Vegan Alternative for Eggs

February 18, 2008

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Eggs are needed in a recipe to act as either a binder or thickener. Without them the recipe will be runny, hard, or just plain mush. For the vegan there are numerous egg substitutions depending on what you are trying to achieve with the recipe that calls for eggs.

For instance, in veggie burgers or casseroles, a “binding” or “thickening” effect is needed, so you could add arrowroot, cornstarch, flour, oats, or breadcrumbs to reach your desired consistency. Either of these will do the trick.

However, when trying to substitute eggs in baking, it can be a bit trickier.

When making cookies, breads, and baked goods you can use applesauce, pureed bananas, pureed dates, or Ener-G Egg Replacer when you need the “binding” properties of eggs. To achieve the “thickening” qualities of eggs in pie fillings or custards, try something like agar-agar, kudzu, arrowroot, cornstarch, or flour. Firm tofu also works in baked goods like cheese cakes.

When I make my cheese cakes I use corn starch and tofu as a binder and thickener. For my pumpkin cheesecake, can of pumpkins works wonders as a binder.

There is always a way to work a recipe that calls for eggs without the actual egg. You can use any of the following to substitute one egg in a recipe:

  • 1/4 Cup Mori-Nu silken style, firm or extra firm tofu, pureed until smooth
  • 1/4 Cup applesauce or pureed bananas + ½ t. baking powder
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour whisked with 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp. finely ground flax seeds plus 3 tbsp water blended in a blender until frothy, and let rest 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer whisked with 2 tbsp warm water

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the above substitutes. Some may work better in some recipes than others. For example, you will want to use the flax seed or powder replacements in a cookie recipe, like chocolate chips, so that your cookies don’t have a fruit taste; and use the fruit-based replacements, like apple sauce, in a banana bread or oatmeal cookie recipe.

Now if you love eggs and miss the taste of an omelets or a good scrambled egg, then use tofu. Yes, you can make an omelet with tofu. All you need is a simple base that will serve as your omelets and your favorite fillings. In my home we make a scrambled egg dish with tomatoes, vegan cheese, bell peppers, vegan bacon bits, and Boca crumbles.

Cooking with egg alternatives can be a challenge. But with a little experimenting and some ingenuity it can be a valuable experience.

- LaTara Ham-Ying is owner of Vegan Family Living.

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Posted by Tishia | Filed Under Food & Drink 

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