You've probably been in a situation where you realized you were missing a key ingredient while cooking. Instead of running to the store for some, you can find substitutes. What can you use instead of yeast, eggs, honey, chocolate...?
In the middle of preparing a meal, we can quickly find ourselves in an unpleasant situation when we runs out key ingredients.
You might be in the middle of kneading the dough when you realize that you have no yeast, or while preparing a delicious pastry, you notice that you have run out of eggs. It can also happen that you run out of chocolate or honey when making a dessert.
Fortunately, there are many alternatives that can work just as well as the original ingridients.
Yeast
Yeast is a key ingredient in baking bread and other baked goods, as it allows the dough to rise. If you don't have yeast, you can use the following:
Baking powder: Use double the amount of baking powder compared to the amount of yeast. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of yeast, use 2 tablespoons of baking powder.
Baking soda and vinegar: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of vinegar for each packet of yeast.
Eggs
Eggs are used for binding ingredients, moisture and lightness. If you need to replace your eggs, try:
Apple custard: Use 1/4 cup applesauce instead of one egg. This works great in sweet recipes.
Flax seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. Use this mixture instead of one egg.
Yogurt: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened yogurt instead of one egg, which is a great choice for pastries and muffins.
Med
You can replace honey with:
Maple syrup: Use the same amount of maple syrup as the honey substitute. The taste will be slightly different, but it will sweeten the same.
Agave Syrup: The same amount of agave syrup can be used as a substitute for honey. Agave syrup is slightly sweeter, so maybe reduce the amount.
Molasses: Use the same amount of molasses, but be prepared for a stronger flavor.
Ketchup
Ketchup is often used as an ingredient in sauces. Instead of ketchup, you can use:
Tomato paste: Mix tomato paste with a little sugar and vinegar for a similar taste.
Tomato puree: Add a little salt, sugar, and vinegar to tomato puree to get a ketchup-like flavor.
Salsa: Salsa can replace ketchup in many recipes, although the taste will be slightly different.
Walnuts
Walnuts are often used in baked goods and salads. If you don't have them, you can try with:
Almonds: Chopped almonds are a great substitute for walnuts.
Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts have a similar texture to walnuts and can work as a good substitute.
Pumpkin seeds: Use pumpkin seeds as a crunchy alternative to walnuts.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a popular ingredient in desserts. If you don't have it, try using:
Cocoa powder: Mix 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine for every 30 grams of unsweetened chocolate.
Dried Fruits: Dried raisins or cranberries can add sweetness and a chocolate-like texture, although the taste won't be the same.
Crumbs
Crumbs are often used for breading and as a binder in various recipes. If you don't have them, try using:
Corn: Ground corn or cornflakes can serve as a great substitute for breadcrumbs, especially when breading.
Oatmeal: Ground oatmeal is a good alternative to breadcrumbs as it provides a similar texture and nutrition
value.
Crackers: Crushed crackers or pretzels can replace breadcrumbs, which is great for dishes like meatballs or meatloaf.
