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How to Keep Pulled Pork Warm?

Posted on November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 by John Bird

Reheating pulled pork can be a problem. You’ve made a lot for everybody, and you have leftovers you’ve got to freeze. But what happens after, when you need to reheat pulled pork and serve it again?

This is where we come in. From the different methods of reheating pulled pork to what recipes you can do with reheated pulled pork, we’ve got you covered. Let’s begin!

What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is a popular American barbecue dish most commonly found in the South. The barbecued pork shoulder or pork butt is slow-cooked over wood, before being shredded and mixed with homemade sauce.

If you can’t make pulled pork over wood, you can also use a slow cooker, crock pot, oven, or pressure cooker. Using a pressure cooker can speed things up by making the usual 12-hour cooking time be cut down sixty to ninety minutes.

If you haven’t experienced this dish yet, you’re missing out!

However, if you’re on this page, you probably have experienced the wonders of pulled pork — and are now wondering how to keep it warm.

How to Keep Pulled Pork Warm

To keep this dish warm, you can use the following methods:

Keep in a buffet server
Reheat using a microwave
Reheat using a stove
Reheat sous-vide style
Reheat using an oven
Reheating using a grill or crock pot

We dive into how you can keep and heat up pulled pork below. Let’s dive in!

How to Store Pulled Pork After Cooking

Yay, you’ve got leftover pulled pork in your hands! Now that you’ve had your fill, it’s time to consider where you could possibly put your pulled pork.

Of course, the fridge is the best method — and for many people, the only option. Refrigerating leftover pulled pork is quite straightforward. You just have to make sure you lock in the flavor.

To make sure the flavor is still present with leftovers, put them in sealed plastic bags or plastic containers.

If you’re thinking of having the leftover pulled pork around for longer, you may consider putting it in the freezer. For this, a vacuum-sealed bag or a sealable plastic freezer bag is ideal. If you must freeze it, you should also make sure to wrap the meat in plastic or aluminum foil to keep it around for longer.

In either one of those methods, you have to make sure to compress all the air out to avoid possible spoilage and loss of flavor in your pulled pork leftovers.

How to Reheat Pulled Pork

Okay, so you’ve had your pulled pork in the fridge for a while now. Now, you want to eat it and share it with your family. How do you reheat pulled pork properly?

There are multiple methods to reheating pulled pork. When you reheat, you don’t want the moisture or the flavor to be gone forever! Here are some of our trusty reheated pulled pork methods:

Sous-Vide Style or Hot Water Bath Style

What You Will Need:

Plastic wrap or Ziploc bag

Before you can reheat pulled pork sous-vide style, you should already have the shredded pork in a plastic bag with vacuum-sealing.

You can either use a vacuum sealer or vacuum-seal it on your own to be able to reheat it sous-vide.

How to Do Vacuum-Sealing

To seal it on your own, simply fill a large stock pot with boiling water. Place the pulled pork – or whatever food you need frozen – into a plastic bag. Compress as much air as you can out of the plastic bag.

Close the bag, but leave a little corner unopened as you vacuum-seal it. Slowly lower the bag into the boiling water until you reach the little corner, then close it all the way. This is a way of storing pulled pork that will help it freeze and thaw out properly!

When you lift the plastic bag of pulled pork, the plastic should have molded itself onto the food. If there’s still leftover air, try to redo the same method.

Reheating Sous-Vide Style

Okay, so now how do you reheat leftover pulled pork with the sous-vide method?

It’s easy. The reheating process takes place as soon as you heat up the water to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip the watertight plastic bag into the pot. Leave it there for at least forty-five minutes so the pulled pork takes in all the indirect heat.

Take out the bag and let it sit for a few minutes before taking the pulled pork out. You’ll be amazed to find out that the moisture and flavor has stuck around while it was in the plastic wrap!

Using the Microwave Method

What You Will Need:

Microwave-safe dish
Leftover juices or apple juice

For reheating meat with a microwave, you have to make sure you have a microwave-safe dish first. That’s where you’re going to place and reheat your pulled pork!

After you have your dish, you put your leftover pork in it. It’s best if you have a BPA-free microwave container or even a Pyrex baking dish.

There’s only one problem with reheating pulled pork in the microwave: it can dry out quickly. To keep the meat moist, reheat pulled pork with added preferred sauce. It can be the leftover sauce you have for the pulled pork, your own homemade marinade, or even a little apple juice.

Next, set up the right temperature for the direct heat to hit the baking dish. For leftover meat like pulled pork, 165 degrees Fahrenheit should be enough. You need around five to ten minutes until the pulled pork reaches an internal temperature that’s good enough to eat!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully reheated meat in your microwave!

Using a Charcoal Grill

What You Will Need:

Grill
Charcoal
Aluminum foil
BBQ sauce

It might not seem obvious, but you can also use the direct heat from the grill to heat up the pulled pork.

The first step requires you to thaw out your pulled pork. Make sure it’s soft to touch! Leave frozen pulled pork at the counter or pop the pulled pork in the microwave to get it to defrost a little.

Next, you’re going to have to do a two-zone method. This means separating your grill into two zones: a cool and hot zone. The hot zone has the charcoal and open flames ready to reheat pulled pork.

After you have two zone ready, you can wrap your leftover shredded pork in foil. As you do this, prepare some barbecue sauce with water. Grilling can dry out the entirety of the meat, and you want the leftover juices to stay within the meat.

As much as possible, you want the grill to reach 170 degrees, and later, you want the meat to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For this, you want to use a meat thermometer.

Leave the cooked pulled pork wrapped in aluminum foil on the cool side. Once the hot side reaches 170 degrees, conduction will allow indirect heat to reach the cooked pulled pork where it is.

Then, you can pull the pulled pork over to the hot zone and let the direct heat side reach the pork. Grill the pork up to 30 minutes before serving. Now you have an added smoky flavor, too!

Using the Crock Pot

What You Will Need:

Apple juice
BBQ sauce
Steaming basket

Reheating food in a crock pot or slow cooker is also easy. Just spread out the pulled pork on steaming basket as you get started! Add the juice or barbecue sauce to keep it as moist as possible.

Using the Oven Method

What You Will Need:

Baking dish
Leftover juices and apple juice
BBQ sauce

None of the other reheating methods can compared to the oven method, which is the best way to reheat your pulled pork.

As you preheat your oven at the warm setting — at 250 degrees Fahrenheit — prepare a baking dish with the pulled pork. Ideally, you have leftover juices, more sauce, or even some apple juice to help in retaining moisture as you reheat pulled pork. You don’t want to eat dry meat!

The goal is to have reheated meat that comes out as if they were freshly cooked.

In oven-reheating pulled pork, you bake it until it reaches a certain internal temperature. For this one, it’s 165 degrees!

Mix the pork together with the juices, which will keep the pulled pork moist. Add more BBQ sauce after the reheating process, and serve!

Cooking with Reheated Pulled Pork: Top Three Recipes

Pulled Pork Tacos

When you reheat pulled pork, add the following:

A cup of prepared salsa
Chipotle chili and adobo sauce

Mix them all together in a crock pot to combine. Coat the pulled pork with some sauce.

Prepare the tortillas. Warm them up before you put in the mixture of pulled pork into the tortillas for ideal serving! You can put your desired garnishes, too.

Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Hash

For this recipe, you just have to use a single skillet! To make pulled pork sweet potato hash, you need the following:

Sweet potatoes
Red onions
Olive oil
Eggs
Salt and pepper
Fresh herbs

You need an oven for this recipe! Preheat it to 425 degrees F. As it preheats, dice the sweet potatoes. It should be enough to cut them into 1/2 inch pieces — the smaller they are, the better, as they will be cooked much quicker.

Dice the red onion. Add some olive oil to the sweet potatoes and stir it in. Cook the sweet potatoes in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for ten to fifteen minutes.

Add the red onion, season with salt and pepper, then add the pulled pork. Mix it all in together!

Once it’s all heated together, make four small holes or indentations before cracking an egg into each hole. Season with salt and pepper.

Now, you can transfer the pan into the preheated oven. You can cook it for around five to seven minutes before garnishing everything with fresh herbs.

Pulled Pork Chili

To make pulled pork chili, you need the following:

Brown sugar
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Chili powder
Cumin
Cayenne pepper
Beef broth
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Chili beans
Hot sauce

It’s going to be a long cooking time for this chili — around 8 to 10 hours! Cook it on low heat. Stir the chili well as your shred the pork with two forks, then serve it right away!

How to Cook Pulled Pork

Okay, so now you know how reheating leftover pulled pork works. But how do you cook pulled pork in the first place?

We’re here to guide you through the cooking process!

What You Will Need:

Pork shoulder or pork butt
Oil
Sugar
Chili powder
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Cumin
Kosher salt
Black pepper
12 ounces of Coke
Barbecue sauce

The Steps You Need to Cook Pulled Pork

Trim the excess fat

Cut the fat off the meat and then divide it into four pieces.

Prepare the spices

Combine the chili, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and sugar in a bowl. Rub it all over the pork you just cut!

Sear the pulled pork

This is an optional step, but you can opt to this to make sure your pulled pork gets cooked! Add two tablespoons of oil into a Dutch oven pot or pan over medium-high heat. Sear the meat for a few seconds on all sides.

Using the oven:

First, you have to preheat the oven. Around 300 degrees F should work fine.

Next, take the Coke and pour it into the Dutch oven. Put the pork in the oven, too. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and let it cook for up to three hours. After you remove the lid, cook the pulled pork for an additional 1 to 2 hours.

The pork should be tender enough to shred with a fork. Congrats, you’ve made pulled pork!

Using the slow cooker method:

Another way to make pulled pork is through a slow cooker. Simply put the pork in the slow cooker and pour Coke around it. Cover it and cook the pork on low heat for eight hours, or on high heat for four to five hours.

