“There are many recipe substitutions youcan make to create a low-fat meal.Sanja Gjenero
Q. What substitutions can I use to make some of my favorite recipes healthier?
A. If you have a recipe you want to make healthier? Try any of these simple substitutions.
- Instead of 1 cup heavy cream (except whipped), try 1 cup evaporated skim milk.
- Instead of 1/2 cup butter/margarine (in baked goods), try 1/4 cup applesauce or prune purée.
- Instead of 1 cup sour cream, try 1 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt.
- Instead of 1 egg, try 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute.
- Instead of ground beef, try lean ground turkey breast.
- Instead of oil or butter for sautéing, try chicken or vegetable broth or nonstick vegetable cooking spray.
Remember that although reduced-fat and low-fat versions of products like sour cream and cream cheese can yield delicious results, fat-free versions don’t always behave like their full-fat counterparts. Use caution when substituting fat-free products, especially in dishes that are heated.
Now that you know some basic low-fat recipe substitutions, it’s time to try cooking some yourself. For some helpful low-fat cooking steps and recipe suggestions, visit:
- Low-Fat Macaroni and Cheese
- Low-Fat Cajun Wedges
- How Low-Fat Baking Works: Steps to Successful Low-Fat Baking
- How to Grill Food: Grilling Chicken