The lentil flour was added at different levels (10, 20 and 30%) and various characteristics of muffin samples were investigated compared to two different controls with and without gluten. Quality characteristics of muffins were determined by analyzing proximate composition, batter properties (pH, density, and specific volume), physical properties (cooking loss, cake yield, color, texture, volume, symmetry and uniformity indices) and sensory properties. As a result of lentil flour addition, protein content of muffins increased by 1.6 times compared to gluten-free control samples. While pH and specific volume were decreased, density increased which led to decrease in air incorporation into batter and reduced final cake volume. Addition of lentil flour led to increase in yellowish color in crumb of muffins. Besides, values of browning index increased in both crumb and crust of muffins. Lentil flour addition modified textural properties of muffins in such a way that adhesiveness, cohesiveness and springiness decreased. Hardness decreased with lentil flour while increased by addition of rice flour and corn starch. Overall, all muffin samples were scored at acceptable level, and all samples had similar scores. In conclusion, results of physical, chemical and sensorial analyses indicated that formulating gluten-free muffins containing 30% lentil flour could be a valuable alternative for consumers who cannot tolerate gluten.