Using the instant pot method:

Place the pork in an instant pot and pour Coke. For 70 minutes, you can cook the pork butt for manual or high heat. Let the pot release pressure for around fifteen minutes before shredding the meat inside.

Once the meat reaches an internal temperature of around 165 degrees, it should be good!

How Much Pulled Pork Do You Need?

Around four pounds of pulled pork is enough for a dinner! You can adjust the ingredients with the amount of pulled pork you used.

Why Use Coke?

The Coke allows you to have sweetness in your dish, and at the same time, tenderizes the meat. If you don’t want to use Coke, you can use root beer or apple cider vinegar and apple juice.

Precautions in Cooking and Reheating Pulled Pork

Avoid freezer burn on food

Freezer burn is common, and you don’t want it to happen to your food!

When this happens, a layer of ice forms across the surface of the food. Now, the layer of ice will melt and the food will be completely edible, but the moisture escapes from the food as well. As a result, you have dryer, tasteless food in your hands.

To avoid it, we recommend performing a couple of precautions. First, you have to set your freezer to the right temperature. Make sure your freezer isn’t over-filled — or under-filled — to get the right temperature.

Use heat-proof gloves

When handling a baking pan or putting pork in the oven, use heat-proofed gloves in handling these items will help you out a lot! Handling food carefully is a must, especially if you’re looking for the best way to reheat and cook food.

If you don’t you risk burning and scarring quite easily.

Always Keep Pulled Pork Moist

When you reheat smoked pulled pork, especially when it comes from the freezer, it can be dried out. To keep the pulled pork moist, you can use juice, leftover pork juices, and different marinades and sauces.

Use a Meat Thermometer

When you reheat pulled pork, it’s important that you use a meat thermometer. You can also use it during cooking so you’re assured that the temperature levels are balanced and optimal! Ideally, 165 to 170 degrees F is good enough for both the cooking and reheating process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to reheat pulled pork?

You can reheat pulled pork in the oven for the best results! You have more control over the reheating process and it can come out juicier, too.

How do you keep pulled pork warm for hours?

You can use an oven, crock pot, sous-vide, grill, or microwave to keep your pulled pork warm. However, if you really want to reheat your pulled pork for hours, we recommend using a buffet server like this one.

How long can pulled pork stay warm in a crockpot?

It’ll take around an hour for pulled pork to stay warm in a crock pot.

How do you reheat pulled pork and keep it moist?

When you want to reheat pulled pork and keep it moist, you should use different juices or sauces. Pop the pork in the oven and add sauce or marinade before mixing it together!

How Hot Is Coffee Supposed to Be Served? The Facts According to Science

Posted on November 4, 2022February 3, 2023 by John Bird

How hot is coffee supposed to be served? Find out the facts according to science with this guide that breaks down everything you need to know.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and there are many ways to prepare it. The temperature at which coffee is served can have a big impact on the taste and quality of the drink.

So, how hot is coffee supposed to be served? The answer may surprise you.

According to a scientific study published in Burns Journal, the perfect temperature for serving coffee without any risk of burn is 136 °F (57.8 °C). This temperature will give you the best balance between burn safety and flavor.

However, it’s not possible to serve coffee at a defined temperature every time. The optimum temperature range for serving coffee is 130 °F to 140 °F (54.4–60 °C).

Don’t let the numbers confuse you. For one, the preferred drinking temperature will be lower than the serving temperature. Also, there is a difference between serving and brewing temperature, and it’s not certainly suggested as the best-tasting temperature for hot coffees!

The following article discusses these confusions as they come up in detail – so you can better brew your own coffee the same way you would be an experienced barista.

Different Types of Coffee Served Temperature

Type of Coffee	Average Served Temperature (°F)	Average Served Temperature (°C)
Espresso	150°F – 170°F	65.5°C – 76.6°C
Drip Coffee	140°F – 160°F	60°C – 71.1°C
French Press	140°F – 160°F	60°C – 71.1°C
Pour Over	140°F – 160°F	60°C – 71.1°C
Cold Brew	Below Room Temperature	Below 20°C

Note: Temperatures may vary based on personal preference and serving methods.

☕️ Note: Temperatures may vary based on personal preference and serving methods.

How Temperature Can Impact Your Experience of Drinking Coffee?

If coffee is served too hot, it can become bitter and burnt tasting. On the other hand, if it is not hot enough, the flavors will be muted, and the coffee will lack the characteristic richness that we all love.

But how hot is too hot? Which temperature range allows for the coffee to retain its flavor and aroma while still being hot enough to enjoy?

Let’s take a look at how your coffee may taste at different temperatures, according to science:

180–185 °F: Warming Sensations and Almost No Taste

This is considered too hot for serving coffee. At this temperature, you’ll barely taste anything, and your taste buds may burn.

Some commercial coffee shops serve coffee at this temperature only because they assume it will stay fresh for a while.

155–175 °F: Hot, Less Acidic, Rounded, and Bitter Notes

Most coffee experts recommend serving coffee between 155- and 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

The coffee will taste “hot,” but it is still palatable in this range. In this heat setting, the taste isn’t very strong; you may taste a momentary acidity or bitterness in the beginning.

However, these temperatures bring forth a distinct scent. If it’s a chilly morning or you’re drinking a subpar cup of caffeine, you may drink at this temperature range.

140–150 °F: Lots of Flavor and Warmth

Some argue that even 155°F is too hot for coffee, even though it may seem like a proper temperature to you.

140–150°F is the middle ground for drinking a hot, high-quality ground coffee with a sweeter taste. You’ll taste the coffee’s roast flavor and distinctive bitterness around this temperature range.

Dark roasts and those who like a hot beverage’s warmth should drink their coffee at this temperature.

120–140 °F: More Acidic, Smooth, and Mellower Flavor

120 to 140 degrees, you’ll be able to taste the complete flavor of coffee at its best. Coffee is more acidic and has a sharper flavor.

Your taste buds will experience the complete spectrum of subtle aromas and acidity with each sip, which lasts for a few seconds. Also, under 140 degrees, the coffee is no longer “hot,” but it still feels warm.

This range is especially recommended for a light roast with distinct nuances.

Below 120 °F: “Cool,” Yet Delicious

The coffee is now considered to be “cold.” Heat no longer reaches your tongue. This enables the taste to linger and become perceptible on the tongue.

Many drinkers will try to reheat their cup of coffee when the temperature drops below 120°F. However, reheating coffee alters its flavor profile, therefore we don’t advise doing it.

Instead, once the temperature approaches 100 degrees, you should enjoy it as a cold coffee and even pour over some ice!

So, What’s the Ideal Temperature?

So, you want a conclusion? How hot coffee is supposed to be served for a delicate balance of hot and cold?

The only real takeaway from this discussion may be that your ideal serving temperature for coffee depends on your own taste preferences as long as it is neither lukewarm nor boiling hot.

Sorry to say that you won’t find an answer everyone agrees on.

However, don’t leave disappointed. Here are some general guidelines from us to help you find the perfect temperature for your cup of coffee:

You would be better off staying in the 155–175 °F range if you like the warm, sweet, rounded, and bitter characteristics of coffee.
But if you like a cup that is sharper, brighter, and more acidic, aim for a temperature between 120 and 140 °F.
Finally, though we don’t recommend it, a cup between 180 and 185 °F served right after brewing would be ideal for you if you have an evolutionary bias toward hot beverages.

Our recommendation is that you may serve coffee a bit hotter since it will cool down and the person consuming it can choose when it is ready, so long as you don’t burn the coffee when you boil it. When it’s cold, it’s more difficult to reheat it.

Your Personal Preference Is the Key Here

Of course, the ideal coffee temperature is just a starting point. Your personal preferences will ultimately dictate what temperature is perfect for you.

So, if you like your coffee on the hotter side, go ahead and crank up the heat. If you prefer your coffee on the cooler side, don’t be afraid to let it cool down a bit before you take your first sip.

The perfect cup of coffee is out there waiting for you, and with a little experimentation, you’ll find it in no time.

What Temperature Should Coffee Be Brewed at?

If you’ve come this far, it should be no secret to you that the temperature of your coffee can have a big impact on the coffee flavor. But what many people don’t realize is that the brewing coffee temperature and the serving temperature can be very different.

The serving temperature is the temperature of the coffee when it is finally poured into your cup. This can be anywhere around 120-180 degrees Fahrenheit.

The brewing temperature is the temperature of the water when it comes in contact with the coffee grounds. According to the National Coffee Association of USA, this temperature should be between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, brewing coffee is an inexact science, and there are a lot of variables that go into making the perfect cup of coffee.

So, what is the ideal temperature to brew coffee?

The answer is: it depends. On what? The type of coffee, the grind, the brewing method, and the water all play a role in the final brewed coffee.

Different types of coffee beans require different brewing temperatures. For example, light roast coffee beans are best brewed at a lower temperature than dark roast beans.
The grind also makes a difference. A finer grind will require a higher brewing temperature, while a coarse grind can be brewed at a lower temperature.
The type of brewing method also plays a role in the final temperature. A French press will require a different temperature than an espresso machine.
And finally, the water you use can also affect the final temperature. Hard water will require a higher brewing temperature than soft water.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the ideal coffee brewing temperature. The best way to figure out the ideal temperature for your coffee is to experiment and find what works best for you.

So why is there such a big difference between the brewing temperature and the serving temperature?

It all has to do with the extraction process.

At higher temperatures, the coffee grounds will release more of their oils and flavors into the water. Therefore, brewing at a higher temperature will result in a more flavorful cup of coffee (which is why it’s recommended). However, if the coffee is too hot, it can become bitter and unpleasant while drinking.

