[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #71CCD5;”] T[/dropcap]hese days I hardly think twice about swapping different ingredients when I’m cooking.
But I wasn’t always this confident.
I remember how frustrating and limiting it used to feel not knowing what would work.
The good news is you can develop your substitution confidence.
Which is exactly what we’re going to do today!
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY:
- 8 tips for becoming an ingredient substitution magician.
8 Tips for Becoming an Ingredient Substitution Ninja.
1. There are no rules.
The only result we’re after is something that tastes delicious, it doesn’t matter how you get there.
2. Look for similar ingredients.
The easiest place to start. The more similar ingredients are the more likely your substitution will be successful.
3. Look for similar functions.
For example, say you’re making a salad that calls for roasted almonds and you need to avoid nuts. What function are the almonds
playing in the salad? If they’re there to make the salad more filling and substantial, maybe you could try some avocado chunks or goats cheese.
If they’re there for textural interest maybe some crispy bacon pieces would work or some finely diced red capsicum (bell pepper).
4. Trust your instincts.
You’ve got all those years of eating behind you so even if you aren’t experienced in substitution you know what tastes good to you.
5. Remember Clancy’s ‘Law of Cooking’.
“If you think it’s going to taste delicious it probably will!”
6. Everyone makes mistakes.
We all have a failures. Take it as a learning experience or an inexpensive ‘cooking lesson’ and keep trying.
7. Practice makes perfect.
Seriously, the more you experiment, the better you’ll get!
8. Don’t forget that ‘just skipping it’ is an option too.
I find, especially in more complicated recipes, that often you can skip at least one or two ingredients without noticing.
Of course, it’s best to make sure the ingredient isn’t listed isn’t essential.
Having 5-Spice Chicken salad without the chicken would be problematic. Although a name change can easily fix this 🙂
SUMMARY:
Today we’ve learned these tips for being amazing at substituting ingredients:
- There are no rules.
- Look for similar ingredients.
- Look for similar functions.
- Trust your instincts.
- Clancy’s ‘Law of Cooking’ – “If you think it’s going to taste delicious it probably will!”
- Everyone makes mistakes.
- Practice makes perfect.
- ‘Just skipping it’ is an option too.
ACTIVITY
Next time you are thinking of cooking a particular recipe but find you’re missing an ingredient, forget about running to the store.
Instead read through these rules or consult the ‘cheat sheet’ below and figure out your own substitute ingredient.
Of course if you’re using a Stonesoup recipe you just need to check out the Variations and Substitutions section of the recipe.
LEARN MORE / RESOURCE
Your Ingredient Substitute ‘Cheat Sheet’
Click HERE to download your ‘Cheat Sheet’
Keep it simple (and creative) in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x
ps. I LOVE LOVE LOVE playing around with substituting ingredients. If you have a situation you’d like my help on, leave a comment below. I’m always up for brainstorming ideas 😉
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