Gastronomic purists scoff at the idea of replacing cooking oil. They feel that it is one ingredient that has no seconds. And, to a certain extent, they are probably right. Cooking oil enhances the taste and enriches the flavor of food. Like salt, it adds basic substance to a dish. However, it is foolhardy to compromise your health for the sake of taste. This is because cooking oils are rich in fat and cholesterol and they significantly increase the calorie count in the body. In addition, it is wrong to think that substitutes of cooking oils are hard to find. Yes, the taste is compromised to a certain extent, but it’s a small price to pay for a healthy body. Cooking oil substitutes are easy to make and easy to procure. A substitute, if prepared carefully and used in the right dishes, enhances the taste in such a way that you would think that the dish was cooked in cooking oil itself. Still, if you feel that you have to use cooking oil, go for extra virgin olive oil, which is perhaps the healthiest cooking oil today. On the other hand, if you are looking for suitable cooking oil substitute, go through the article.
Healthy Alternatives To Cooking Oil
Applesauce
Applesauce does not have a flavor of its own, so, it can be used as a very good substitute for cooking oil. The moistness of the sauce makes it a very good substitute for cooking oil, especially in case of baking recipes. It is also low in fat, thus making it a healthy alternative. The quantity of the applesauce should be half of the required amount of cooking oil.
Apple Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Freshly Grated Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp Lemon Zest
- ¼ cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Unsalted Butter
- 4 Apples (peeled and cut)
Procedure
- Over medium heat, simmer the apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, lemon zest, brown sugar, and butter.
- Add the apples and cook till they become tender.
- Transfer in a blender and blend until smooth.
Skimmed Milk Or Yogurt
For recipes that require the fluidity of cooking oil, skimmed milk can be used as a very good substitute. It adds extra flavor and moisture to a recipe as well.
Fruit Puree
Mashed bananas, apples, and even papayas can be used as a substitute for cooking oil, though they may not be able to replace the full properties of the latter. In baking, the amount of puree used should be equal to the amount of cooking oil, and it must only be used in selective dishes.
Cornstarch Solution
Thick water or cornstarch solution is especially good for patients with heart condition. The recipe to make cornstarch solution is very simple and the substitute is very good for stir-fried and sautéed recipes.
Cornstarch Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup Water
Preparation
- Mix the two ingredients and pour in a saucepan.
- Place it on flame and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat as soon as the mixture becomes thick.
- Set for cooling and use in place of cooking oil.
Coconut Oil
This vegetable oil is an excellent substitute for cooking oil, as it is very healthy and makes a dish delicious. Extra virgin olive oil is another substitute for cooking oil. To retain the taste, use a shortening substitute.