On the other hand, brewing at a lower temperature will result in a less flavorful cup of coffee. But the coffee will be less likely to taste bitter.

How to Ensure Preferred Temperature While You Drink Coffee?

From all the discussions, it turns out that the temperature of your brewed coffee can make a big difference in the coffee flavor. And now that you know about the ideal brewing and serving temperature for coffee, it’s time to bring all the knowledge to your coffee table.

How do you make sure your coffee is at your preferred temperature?

Whether you like it piping hot or relatively cool, there are a few things you can do to make sure your coffee is always at your preferred temperature.

While You’re at a Coffee Shop

You may think you’ve no control over the coffee when you’re in a coffee shop outside. But that’s not the case.

Here are a few tips:

If you like your coffee hot, ask for it to be brewed with boiling hot water.
If you prefer your coffee to be more on the lukewarm side, request that it be brewed with room-temperature water.
If you want your coffee to be at a specific temperature, you can always ask the barista to adjust the water temperature to your liking. You can also ask to see the coffee brewing temperature gauge.
If you’re not sure what temperature you prefer, just drink in as they serve for the first time. Next time you’re there, you’ll know what to ask.

While You’re Brewing at Home

If you’re someone who likes to brew his own coffee in the morning, here are some things you can do:

Use a thermometer: A thermometer is the best way to ensure that your coffee is at your preferred temperature. Place the thermometer in the coffee pot or mug and wait until it reaches your desired temperature.
Pay attention to the water temperature: If you like it hot, make sure to use hot water when brewing. Conversely, if you prefer your coffee on the cooler side, use cooler water rather than cooling down later.
Use a preheated mug: If you’re using a mug, make sure to preheat it before adding the coffee. If you’re using a carafe, do the same. This will help keep the coffee hot.

By following these simple tips, you can make sure your coffee is always at your preferred temperature. So go ahead and enjoy that perfect cup of coffee, just the way you like it.

The Best Way to Keep Coffee Hot

The best way to keep coffee hot is to use a thermal coffee mug or thermos. It’s also called a “thermal carafe “.

These mugs have a double-walled construction with a vacuum seal between the walls. This helps to keep the coffee hot for hours. You can also find mugs with a built-in heating element that will keep your coffee hot all day long.

If you are using a regular coffee mug, you can preheat it by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding your coffee. You can also put a lid on your coffee mug to help keep the heat in.

The Fastest Way to Cool Down Hot Coffee

If you’re looking for the fastest way to cool down hot coffee, here are a few methods you can use:

One way is to pour the hot coffee into a container with a lid and place it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes. This will help the coffee to cool down quickly.
Another way to cool hot coffee is to pour it into a cup with ice cubes. This will help to lower the coffee’s temperature quickly.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also try blowing on the coffee to help cool it down.
If you find that your coffee is too hot or too cold, add a little bit of milk or cream to adjust the temperature.

The next time you make coffee or order one, be sure to pay attention to the temperature. Everyone’s taste is different, so you’ll have to experiment to find the temperature that suits you best. And once you find that perfect temperature, your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

How Hot Was the Coffee in The McDonald’s Lawsuit

In the McDonald’s lawsuit, the coffee was determined to be too hot. It was estimated to be between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit and it was determined that this was too hot for consumers.
This lawsuit led to McDonald’s changing their coffee brewing practices, and the company now brews its coffee at a lower temperature.

How Hot Is Coffee Served at Starbucks?

Starbucks coffee is typically served at around 155 degrees Fahrenheit, which is close to the industry standard for coffee. However, this can vary depending on the individual store and the type of coffee being brewed.
Some people find this temperature to be too hot, so Starbucks also offers its coffee at a lower temperature upon request.

How Hot Does Coffee Have to Be to Burn You?

Coffee has to be pretty hot to burn you – around 70 degrees Celsius or 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature, it will cause a first-degree burn, which is when the top layer of the skin is damaged. This is hot enough to cause a serious burn in just a few seconds. If you have coffee that is this hot, be careful not to spill it on yourself.

How Many Scoops of Coffee for 12 Cups?

Posted on November 3, 2022February 3, 2023 by John Bird

Wondering how much coffee you need for a gathering? We’ve got you. We cover everything you need to know about measuring coffee in this article!

For 12 cups of coffee, it’s actually quite straightforward.

How Many Scoops of Coffee for 12 Cups?

If a scoop of coffee equates to two tablespoons, then ideally, you can put 6 scoops of coffee for 12 cups. This means you’re going to have one coffee scoop for two cups of coffee.

However, we’re basing this off of ground coffee — it’s different if we’re talking about flavored coffee, whole coffee beans, and other coffee measurements! You also have to factor in different brewing methods, cup size, and coffee strength.

Let’s put this all into context by diving into the article below.

Why Measure Coffee?

Why should we bother measuring coffee in the first place? Well, there’s a lot that can result from the measurements, including the following:

Taste Consistency

It’s one of the things that keeps us coming back to coffee shops: consistency.

We know the taste of each consistent cup of coffee that they make. When you make coffee at home, the resulting taste varies each time. Maybe you put in too much ground coffee, or too little. Maybe you overshot the water used, or you were too cautious and put only a small amount.

Measuring coffee and water used produces consistent, brewed coffee every day.

Adjusting Strength

Coffee makers aren’t just in the craft of making coffee for the fun of it. I’m sure you want to unlock the benefits of coffee per cup, too!

The strength, then, matters a lot when making your perfect cup. If you want a stronger cup of coffee for the jolt of energy in the morning, measuring out ground coffee is necessary. If you only want a light brew per cup, you have to take into account what kind of beans to use and how to brew them properly.

How to Adjust the Amount of Coffee for Different Brewing Methods

There are multiple methods in brewing coffee grounds. The brewing method affects the amount of caffeine that’s extracted from your coffee, so it also helps if you’re looking for the perfect coffee taste.

Method	Yield	Amount of Coffee (tablespoons)
Drip Coffee Maker	2 to 12 cups	12 tablespoons (6 scoops) for 12 cups
French Press	1 cup	2 tablespoons for 1 cup
Pour Over Brewer	1 cup	1 level scoop for 1 cup
Espresso Machine	1 shot	20-30 grams (around 20-30 seconds to pull)

01 Drip Coffee Maker

Your standard drip coffee maker can yield anywhere from 2 to 12 cups of coffee. Chances are, a drip coffee maker is what you’ve got in your kitchen!

Using a drip coffee maker is quite simple. You add water into the attached water reservoir, then add a filter – either a reusable or disposable one. Make sure you have the right coffee to water ratio. Add the coffee grounds to the filter.

If you’re making 12 cups of coffee, you’re likely to use around 12 tablespoons of coffee, or six scoops. Press the brew button and you’re all ready to go!

02 French Press

A French press is simpler and distinct from the drip coffee maker. Instead of waiting for coffee brewing to finish, you pour coffee grounds into the French press before adding hot water. Be careful, however — the water should just be a little bit below the boiling point or it may taste burnt!

But it shouldn’t be that cool, either, or you risk getting weaker coffee. For a strong cup, good extraction is a must. Here’s the best ratio for French Press.

After letting the coffee grinds bloom, you press down on the French press and let the coffee grounds and water separate. You’re all done!

For a press, however, how many coffee cups you make is limited. It can contain, at most, more than one cup. So you’re only looking at around a single scoop of coffee for a single serving. Can you remember how many tablespoons that would equate to?

Yes, that’s right – just two tablespoons. It’s going to be time-consuming to make 12 cups of brewed coffee, but the taste is well worth it!

03 Pour Over Brewer

A pour-over brewer is one of the simplest ways to make strong coffee. You don’t need anything special — at most, you might want to invest in a gooseneck drip kettle. We’ll explain why below.

The brewing methods in a pour-over brewer is already in its name: pour-over. You get a coffee filter, add some coffee grounds, and slowly pour in the water for your coffee.

This brewing method should make use of wetting, or slowly immersing your coffee grounds in water.

This is why a gooseneck drip kettle is important. It allows you to control the distribution and amount of water you incorporate into the coffee brewing process.

However, this technique is also time-consuming for those who want to make twelve cups of coffee. One level coffee scoop is more than enough for one cup, and you need to repeat the coffee brewing process for each cup if you want to serve twelve people.

04 Espresso Machine

If you want the most caffeine out of your ground coffee, an espresso machine is the way to go. To use an espresso machine, you just have to follow these steps:

Preheat the Machine

Begin the entire process by starting up your machine to warm it up. Make sure the entire machine is preheated.

Grind Whole Beans

If you have ground coffee, that’s perfectly fine. However, the best cup of coffee includes grinding whole beans. Use a fine grind size and fill up your portafilter of around 20 grams of coffee. Brush away the excess coffee grounds to get ready for tamping.

Tamp Evenly

It’s time to tamp! Make sure everything is evenly distributed before tamping down. Press the puck straight down, and spin it to polish the ground coffee off.

Pull and Dial in the Shot

Allot around 20 to 30 seconds to pull your first shot! If you want to adjust the taste and strength of the next shot, take note of the dial of the pressure gauge — if you have one on your espresso machine, that is.

Like other brewing methods mentioned in this list, however, an espresso shot only serves one. If you’re looking to serve twelve cups of coffee, you’re going to have to take some time in serving each! A coffee pot with a drip coffee maker is the ideal one for you.

Other Factors That Affect Coffee Measurements

Cup Size

It might seem obvious, but this detail often escapes people’s minds. The size of your cup can determine how strong your coffee is or how much coffee you need to make. The coffee to water ratio is also affected.

If your cups are larger, expect to make more coffee — that means more coffee scoops and more water. If your cups are smaller, you can easily make twelve cups.

