Sometimes we may need a particular item for and we realize that we have run out of it! using alternatives saves time and is an economical way to help us when we are in a fix.
- Tomatoes can be replaced by tomato ketchup to give colour and volume to soups, stews and curries.
- Tamarind can be replaced by slices of raw mango to give it that tangy taste.
- Groundnuts are a cheaper alternative to walnuts and almonds especially for rice dishes like biryani .
- Instead of breadcrumbs, we can use crushed cornflakes or semolina.
- When you run out of orange candied peel, we can use some orange marmalade.
- Tinned tomatoes can be replaced by blanched fresh tomatoes.
- Expensive breakfast cereals can be substituted by a porridge of semolina, sago or broken wheat that has been soaked for a few hours.
- Add a mashed banana to egg white and beat it stiff. It makes a great replacement for whipped cream.
- For vegetarians, a recipe that requires egg coating can be substituted by using a paste of flour and milk for fried fritters and vegetable cutlets. Brush the cutlets in this and roll in breadcrumbs as usual.
- Another alternative for egg coating is using grounded gram(chickpea flour).This fine powder must be stored in an airtight jar. To use when necessary, mix a little of this fine powder into a thin batter. Coat the item in this batter and fry as usual.
