Substitute options for Egg in baking recipes

This post is dedicated to people who are intolerant to eggs in their daily diet!I have seen people (including bloggers) scoff and see egg,gluten and lactose intolerants in a very negative way.Whenever we post baked goodies with eggs,there are always a couple or two of comments which ask “How can we make it without eggs?”

it is to be remembered here that not everyone’s body is the same.It depends on the person’s upbringing,the area they are accustomed to and the nature of their body!Hereditary factors play one of the key roles in ascertaining the diet the body is suitable for.

Hindus in India have the first “Samskara” or holy ritual called “Annaprashan “in their life at the tender age of 6 months where the infant is fed some rice for the initiation into the world of food.From here on infants are given watery Lentils,mashed rice,mashed fruits like Banana,honey and smooth wheat flour and other cereal and millet porridges.The vegetarian families keep the children away from any kind of food containing eggs,meat or fish.The non vegetarian families initiate these items at the onset of the first year of the child,especially when the child is teething.

In some regions wheat is preferred over rice and vice versa in other regions.However there are many families who ensure they have a moderated amount of every kind of food.However sometimes pre natal conditions and genes play a great role in determining specific allergies in people.

I have posted many baking recipes using eggs as well as egg curries and treats.For people who cannot ingest eggs here is a list of commonly found and easy to use substitutes which may be used in recipes.However these tips are to be used ONLY FOR CAKES,COOKIES AND DESSERTS.Please do NOT use them in savoury recipes.I will post the egg substitute for savoury recipes along with the recipe.

1.BANANA

One of the most common ingredients available in most homes Banana is an excellent substitute for eggs.The riper the Banana the better it is!If you have almost to be discarded Bananas having spots on the peel,put them in a Ziploc bag and freeze them.Use them for eggless cakes,cookies and desserts.

1/2 ripe Banana = 1 medium egg

NOTE : You will have a Banana flavour to whatever recipe you use.But it will make the recipe taste better especially if it is fruit based!

You can also use mashed Avocado or boiled and mashed Pumpkin.

2.VANASPATI OIL/VEGETABLE OIL

In India Vanaspati comes under the name of Dalda,Rath,Godrej Vanaspati!I would recommend this ONLY if you do not have any other method as Vanaspati contains saturated fats.The pro – it gives a beautiful creamy consistency and aeration when whipped but cons are that you need to use it very sparingly!Vegetable Oil is liquid but creams very well with sugar for cakes producing a very light cake texture!Other countries have what is known as Shortening – a pure white vegetable oil derivative or lard – pig fat!

1/4 cup vegetable oil/vanaspati = 1 egg

NOTE : Use Vanaspati in recipes which require only one egg.Too much usage can turn the recipe very oily and greasy.

3.WATER,OIL AND BAKING POWDER

This is the best alternative in cookies and works like magic!

The measurement :

2 tbsp water : 1 tsp cooking oil(vegetable oil,sunflower oil,blended oils) : 2 tsp baking powder

=

1 egg

NOTE :Can also be used in cakes and desserts.

4.FLAX SEEDS (ALSI)

These are very commonly found in any Kirana store in India.Dry roast and powder the flaxseeds in a glass bottle for easy use.

One tbsp ground Flax seeds + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg

The paste will be very viscous almost like the egg yolk and white and give the same effect as using eggs.

NOTE : You can also use Chia seeds in the same proportion!

5.APPLESAUCE

This is a Western recipe and is used for stuffing chicken and Turkey for occasions like Christmas,Thanksgiving and Easter.You might get it packed in international stores or online as well.

1/4 cup Applesauce = 1 egg

6.EGG REPLACER POWDER

This is the new in thing in the market.It is essentially a mix of Potato and Tapioca Starch with some leavening agents.It is commercially available in international stores but you can source it online as well.

Image Courtesy – https://www.bobsredmill.com/vegetarian-egg-replacer.html

7.DAIRY PRODUCTS

If you are not lactose intolerant then you can use buttermilk,condensed milk or yogurt.

Yogurt…

8.NON DAIRY PRODUCTS

These include pureed Silken Tofu,Soymilk,Almond Milk (all the nut milks),Coconut milk or Kefir.

Almond Milk

Check the recipe here :

Almond Milk (A nut milk for the Lactose Intolerants)

9.EXOTIC PRODUCTS

These include products like Soy Lechitin,Aquafaba,Vinegar,Lemon Juice and Agar Agar.These products are not used as widely as they sometimes do not give desired results.

As I update my knowledge,I will upgrade this post for the benefit of more and more people who are intolerant to eggs!

Happy cooking and happy eating folks!