Type of Coffee Roast Can Affect the Amount Needed

Ideally, you start with whole bean coffee and make them into ground coffee or coffee grounds. What you have to look at now is the type of roast. This will have a direct link to its strength.

Light

A light roast is distinctive with its light brown color. There’s little to no oil on the coffee beans, and retain much more caffeine than you think. It’s a common misconception that light roasts have less caffeine that medium and dark roasts, but since they roast for far less time, they have more caffeine than others.

If you want a stronger cup of coffee, coffee ratios with a light roast will vary.

Medium

A medium roast is known for its brown, thick body and balanced flavors. They lose more caffeine in comparison to a light roast.

Dark

A dark roast comes in dark, blackened colors, with a glossy surface from the oils. The robust, full-body flavor is notable as well! It can be hard to achieve a proper dark roast without burning it, so you have to make sure you buy the right brands.

Spoon Size

This is also an obvious thing in measuring out how much coffee you need, but it does slip a lot of people’s minds! If your spoon or scoop size is bigger than usual, then you need less coffee per cup. If your spoon or scoop size is smaller, then you may need more than six scoops of coffee or more than twelve tablespoons of coffee.

The Golden Ratio Method

In measuring coffee, you can follow the golden ratio in figuring out how many tablespoons or coffee scoops you need per coffee cup.

The golden ratio is the following: 1 gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water. This golden ratio achieves a good balance between the acidity and flavorful notes. Using more water can make the coffee weaker but much more bitter, while using less water than usual will lead to a concentrated, sour taste.

For more information on coffee ratio, you can check out the Specialty Coffee Association’s website. They’ve got everything you need to know about brew methods, cup measurements, and proper measuring tools!

Using a Scale to Measure Coffee

But how do you even achieve the golden ratio? It’s easy — use a coffee scale. Weigh out a gram of coffee to 15-18 grams of water, then multiply that amount by twelve if you need! That means you have to measure out water for twelve grams of coffee.

Coffee Beans Measurement Conversions

If you’re going to start questioning how much ground coffee you need per cup, it’s best to use a scale to weight it in grams instead of volume. We explain why below:

The Advantages of Using a Scale to Measure Coffee

Precision

With a scale, you can achieve the golden ratios of coffee per cup much easier. If you don’t remember, the golden ratio says that a gram of coffee needs 15-18 grams of water. That vaguely translates to one to two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water.

However, if you want the coffee per cup to taste consistent and of quality, it’s best if you use a scale. Unlike with measuring coffee out with a measuring cup or a spoon, measuring with ground or bean weight makes sure you’re not prone to any variabilities.

Flexibility for Different Roasts

If you didn’t know, the different roasts means various densities for each coffee bean. For example, a dark-roasted bean will be less dense than a light-roasted bean due to a longer roasting process. How many grams it used to have as a green coffee beans has been burned off.

Grinds will also factor into how many grams or how many scoops you should put into a cup of coffee.

There will be gaps in the coffee grounds with a coarser grind, for example, and if you measure a cup of coffee in volume, you wouldn’t have an accurate measurement. It’s best to use a scale – for your coffee to water ratio and coffee scoops!

Taste Consistency

Having a scale as a technique to measure coffee per cup will make each coffee pot you make taste better. A little bit of precision goes a long way!

What to Consider When Brewing Coffee

The Equipment

Ideally, you want to have all the top-notch equipment you could have in your kitchen. This includes everything from the any coffee puck to grinders you use to the automatic drip coffee makers you will get.

When shopping for equipment, make sure you get ones that are good in terms of price for value.

You want something that’s of quality and is durable, but you also don’t want to break your wallet! You don’t need all the barista tools in your home as a beginner in coffee-making, but if it seems like a good investment, we won’t stop you.

Aside from having all the tools you need, it’s also important to have them all cleaned after each use.

Cleaning everything thoroughly after each use isn’t just hygienic – it also helps preserve the flavor of your coffee!

When you clean your equipment, you make sure that there are no grounds or oils left. If there are some left when you don’t clean up properly, you run the risk of leaving your coffee rancid and sour to taste.

Water Used

Coffee is 98% water, so it’s best if you’ve got quality water available for your coffee-brewing!

Ideally, you should have some sort of filtration system involved for your water. It can drastically improve the taste of your coffee.

The mineral build-up can affect the taste and once that’s removed, making coffee will be a much more pleasurable experience.

Avoid distilled or softened water for the best possible results.

Water Temperature

Water temperature is a whole different ball game when it comes to coffee-brewing. For optimal extraction, it’s best to have it within 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit!

Go too hot, and you’ll lose the taste quality, but if you go too low, the coffee will taste flat and under-extracted.

Of course, you should always make safety your top priority when brewing coffee. Make sure you have every precaution set first!

The Beans

Each coffee cup owes its taste to great beans. All coffee makers know this! You should check the following before even putting a coffee scoop into your coffee pot:

Coffee’s country and region of origin
Coffee’s variety
Roast type
Grind texture

There are a lot of choices out there, but don’t worry. You’ll get used to experimenting and trying out different variations of coffee — from the coffee grind to the roast. Enjoy different combinations as much as you can!

Freshness

If you can buy whole bean coffee, all the better. Ideally, you want to be the one roasting and grinding the coffee yourself, but that doesn’t stop you from buying pre-ground coffee, too!

Just make sure they store it properly so you know the coffee beans — or coffee grounds — are still fresh. Each fresh coffee scoop matters! We recommend looking for vacuum-sealed, opaque packaging for your freshly roasted or ground coffee.

Grind

The grind of your coffee beans also matters a lot! If you’re grinding the beans yourself, a burr grinder is preferable to a blade grinder.

It’ll give you a better grind more than anything else! You might get an under-extracted, more bitter taste if you let the coffee beans be ground too fine, so be careful.

Benefits of Drinking Coffee

Enhanced Energy Levels

Suffering from a bout of the blues? Or maybe you just can’t seem to get your energy up after a long day at work. It may seem obvious, but a coffee pot is the answer to your troubles!

We can all thank caffeine, which is present no matter how much coffee you consume.

Coffee lovers all know the jolt of the mild stimulant that caffeine gives. However, you do have to be careful: while caffeine can wake you up when needed, you can also develop a higher tolerance to it over time.

How much coffee you might consume to develop a tolerance is unknown, but don’t overdo it to be safe! Stick to a cup or two a day.

2. Get a Boost from Antioxidants

Depending on the grams of coffee you take per cup, you have a high chance of benefiting from antioxidants coffee offers. The two main antioxidants coffee boasts are hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols.

Hydrocinnamic acids neutralizes free radicals that may cause cancer. Meanwhile, polyphenols prevent a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer!

The coffee industry is probably the biggest modern source of antioxidants out there.

How many coffee cups would be safe, then, to get the most antioxidants out of those ground beans? Around one to two cups consumed everyday should be fine.

Just remember that the antioxidants from coffee doesn’t replace antioxidants you get from whole grains and plant food!

Jumpstart Your Memory

Studies have shown that moderate caffeine consumption can boost your memory. However, this study was based on caffeine capsules — at 200 milligrams each. There’s no telling how many coffee cups you need to be able to boost your memory properly, too.

Studies still do show the many active ingredients found in a cup of coffee. Your cup of coffee can contain chlorogenic acids, cafestol, kahweol, and trigonelline, all compounds that benefit your biological pathways in one way or another.

Aside from boosting your memory, coffee can also improve different parts of your brain function, including mood, reaction time, and attention.

If you want to strengthen your regular cup of coffee, get the measuring cup out or a coffee scale. Knowing how many coffee grounds go per cup can make a difference!

Activate Your Heart Health

Surprisingly, your coffee scoops can also benefit your heart. In fact, a habit of coffee-drinking has been linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease in women. In general, habitual drinkers of coffee can lower their risk of heart failure by 30%.

However, just because there’s evidence on how coffee scoops can lower your risk of heart diseases doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t be careful on how you drink those grams of coffee.

If you’re drinking it for heart health, don’t dress it up with sugar and cream. As much as possible, you want to get a cold brew or a plain Americano to get all the health benefits and none of the downsides.

Be careful about lattes or macchiatos, and you’re good to go!

There are some limitation to this study — for example, they didn’t distinguish between other brewing methods or other ways to get caffeine, like in energy drinks or tea. Just remember to keep those coffee scoops in moderation.

Reduces Body Fat

Looking to lose those last few pounds? Several grams of coffee incorporated into your daily routine can help you with that!

There are studies that show how coffee can reduce fat, while at the same time, increase your metabolism per cup consumed.

Several stimulants found in coffee can boost your metabolism, including caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid. The latter can even help the breakdown of carbs!

As coffee stimulates your nervous system, it also helps your cells to mobilize fat breakdown much faster.

It also increases your metabolic rate by a lot! You have more advantage of an increased metabolism with your cold brew if you’re young and lean — the effect is less pronounced with those who are older and/or obese.

Increases Physical Activity

Maybe part of the reason why coffee can reduce body fat per cup is because it also increases physical activity. When consumed in doses of 3-6 mg/kg body mass, caffeine can greatly improve your exercise performance.

Get the coffee scale out for the coffee to water ratio for the measurements!

If you’re looking to enhance performance, coffee is the best suit for you. From your hormones, to muscle-building, and to fat-burning, coffee has got your covered.

For endurance exercises, 100 to 200 mg doses of caffeine combined with a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink can go a long way. Performance improvements are almost guaranteed.

Aside from endurance exercises, caffeine is also great for high intensity exercises, strength exercises, and fat loss.

Lessens the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Now, we mostly have caffeine to thank for most of these benefits, right? But lessening the risk of type 2 diabetes is found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

Due to the high amount of antioxidants found coffee, you can actually enjoy the lesser risk of disease with your typical dose of java.

