9 Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Expensive Ingredients ...

Emily

As a college student who is discovering a new passion for the culinary arts, I am always looking for alternatives to expensive ingredients. After all, I am not going (or even willing) to spend hundreds on a quarter pound of truffles for one pasta dish. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to expensive ingredients!

Snapshot Survey

What's your favorite weekend activity?

1. Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter Who knew that peanut butter would be one of the best alternatives to expensive ingredients? Peanut butter can always be found in my pantry, and it is a great substitute for tahini. Finally,I now know another way to use my beloved jar of Skippy peanut butter other than just mixing it with my Nutella for a late-night snack!

2. Apples

Apples Apples, oranges, and bananas can be found year-round at supermarkets. So can berries, but they are usually twice as much. I also love tropical fruits and peaches, but those come with a high price tag as well, especially during the winter. Those fruits have to be shipped from far away places, like Chile. It turns out that apples add more crunch to tarts and pies, but it doesn’t lose any flavor.

3. Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar Yayyy for baking ingredients! Brown sugar is usually another staple in pantries. Ever since I have spent so much time on the East Coast, I have loved maple syrup more and more, but organic maple syrup can cost as much as $16 a bottle. My buddy discovered that mixing brown sugar with hot water can do the trick, too. Brown sugar has a rich flavor, and mimic the rich flavor in maple syrup.

4. Soy Sauce

Soy Sauce Soy sauce is an ideal base for many dishes and sauces. Worcestershire sauce is pricier, and you will definitely use soy sauce a lot more. It can replace any marinade, and you are unlikely to tell the difference.

5. Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini Mushrooms I am not a fan of mushrooms, so I was debating just skipping them if the recipe called for them. However, it was the main ingredient, and I did not feel like giving up on making the dish. The mushrooms that I needed were truffles. Immediately, I knew that it would be a problem because I did not want to dish out $200 for a vegetable that I am not fond of. Porcini mushrooms, which my mom loves and recommended, have a rich flavor and are a fraction of the price of truffles!

6. Skirt Steak

Skirt Steak I don’t eat meat, but many of my best friends do. When they ask me to help them prepare dinner, I usually give in and make steaks with them. I have discovered that skirt steak is much cheaper than filet mignon. And according to them, if you grill it and season it perfectly, skirt stead is equally as tender.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary I love rosemary! It is such a versatile ingredient and can be put in pastas, soups, and chicken dishes -- you name it! Rosemary is a wonderful substitute for more unusual ingredients, such as juniper berries.

8. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds I love pine nuts, and although they are not the priciest ingredients, it is always good to find cheaper options that to the trick! Pumpkin seeds are very crunchy and have a similar flavor.

9. Milk with Lemons

Milk with Lemons Buttermilk actually is not expensive, but the thought of just using just some and then having to toss out the rest bothers me. So I use milk and lemon juice, and it is actually a good alternative! For each cup of milk, add one tablespoon of lemon juice.

There you go, ladies! These are some of my favorite alternatives to expensive ingredients. What are some of your favorite substitutes?

food ⚡️
5 Luxurious Cucumber Beauty Treatments You Can Try at Home
food
Healthy and Savory Pear Salads for Every Season
food
Fun Facts and Health Benefits of Pears
food
10 Halloween-Themed Garnishes for Your Party Drinks
food
The Elegant World of Wine-Based Hot Cocktails
food
5 Unexpected Desserts with a Jalapeno Kick
food
Cuddle Up with These 5 Cozy Whiskey Cocktails
food
5 Budget-Friendly Halloween Drink Ideas
food ⚡️
10 Quick and Delicious Homemade Treats for Gifting
food
Understanding Your Cat's Dietary Needs
food
Delicious Spiced Coffees to Savor in Fall
food
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Fall Hot Chocolate
food ⚡️
Reviews: The 5 Best Packaged Pearl Couscous Brands
food ⚡️
10 Healthy Snacks Your Cat Will Love
food
Healthy and Delicious Passion Fruit Smoothie Bowls
food
7 Personalized Food Gifts That Show You Care
food ⚡️
Healthy Mini Cocotte Meals for Vegans
food ⚡️
The Coziest Teas for Chilly Autumn Evenings
food ⚡️
5 Unique Salad Dressings to Make at Home
food ⚡️
The Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Dishes and How to Make Them
food
10 Low-Calorie Dinners That Taste Decadent
food
Celery as Pizza Topping: Worth a Try or Not?
food ⚡️
Explore the Spices of Middle Eastern Cuisine
food
5 Brunch Recipes Your Guests Will Love
food
Creative Ways to Introduce Kids to Psyllium
food
How to Properly Season Your Food
food
How to Prepare and Cook Pearl Couscous Like a Pro
food ⚡️
6 Seafood Toothpick Appetizers for Your Next Soiree
food ⚡️
12 Three-Course Meal Ideas for the Perfect Romantic Dinner at Home
food
Common Smoothie Ingredients and Their Health Impacts
food
Incorporating Psyllium into Breakfast for a Healthy Start
food
Date Night BBQ Ideas for Couples who Love to Grill
food
The Role of Salads in Weight Management
food
Make Your Vegan Friends Happy with These Gourmet Recipes
food
Understanding Nutrient-Dense Foods on a Low-Calorie Diet
food ⚡️
Top 10 State Fair Desserts That Will Blow Your Mind
food
8 Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Guests
food ⚡️
Affordable High-Protein Vegetarian Meals
food ⚡️
Understanding the Difference between Fructose and Glucose
food
7 Low-Calorie Desserts That Won't Derail Your Diet
food ⚡️
8 Toothpick Appetizers That Don't Require Cooking
food
6 Homemade Granola Recipes for a Crunchy Start
food
5 Various Ways to Use Chorizo in Your Vegetarian Meals
food ⚡️
15 Delicious Finger Food Ideas for Your Next Party
food ⚡️
Cheap and Easy High-Protein Snacks
food
5 Inspiring Stories Behind Your Favourite Baking Blogs
food
The Art of Food Pairing
food ⚡️
Seasonal Mini Cocotte Recipes to Try
food
Juicing 101: Making Nutrition-Packed Drinks at Home
food ⚡️
5 Healthy Recipes that Are Gentle to Your Gut

Powered by iniret