ENTRY: amido de milho
CLASS: noun
EQUIVALENT: cornstarch (Am), cornflour (Br)
DEFINITION: Dense powdery agent made from finely ground corn kernel used for thickening soups, sauces, flans, puddings etc. and to make cookies, pies, cakes etc.
EXAMPLE: Heat the rest of the milk and gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly over low heat to prevent lumps from forming.
SOURCE: Brazilian Cookery
COMMENT: Although all-purpose flour can also be used as a thickening agent, its gluten reduces the thickening power. Besides, cornstarch does not cause as many lumps as flour does. However, preparations thickened with cornstarch will be clear, rather than opaque. So flour is preferred in béchamel sauce. The most famous cornstarch brand in Brazil is Maizena, with 'z'.
CLUSTERS: cornstarch cookies; cornstarch mixture; dissolve the cornstarch in a little milk/water; add the cornstarch and whisk until blended; thicken with (a little) cornstarch