However, if you already have Type 2 diabetes, caffeine may not be good for you.

It actually gets tougher to control your blood sugar! If you find it hard not to keep up with your coffee habit, it’s best to get a decaffeinated cup instead.

Curbs Depression and Anxiety

Studies have found that caffeine can decrease the risk of developing depression — and at the very least, help out with symptoms. There’s even proof that a long-term relationship with coffee can lead to a lower risk for suicide as well!

However, if you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, don’t go for a cup of coffee right away. In some cases, it may overwhelm you instead of helping you out! It also has a negative impact on sleep, which can easily lower your mood.

If you want to curb the symptoms of depression but not have palpitations, try watering your coffee down so the strength isn’t that high.

Look into your regular coffee to water ratio, use a dark roast, and try a different brewing method.

Reduces the Risk of Liver Diseases

Another benefit caffeine has is lowering your risk of liver diseases. When the body digests caffeine, a chemical called paraxanthine is formed, which helps slow the growth of scar tissue in fibrosis.

This slowing down fights liver cancer, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and even hepatitis C.

Kahweol and cafestol are also to thank. They help fight cancer, and other acids in coffee can help fight hepatitis B.

Guards Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Worried about being forgetful in old age? Lessen your risk with coffee. Regular caffeine consumption can lessen your chances in a lifetime to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s especially helpful during the pre-morbid phase!

How much ground coffee you need every day is in question, but just enough to make one to two cups should be fine.

How to Store Coffee Beans

You can either use a vacuum-sealed bag or keep whole coffee beans in an airtight and opaque container for long periods of time.

Roasted entire coffee beans can be vacuum-packed and stored for three to five months.
Roasted coffee beans can be frozen in vacuum-sealed bags for at least two to three years.

How to Select High-quality Coffee Beans

Several factors should be taken into account when searching for premium coffee beans.

One must first consider the origin of the beans. For the best coffee, seek out beans grown in places like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Jamaica. Second, picking the best bean is crucial. Compared to Robusta beans, Arabica beans are thought to be of higher quality and have a softer flavour.

The degree of roast should be considered next. You can pick beans that have been roasted to your prefered level of doneness, whether that’s light, medium, or dark. Beans that haven’t been roasted for more than two weeks aren’t worth buying, so keep that in mind. Find specialty-grade coffee beans with few flaws for the highest quality.

In closing, consider long-term effects. Pick a company that stands for sustainability and fair trade by looking for things like organic labels and fair trade practises. If you want to make sure the coffee is to your liking, you should try a small amount first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scoops of coffee do I put in a 12-cup coffee maker?

You can put six scoops of coffee for a 12-cup serving. In other words, you can put twelve tablespoons of coffee — or two tablespoons per scoop.

How many scoops of coffee do I put in for 10 cups?

You can put five scoops of coffee for a 10-cup serving. For tablespoons of coffee, it’ll be around 10 tablespoons — once again, it’s going to be two tablespoons per scoop.

How many cups of coffee is a scoop?

One scoop of coffee can yield two cups of coffee. However, there are variations to this due to the sizes of spoons and cups.

How many cups of coffee a day is healthy?

It’s okay to drink around two to four cups of coffee a day. It’s even better if you take it as a cold brew, as it’s the healthiest one you can drink! However, too much coffee can lead to adverse health risks, so remember to be careful.

8 Portobello Mushroom Vegan Recipes That You Can’t Get Enough Of!

Posted on November 2, 2022November 2, 2022 by John Bird

Get portobello mushroom vegan recipes that will make your life easier, and more delicious, and help you get all the nutrients you need without any meat or dairy!

Button mushrooms were all the rage in our kitchen until I discovered portobello mushrooms.

Portobello mushrooms, also known as portabellas, have a meatier and less spongy texture than button mushrooms and have a robust flavor.

I love having them stuffed, roasted, broiled, and grilled due to their size.

And since I’m a vegan, portobello mushrooms are my most accessible go-to ingredient.

From a juicy vegan portobello mushroom steak to a simple gluten free vegan mushroom curry, in this post, we will cover all recipes that are portobello mushroom vegan.

Let’s get started!

What Are Portobello Mushrooms?

With their large, umbrella-shaped caps, portobello mushrooms are the edible fungus Agaricus bisporus, which also comprises button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms, which mature into portobello mushrooms.

The least mature stage of the species is represented by button mushrooms, followed by the intermediate stage of cremini, and the largest, darkest-brown stage, is represented by portobello mushrooms.

What Does A Portabella Mushroom Taste Like?

The umami flavor profile of portobello mushrooms is one of the rich, earthy, meaty, and brothy notes.

Glutamate, an amino acid naturally found in mushrooms and other foods like parmesan cheese and anchovies, is the source of the umami flavor.

The umami flavor of portobello mushrooms is more potent because the flavors are concentrated when the mushrooms ripen and lose water content.

Its meaty texture and deep, meaty flavor make it an especially adequate meat substitute.

Vegetarian Recipes With Portobello Mushrooms

Be it a vegetarian or portabella mushroom recipes vegan, you will surely find something you will like from our list of recipes.

Converting vegetarian to gluten free and vegan portobello mushroom recipes is just a matter of using substitutes that don’t have dairy or grains in them.

For example, use cheese made from almond or soy milk.

All the recipes are versatile and you can substitute many of the ingredients with others to suit your taste buds.

If a recipe calls for Balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar, you can use these substitutes to make an equally delicious recipe.

01 Portobello Mushroom Steaks

This gluten free and vegan portobello mushroom steak recipe is the juiciest and meatiest out there.

It’s healthy and easy to make, and you can serve it as a main dish or a side.

I love to have this as a main dish but if you’re serving it to your vegetarian friends, just serve it with pasta, potatoes, some grilled or sauteed veggies, or rice.

Ingredients:

4 large portobello mushrooms with stems removed and cleaned
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
½ teaspoon coconut sugar
2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons low-sodium gluten free tamari or if you’re okay with gluten, use soy sauce

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). If you’re not sure, find out how long to preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Clean the portobello mushrooms with a quick rinse and follow up by drying them with a damp towel, making sure all the dirt has been wiped off.

Step 3: After chopping off the stems, place them with the gill side up on a baking dish lined with foil so that it can catch all the drip and make cleaning up easier.

If you prefer not to have the portobello mushrooms come in direct contact with the aluminum foil, place a piece of parchment paper in between the foil and the mushrooms.

Pro Tip: Don’t throw away the stems as they can be used with other vegetable stalks to make a vegetable broth or stock.

Step 4: Make a marinade with the ingredients mentioned above and pour about a quarter of the marinade over the undersides of the portobello mushrooms and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Turn the mushroom steaks over, score the tops using a knife, and pour the rest of the marinade over them or use a brush to rub it in.

Step 6: Bake the portobello mushrooms in the oven for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Turn them over, add some of the mushroom marinade from the baking dish, and bake the marinated mushrooms for another 15 minutes.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow a standing time of 10 minutes so that the portobello mushroom steaks can absorb all the juice.

02 Stuffed Portobellos With Cheese And Spinach

In this stuffed portobello mushroom recipe, we load the roasted portobello mushroom caps with ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, the ingredients of a vegetarian lasagna filling.

If you can only get smaller portobello caps, purchase one or two extra and split the filling among all the caps.

The recipe works best with really large portobello caps.

Serve these stuffed portobello mushrooms with whole-wheat dinner rolls, a tossed salad, and spaghetti with marinara sauce for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

4 pieces of large portobello mushroom caps
¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
¾ cup marinara sauce
2 tablespoons kalamata olives, finely chopped
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Set oven to 450°F (232°C) and spray cooking oil on a baking sheet with a rim.

Step 2: Place the mushroom caps on the preheated pan, gill-side up.

Add 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, 1/4 cup Parmesan, olives, Italian seasoning, and the rest of the 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

Put the marinara sauce in a small bowl, cover it, and heat on high in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1½ minutes, depending on the package directions.

Step 4: Pour away any liquid that has collected in the caps of the mushrooms after they are tender.

Gill-side up, put the caps back in the pan.

The remaining sauce should be covered to stay warm after spooning 1 tablespoon into each cap.

Fill each cap with a good 1/3 cup of ricotta, then top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated.

Use the remaining marinara sauce to serve.

Pro Tip: Turn this into a vegan portobello recipe by using vegan ricotta and vegan Parmesan.

03 Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A few basic spices and veggies make these roasted portobello mushrooms full of flavor and nutrients.

They are also gluten free and if you’re a vegan like me, just perfect.

Serve it as an appetizer or side dish and it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

The best thing about this stuffed portobello mushroom recipe is that you can make it ahead by preparing the veggie filling and baking it right before you serve your guests.

Ingredients:

8 large portobello mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed (if you want)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup fresh spinach
½ cup fresh or frozen corn
1 zucchini, diced into ½-inch pieces
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, freshly grated or minced
1 cup cooked quinoa or you can skip this if you want to make this stuffed portobello mushrooms recipe low in carbs

Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).

Using parchment paper, line a large baking pan.

Step 2: Snap the Portobello mushroom stems off at the base to remove them.

If you’d like, you can cut the stems and add them to step 4 of this recipe.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the insides of the portobello mushrooms lightly.

At this point, bake the portobello mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes (if they are quite large) by placing them upside down on a lined baking pan.

Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and pepper in the olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until soft.

Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add the diced zucchini and cook it until tender.

Sauté the zucchini and portobello mushroom stems if you’re using them until they become tender.

After adding the corn and fresh spinach, sauté for 2 minutes or until the spinach shrinks and becomes soft.

Remove from the flame.

Step 5: Now is the time to add salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cooked quinoa.

