learn to cut back the number of ingredients
This is one of the easiest places to start adapting. Making a tomato sauce (marinara sauce) for pasta? Try skipping the onion or the garlic, it’s amazing that 99% of the time you won’t miss it.
think about the role of the particular ingredient
Before you can know what you can adapt, it’s a great idea to figure out what the different components are contributing. Then you’ll know what to look for in a substitute. For example, chicken breast would be contributing protein and a mild flavour with a tender texture so something like pork fillet or tofu would generally be good substitutes.
Or pinenuts in a salad will be contributing crunch and a nutty flavour. Almonds or another nut would tick both boxes or you could go for a little chopped red onion for the crunch and a different contrasting flavour.
adapt for your own equipment
This can be difficult to master, but just like thinking of the role of the ingredients helps select a substitute, identifying the reason for using a particular piece of equipment can steer you in the right direction and save you a trip to buy more kitchen clutter.
For example with the shaved fennel salad, you need a sharp knife and a steady hand to get the fennel sliced as finely as possible. If you aren’t confident, maybe using a mandoline would be a better idea. Or even the slicer attachment on your food processor?
make google & stonesoup search your friend
Got something that needs eating up but no idea what to do with it? The easiest solution is to google it, or try the stonesoup search function (located in the sidebar). A whole world of inspiration.
play around with presentation
This can be a super simple method to make a difference. Does the recipe have everything piled on the one plate and drizzled with the sauce? Why not try making a smear of sauce on the plate and topping with the main even for a change.
add inherently adaptable recipes to your repertoire
Some recipes are more adaptable than others.
Here’s a list of my top 7 adaptable recipes.
____________________________
back to solve your dinner dilemma [fresh ideas] overview
Add to my Old Favourite Recipes