How to do cooking without Tomato and Onion in case of increase in prices?
Cooking without tomatoes and onions, especially during price hikes, might seem challenging, but many delicious alternatives can add depth and flavor to your dishes. Here’s how you can adapt your cooking:
1. Use Alternative Vegetables
Carrots: Grated or pureed carrots can add sweetness and body to dishes, similar to onions.
Pumpkin or Squash: These vegetables provide a slightly sweet and rich flavor, making them excellent substitutes for tomatoes in sauces and curries.
Beets: For color and earthiness, beets can replace tomatoes, especially in soups and gravies.
Cabbage: Finely chopped cabbage can add texture and a mild flavor similar to onions.
2. Spices and Herbs
Ginger and Garlic: These can replace the pungency of onions and add depth to dishes.
Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch of asafoetida can mimic the umami flavor of onions.
Turmeric, Cumin, and Coriander: These spices can enhance the flavor profile, compensating for the lack of tomatoes and onions.
3. Use Dairy Products
Yogurt: adds tanginess and creaminess to dishes, a good alternative to tomatoes in curries and gravies.
Coconut Milk: Provides richness and a mild sweetness, especially in South indian and Thai-inspired dishes.
4. tamarind or Lemon
Tamarind Paste: Offers a tangy flavor similar to tomatoes. Use it in curries, dals, and chutneys.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten up a dish, replacing the acidity of tomatoes.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Cashews: Ground into a paste, cashews can add a creamy texture to dishes, making them rich and flavorful without the need for tomatoes or onions.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted and ground, sesame seeds can be used to thicken and flavor sauces.