Stir everything together, then taste it to see if extra salt is necessary.

Place aside.

Step 6: Turn the Portobello caps upside down, then divide the filling among the 8 caps.

Bake the Portobello mushrooms for 5 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked to your preference.

Serve warm and top with vegan Parmesan or fresh parsley.

Notes About This Recipe

Portobello mushrooms:

You can include the stems in the filling if your portobello mushrooms still have them.

Simply cut them off at the root, dice them, and then include them with the sliced zucchini in step 4.

The stems of portobello mushrooms are edible and equally nourishing as the caps themselves.

While preparing the veggie filling, you should pre-bake the portobello mushrooms for three to five minutes if they are especially large.

But take care not to cook them all the way through.

To prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy while baking, flip the caps upside down on the baking sheet (like an umbrella).

Spinach:

You can add more fresh spinach if you want as cooked spinach reduces in amount.

You may also use frozen spinach; simply thaw it, squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can, and mix it in with the cooked vegetables.

No sautéing is necessary.

Substitutes:

Instead of zucchini, you might substitute sliced yellow squash.

Use what you have in the kitchen — omit the corn, double the quinoa, add some frozen peas, or use bell peppers of a different color!

04 Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed With Chickpeas And Veggies

There’s no end to the variations of the stuffing you can mix and match to make your own version of stuffed vegan portobello mushrooms.

This stuffed portobello mushroom recipe comes full circle with minerals and vitamins from the veggies and protein and carbs from the chickpeas.

On top, it’s gluten free and vegan.

Even your meat-eating friends will be impressed by how good these mushrooms are!

Serve this dish as a light main with a salad on the side, or as an appetizer.

These portobello mushrooms are not only great to eat but also look pretty when you serve them and will perk up any dinner table on any occasion.

Ingredients:

5 portobello mushrooms
1 tablespoon of any neutral cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil
110 grams of diced onion; choose one small or medium size of onion
1 medium size pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Freshly ground black pepper, chili powder, and salt to taste
2 garlic cloves
175 grams of drained and rinsed chickpeas
40 grams or ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts
1 heaped tablespoon of tomato paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for a gluten free version
4 tablespoons non-dairy milk
½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Vegan cheese as per taste
Fresh herbs for garnishing

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Using a damp towel, clean the portobello mushrooms, trim the stems, chop them, and set them aside.

Step 3: In a bowl, add the chickpeas and mash them with a fork.

Step 4: In a large skillet on medium heat, add oil and once it’s heated, add the pepper, onion, and all the spices and stir for 3 to 4 minutes so that everything combines well.

Step 5: To the skillet, add the chopped walnuts, garlic, and mashed chickpeas.

Step 6: In a mixing bowl, combine the tamari or soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, non-dairy milk, and tomato paste.

Stir to combine well.

Step 7: Stir in the chopped mushroom stems and cook for a few minutes to bring out the full flavor of the portobello mushrooms.

Step 8: Remove the skillet from the stovetop.

Step 9: Arrange the portobello mushrooms in the lined baking dish and spoon out the filling to cover completely.

Step 10: Bake for 10 minutes then sprinkle with vegan cheese and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 11: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Notes About This Recipe:

Chickpeas: Instead of canned chickpeas, if you have dried chickpeas, you can soak them overnight and boil them the next day until they become tender.

Walnuts: You can substitute the walnuts for a nut-free version with pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Just dry roast them to extract the full flavor before adding them to the filling.

Vegetables: Instead of pepper, you can use other veggies like frozen or fresh spinach, corn, peas, diced carrots, cauliflower rice, and others.

Spices: For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika powder.

Or, if you want to have a more South Asian flavor, you can add ground cumin and coriander.

Make-Ahead:

Prepare the stuffed mushrooms with chickpeas and vegetables as a make-ahead, cover them in cling wrap, and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two days.

You can bake them chilled for an additional two minutes just before serving.

Alternatively, you can freeze the portobello mushrooms with the stuffing.

Just put them on a tray, freeze them, take them out, and transfer them to an airtight container.

Put them away in the freezer and they can be stored for up to three months.

05 Mushroom Chickpea Curry

Portobello mushrooms and chickpea curry are my favorite fall and winter warmer.

A bowl of this vegan portobello curry will warm your mind, body, and soul like no other.

Not only is this recipe easy to make but it’s also gluten free and naturally vegan.

That’s why you can serve it to your guests also who follow a strictly vegan diet.

Speaking of which, on a side note, you may want to find out the top 20 high protein vegan breakfast ideas to start your day on the right note.

Without any further rambling, let’s get on to the recipe.

Ingredients For The Spice Blend:

1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1½ teaspoons cumin powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1½ teaspoons mild chili powder

Ingredients For The Curry:

8 portobello mushrooms
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
One large onion, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
400 grams or 14 oz drained and rinsed cooked chickpeas
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup tomato passata or 3 chopped large tomatoes or chopped or crushed canned tomatoes
2 cups of baby spinach
1 cup vegetable stock
1 cup coconut milk
1 to 2 tablespoons vegan butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean the portobello mushrooms with a damp cloth and trim the stems.

Step 2: Cut the portobello mushroom caps into thick slices.

Step 3: The onion should be sautéed in a skillet with vegetable oil or olive oil over low to medium heat for 5 minutes, or until tender.

Stir in the spice mixture before adding the garlic and ginger and leave to simmer until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the portobello mushrooms and chickpeas and stir to coat them properly in the fragrant spice blend.

Step 5: Add the coconut milk, vegetable stock, tomato paste, and tomato passata or its sub.

Step 6: Turn the flame on high to bring to a boil the mushroom chickpea curry.

Then turn it down low and allow it to simmer for 40 minutes until the sauce becomes thick.

Step 7: Turn off the stove and remove the pot.

Add the vegan butter and the spinach.

The fresh spinach should wilt after 5 minutes.

Your delicious portobello mushroom chickpea curry is now ready to serve with pita bread or steamed rice.

06 Vegan Mushroom Gyros

Greek kebabs, or gyros, are often made with lamb, beef, or chicken that has been roasted on a vertical rotisserie spit and is then packed inside pita bread with salad and tzatziki sauce.

In place of the meat in this recipe, the flavorful marinated mushrooms give the meal a meaty feel.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce gives the mushrooms an umami taste, and thyme, cumin, and cinnamon add more flavor to the dish.

So, this recipe is divided into three parts – the pita bread, the mushrooms, and the tzatziki sauce.

Only if you’re brave enough to make everything from scratch should you attempt this recipe.

Otherwise, you can always buy store-bought tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

But that, my friend, won’t give you the same satisfaction and flavor as making your own.

Ingredients For The Pita Bread:

500 grams of white bread flour
14 grams yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
300 milliliters of warm water

Ingredients For The Portobello Mushrooms:

4 to 6 portobello mushrooms
3 cloves of crushed garlic
1 sliced onion
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons of paprika powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce

Ingredients For The Tzatziki Sauce:

300 grams of non-dairy yogurt
Half a cucumber grated coarsely and drained
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of fresh dill chopped finely
1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped finely
1 clove of garlic, crushed

You will also need the following fresh vegetables as fillings in the gyros:

Sliced cucumber
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Fresh green chilies sliced finely
Red onion sliced finely
Pickled red cabbage
Chopped coriander and dillIf you can’t find dill, you can always use any of the best substitutes for dill.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl to make the pita bread.

Step 2: Add the warm water and olive oil gradually as you mix with your hands.

Step 3: Knead the dough for a few minutes with your hands.

Step 4: Put some oil on the counter and knead the dough on this surface for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough becomes soft and non-sticky.

Step 5: Coat all around with some oil, place in a bowl, cover, and leave for an hour in a warm place to rise.

Step 6: Slice the portobello mushrooms into ¼-inch thick slices.

Step 7: Mix in all the marinade mix, coat all the mushrooms well, and refrigerate until it’s time to cook them.

Step 8: To make the tzatziki sauce, combine the sea salt, garlic, and cucumber and spread this mixture on a plate lined with a couple of layers of tissue paper to absorb the moisture.

Step 9: In a bowl, combine the rest of the tzatziki ingredients.

Step 10: Now add the cucumber mixed with garlic and sea salt into the bowl and mix well.

Step 11: Check the seasoning, adjust as per taste, and refrigerate.

Step 12: When the dough has risen, knock the air out of it before transferring it to a floured surface.

Make 8 equal balls of dough and roll each one as thinly as you can, leaving it to rest for a few minutes.

Step 13: On high flame, heat a large frying pan.

Add some oil to one side of a pita with a brush and put that side on the hot pan.

Step 14: Leave to cook until the bread begins to puff up and bubbles develop.

Once dark scorch marks have emerged on the underside, turn the pita after brushing the uncooked side with oil.

Step 15: When both sides have browned, remove from the pan and set aside covered by a kitchen towel to keep the pita warm.

Step 16: Heat another pan and add a drizzle of oil.

Add the mushrooms and their marinade, stirring quickly while being mindful not to break the slices.

Step 17: Remove the mushrooms from the pan once they have browned and the marinade has been completely absorbed.

Step 18: When it’s time to serve, arrange your own wraps using the pitas, cooked portobello mushrooms, salads, and tzatziki on a serving plate.

07 Portobello Mushroom Pita

If the previous recipe seems too time-consuming, you can cut to the chase and make easy portobello mushroom pita in a jiffy.

The simple 3-step process is quick – takes less than 30 minutes – but the stuffed mushrooms are full of meaty and umami flavors.

Perfect for a busy weekday or after a long day at work when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but would like to have something delicious.

For a vegan version, just order some vegan pita bread, vegan mayonnaise (I love Hellman’s), and any other ingredients you need to make the filling.

Ingredients:

About ¾ pounds or 4 portobello mushrooms
4 large whole wheat pita bread
½ cup regular light or vegan mayonnaise
1 clove of finely chopped garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped or you can sub with 1 teaspoon of crushed, dried basil leaves
2 red onions cut into ¼-inch thick round slices
1 medium-sized tomato, thinly sliced
Lettuce leaves

Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Combine mayonnaise, salt, garlic, basil, and cheese in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: If you want, season the mushroom caps and onions with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Grill or broil the portobello mushroom caps and onions for 8 minutes, or until tender, flipping once.

Step 3: Arrange the pita bread on a serving plate.

Spread half of the mayonnaise mixture on the pita bread and top with portobello mushrooms, tomato, onions, and lettuce leaves.

Then drizzle with the rest of the mayonnaise mix.

08 Portobello Steaks With Avocado Chimichurri

This roasted portobello mushroom in a saucy marinade with avocado chimichurri will make you forget all about beef burgers.

It’s an easy, 30-minute recipe that you can whip up in a short time and surprise your friends and family.

And if you’re wondering what chimichurri is, well, it’s a strong sauce with origins in Argentina and Uruguay.

It usually contains parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

You can add other seasonings too and use chimichurri either as a condiment for chicken, fish, or roasted beef steak, or you can use it as a marinade.

In this recipe for serving three people, we will use chimichurri as a condiment.

Ingredients For Chimichurri:

1½ cups parsley, finely chopped
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium shallot, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flake
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice or red or white vinegar
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ripe, small-sized avocado

Ingredients For Roasted Portobello Mushroom Steaks:

3 large portobello mushrooms
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon steak sauce (use a vegan option if you want)

Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Clean the portobello mushrooms with a quick rinse and use a damp towel to dry and remove any dirt.

Step 2: In a shallow baking dish, place the portobello mushrooms.

Step 3: Combine together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, cumin, black pepper, paprika, garlic, and steak sauce in a small mixing bowl.

If necessary, taste and adjust the seasonings.

Step 4: Using a pastry brush, coat each side of the mushrooms with sauce.

Marinate each side for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Make the chimichurri by combining parsley, garlic, shallot, red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.

Taste the dish and make any necessary flavor adjustments by adding additional salt, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes as desired.

Toss in the avocado and set it aside.

Step 6: Heat a grill or a skillet to medium heat.

Cook each marinated portobello mushroom for two to three minutes on each side, or until deeply browned and caramelized.

To add more flavor when cooking, brush on any leftover marinade.

Step 7: Plate the portobello mushroom steaks and top with avocado chimichurri.

Portobello mushroom is not really a vegetable, but a type of fungi.

Mushrooms don’t have roots, leaves, or seeds and therefore, cannot be in the same category as a true vegetable.

FAQs

Should I Remove Gills From Portobello Mushrooms?

Although a portobello mushroom’s gills can be eaten, most people choose to remove them as they can give your dish a murky appearance, which can be a turn-off.
Some people say that the gills taste bitter.
Others remove the gills in order to get rid of any dirt or debris that might be under them.

Is Portobello Mushroom Good For Weight Loss?

Portobello mushrooms are a nutritious addition to any diet since they offer a lot of important nutrients while being low in calories.
This is especially true if you substitute them for meat, which is higher in calories, fat, and cholesterol, therefore, making portobello mushrooms good for weight loss.

Should I Wash Portobello Mushrooms?

Yes, it would be best if you washed portobello mushrooms, especially under the cap where the gills can hide dirt.

What Is The Difference Between A Portobello And A Portabella?

There is no difference between a portobello and a portabella mushroom.

Can You Use Olive Oil For Brownies As A Substitute For Vegetable Oil?

Posted on October 31, 2022October 31, 2022 by John Bird

Learn can you use olive oill for brownies as a substitute for vegetable oil and all the substitutes you can use instead of vegetable oil to bake fudgy brownies.

Olive oil has a long history of being used in cooking – as early as the 5th to 4th-century BCE.

But for baking purposes, it’s not the type of oil we usually use.

But in a pinch, olive oil can be a great substitute for vegetable oil in brownies.

Not only is olive oil lower in calories, but it also has a variety of health benefits.

So if you want to make healthy and delicious brownies, olive oil is a great option.

But you might be thinking can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in brownies with satisfactory results?

Let’s find out!

What Is Olive Oil?

Olive oil is produced from the fruit of olive trees, which typically grow in the Mediterranean region but are also found in California, Greece, France, Italy, and Spain.

After harvest, the olives are crushed into a paste, which is then centrifuged to separate the oil. The finished product is then kept in stainless steel tanks that are shielded from oxygen and sunlight.

It is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which helps to keep your heart healthy.

These varieties of olive oil are available for purchase: extra virgin, virgin, fino, light, and pure.

Extra Virgin:

It is the best and fruitiest olive oil because it is unrefined and extracted by cold pressing.

It comes in three colors (crystalline champagne, greenish-golden, and bright green hues) and has a strong flavor because it is only 1% acid.

Extra virgin olive oil can be used in cooking as well as for cold or finishing dishes.

Virgin:

Virgin olive oil is a first-press oil as well with a pleasant flavor but a somewhat higher acidity level of between 1% and 3%.

Fino:

Fino is a combination of extra virgin and virgin olive oils.

Light:

Light olive oil is refined oil that has far less flavor than virgin versions but is lighter in color (but not in fat or calories).

When you don’t want the distinctively peppery flavor of olive oil, you can choose light-tasting olive oil because it has a neutral flavor and can be used in baking and cooking.

Therefore, if you’re in doubt and want to know can you substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies, you can.

Pure:

Pure is frequently a blend of refined and virgin olive oils, sometimes simply referred to as “olive oil” or regarded as “normal” olive oil.

Its flavor is neutral and dull, and its acidity is about 3%.

What Is Vegetable Oil?

The type of oil that comes from plants, fruits, seeds, and grains is called vegetable oil or vegetable fats.

This is different from oils that come from animals, which are called animal fats.

You’ll usually find a mix of various oils on the shelves, like canola, sunflower, palm, and others.

It is generally a popular option for cooking because it is affordable and has a neutral flavor that has no impact on the final flavor of your food.

Vegetable oil is perfect for stir-frying foods, grilling foods, or baking goods like brownies because it has a high-medium smoke point.

You can also use substitutes for vegetable oil in case there’s none at hand.

Why Do You Use Vegetable Oil in Your Brownies?

Vegetable oil is used in brownies because of a few reasons:

It keeps the batter from getting lumpy.
It makes the brownies soft and smooth.
It makes the brownies extra fudgy by preventing aeration in the batter.
Its neutral taste allows the real flavors and taste of chocolate to dominate.

So, can olive oil be substituted for vegetable oil in brownies is a valid point to ponder given that vegetable oil has so much impact on the final taste and texture of brownies.

Can You Use Olive Oil Instead Of Vegetable Oil In Brownies?

Can you use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for brownies is a common question, especially for those who prefer not to use butter or vegetable oil for any reason.

The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

For starters, you won’t get the same taste if you use olive oil as a sub for vegetable oil in brownies.

Whereas vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and taste, olive oil has a distinct taste with a stronger flavor.

In fact, olive oil can lend some bitterness to brownies and that’s alright for those who like the flavor and taste of rich, dark chocolate.

But you can choose either a light version of olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil to dial down the flavor.

Or, if you only have extra virgin olive oil in the pantry, try adding more cocoa powder to the brownie batter to cover the strong smell of extra virgin olive oil.

Moreover, the health benefits are not the same.

Although brownies by definition are not the healthiest baked goods, you can make them healthy by using olive oil as vegetable oil substitutes.

Olive oil has more monounsaturated fats than the ones found in avocados and nuts.

These monounsaturated fats help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby keeping our hearts healthy.

As olive oil undergoes less processing and refinement, it retains its natural vitamins and minerals, which much-processed vegetable oils don’t.

However, you can find the maximum health benefits in extra virgin olive oil as it’s the least refined and processed.

But then you have to trade the taste and flavor with the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil as its pungent flavor will dominate your brownies.

Since some like their brownies gooey and fudgy while others like a more cakey texture, the amount of olive oil as a replacement for vegetable oil in brownies will vary.

To answer can you use olive oil for brownies, you can for sure and the substitution ratio is the same since both olive oil and vegetable oil have the same viscosity and consistency.

Therefore, use a simple 1:1 ratio.

But if you want a drier and crumbly brownie, you need to reduce the amount of olive oil and if you like your brownies really soft and fudgy, add more.

Before adding more olive oil to the brownie batter, don’t forget that the taste will change quite a lot as you add more of it.

Btw, if you have been splurging on olive oil, it’s time to learn if you can freeze olive oil.

Oil Substitutes For Brownies

Substitute For Vegetable Oil In Brownies	Substitution Ratio
Olive oil	1:1
Butter	1:1
Margarine	1:1
Canola oil	1:1
Sunflower oil	1:1
Avocado oil	1:1
Coconut oil	1:1
Shortening	1:1
Mashed bananas	3/4th part of mashed banana to one part of vegetable oil
Yogurt	1:1

Besides olive oil, there are other vegetable oil substitutes for brownies, some of them with many health benefits and some that suit vegans better while others may not be great for your cardiovascular health.

Before reaching for a substitute, check if your oil has gone bad.

Butter

Before butter got the bad buzz due to its impact on our health, it was the preferred oil source used in baking brownies and other sweet treats.

Butter undoubtedly gives baked brownies a decadent flavor and can turn any humble cake or cookie into a rich and indulgent experience.

In the case of brownies, butter can aerate the flour and result in a cakey texture rather than a fudgy one, thanks to its water content.

You won’t get this effect from vegetable oil as it’s pure fat without any water content.

So, it’s up to you if you want to use melted butter in brownies.

You can use one part of butter to substitute for one part of vegetable oil.

Margarine

Those who don’t choose butter often reach out for the closest substitute to butter – margarine.

Margarine has a lighter flavor and won’t give you the same extent of rich taste that you can get from butter.

It will let the full blast of cocoa and chocolate flavors of brownies shine through.

Use equal parts of margarine to replace vegetable oil in your brownie recipe.

Canola Oil In Brownies

Can you use canola oil instead of vegetable oil for brownies?

Sure you can!

Canola oil has low amounts of saturated fat, is rich in certain vitamins and essential fatty acids, and to top it all, has a neutral taste.

That’s why if you’re thinking can you use canola oil in brownies, you should.

With a high smoking point, canola oil is great for frying, grilling, baking, and stir-frying.

To replace vegetable oil with canola oil in baking brownies, use it in equal parts.

Sunflower Oil

With a nutty undertone, sunflower oil is a great substitute for vegetable oil in brownies, especially if you’re using chopped walnuts in your brownie recipe.

The overall nutty flavor will be enhanced by using sunflower oil.

With a high Vitamin E content, you have one more reason to use sunflower oil in brownies as an olive oil replacement.

Use in a 1:1 ratio.

For example, if the brownie recipe calls for a quarter cup of vegetable oil, use the same amount of sunflower oil.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is rare and expensive and not likely to be in your pantry unless you have a particular reason to store it.

Avocado is rich in nutrients including various vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of our body.

The smooth and oily texture of avocado oil transfers to brownies, making them gooey and soft in the center.

Another plus point of avocado oil is that it has a delicate flavor and won’t spoil the natural chocolatey taste of brownies.

To use avocado oil in brownies as a vegetable oil substitute, use it in equal parts.

Coconut Oil

Who doesn’t like the warm, nutty, natural flavor of coconut oil?

The sweet and wafting aroma of coconut oil makes it a favorite beauty product for your hair and skin, not to mention a host of health benefits you can get from eating coconut oil.

If you use coconut oil as an alternative to vegetable oil in brownies, the brownies come with a hint of fruity coconut flavor.

Use refined coconut oil in equal parts when baking brownies with it to get the perfect texture – not cakey but fudgy and soft.

Shortening

Shortening is a solid fat that can be made from either animal fat or vegetable fat.

It’s the least preferred alternative to vegetable oil for baking brownies because it gives them a cakey texture as the solid fat content allows the brownies to get aerated and rise.

Before using it in your brownie batter, melt the shortening to make sure it is in equal parts to vegetable oil.

Mashed Bananas

Believe it or not, mashed bananas can replace vegetable oil in brownies.

The rich, creamy texture will make the brownies delicious and moist.

The light fruity and sweet aroma of bananas will make your brownies ever so slightly flavorful.

Replace one part of vegetable oil with ¾ part of mashed bananas.

If you want brownies to be lighter, then replace one part of vegetable oil with ½ part of mashed bananas.

Yogurt

Choose plain, nonfat yogurt if you want luscious, dense brownies.

With this substitution, the brownies’ fat content will be decreased.

Yogurt and oil can be substituted in an equal ratio, or you can mix the two in equal parts.

Note that every two eggs and a half cup of oil in a box recipe should be swapped out with half a cup of yogurt.

Don’t use any flavored yogurt as that will change the flavor of your brownies.

What Is The Best Oil For Brownies?

The best oil for baking brownies is vegetable oil.

You can also use lighter versions of olive oil as it doesn’t have a strong taste and won’t overpower the chocolate flavor in your brownies.

For the same reason, other oil substitutes for vegetable oil in brownies include avocado oil and canola oil.

However, if brownies with a nutty flavor are what you want to achieve, go ahead and use oils with a slightly nutty flavor like coconut oil and sunflower oil.

FAQs

Can I Use Olive Oil Instead Of Vegetable Oil For Brownies?

Yes, you can use extra light olive oil instead of vegetable oil in brownies so as not to subdue the chocolate flavor of brownies.

Can I Use Canola Oil Instead Of Vegetable Oil For Brownies?

If you want to know can you use canola oil instead of vegetable oil in brownies, the answer is yes.

Which Oil Is Better For Brownies?

Any oil that has a neutral taste is good for brownies.
Options include vegetable oil, light olive oil, canola oil, and avocado oil.

What Can I Use Instead Of Oils In Brownies?

Instead of oil in brownies, you can use applesauce, yogurt, fruit puree, cornstarch mixed with water, and mashed bananas.

The Best Substitute For Dill In Pickles And Other Dishes

Posted on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022 by John Bird

Learn what to use as a substitute for dill with other herbs and spices in your dishes and pickles and make your food taste even better.

Dill is a key ingredient in pickles and other dishes but if you can’t find it or don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, there are many substitute herbs and spices you can use.

Each substitute for dill has its own unique flavor.

Some of these dill substitutes are interchangeable, while others should be used in specific dishes. While some of the replacements have a stronger flavor than dill, they are worth trying in a pinch.

This post will look at the top substitutes for dill and how to use them in the right proportions to get a flavorful dish that doesn’t overpower the olfactory senses or your taste buds.

What Is Dill?

Belonging to the celery and parsley family Apiaceae, dill is an annual herb native to the Eurasian region.

Both its leaves and seeds are used as a seasoning or herb in various cuisines in Central Asia and Europe.

A milder cousin to caraway seeds, dill has a grassy and fresh taste with undertones of citrus and licorice flavors.

Keep in mind that during the hot weather, the dill plant flowers or bolts.

The flavor of the leaves becomes less aromatic and bitter.

Dillweed or dill weed refers to dill leaves and is used as a spice or seasoning in pickles.

Both fresh and dried dill leaves are used in cooking to add flavor to food.

The aromatic feathery fronds of the dill plant are used to add flavor to sauces made from yogurt, soups, seafood, and fish dishes, and make dill pickle.

How To Use Dill In Cooking

Dill is excellent to use as a garnish because of its distinct flavor, which makes a little go a long way.

Dill leaves have a lovely feathery texture, and even a tiny sprig may give food a particular scent.

Along with buttermilk, dill is a key element in giving homemade ranch dressing its unique taste.

It is also tasty in salads.

Dill weed should only be added just before serving because the longer it is cooked, the more flavor it loses.

When cooked, dill seed, or the fruit of the dill plant, increases in flavor and fragrance.

Dill seed should be roasted in a hot frying pan to release its aroma before being used in recipes as dried herbs.

Substitutes For Dill

Substitute For Dill	How To Use
Dried dill as substitute for fresh dill	1 teaspoon of dried dill for 1 tablespoon of fresh dill
Parsley	Equal parts
Cilantro	One part of dill to half part of cilantro
Fennel	Equal parts
Fresh Tarragon	Equal parts
Dried Tarragon	A teaspoon of dried tarragon for one tablespoon of fresh dill weed
Thyme	One part of dill to half part of thyme
Fresh Basil	Equal parts
Dried Basil	Half part dried basil to one part of fresh dill
Chervil	Equal parts
Sage	Half part of sage to one part of dill
Rosemary	Half part of rosemary to one part of dill
Mint	Half or one-third part of mint for one part of dill
Oregano	A pinch of oregano to one part of dill
Bay Leaf	One to two bay leaves to one part of dill
Garlic	Use powdered garlic
Substitute For Vegetable Oil In Brownies	Substitution Ratio
Olive oil	1:1
Butter	1:1
Margarine	1:1
Canola oil	1:1
Sunflower oil	1:1
Avocado oil	1:1
Coconut oil	1:1
Shortening	1:1
Mashed bananas	3/4th part of mashed banana to one part of vegetable oil
Yogurt	1:1

Choose any suitable substitutes for dill to make up for a similar taste and flavor when you’ve run out of this herb.

There are several options so that you won’t be left wondering what to use instead of dill in the middle of cooking.

As dill has a distinct flavor of licorice and anise, you can use alternatives from the same family to come as close as possible to the taste and flavor.

However, if you’re not a fan of dill and want some other flavor of herbs and seasonings to perk things up, you can always choose something else.

Here’s a list of what you can use as a dill alternative.

Dried Dill

Dried dill is the most suitable dill substitute for fresh dill.

And vice versa.

Thus, you can use fresh and dried dill interchangeably in all types of recipes that call for dill to be used.

Dried dill has more flavor packed in them and you should use it in smaller amounts when using this as a fresh dill alternative.

Conversely, when using fresh dill to substitute dried dill, you need to use more than the recipe calls for to make up for the flavor potency required in the dish.

To make things easier for you, here’s a handy conversion formula.

A teaspoon of dried dill substitute for fresh dill should be enough if your recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh dill.

Parsley

As parsley comes from the same family, use it easily as the best dill substitute.

As well as the green color that will give your soups, meat, fish, and vegetable dishes an appetizing look, the subtle flavor and taste of fresh parsley as a dill substitute won’t disappoint you and your guests.

You can use parsley as a garnish too although it doesn’t resemble dill.

Parsley has a mild flavor so you might want to start by using it in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for dill.

Then increase the amount of parsley if you want a bolder flavor.

Cilantro

With a stronger flavor than parsley and a lot stronger than dill, you should use cilantro as a substitute for dill with caution.

People either hate or love cilantro.

So, if you’re cooking for guests, you may want to use some other dill alternative with a delicate flavor.

However, cilantro does fit in many dishes with its peppery taste, especially in dips, dressings, and as salad garnishes.

Its freshness and the crunchiness of its stalk can add a bite to an otherwise mundane salad and work perfectly as a fresh dill substitute.

You can start by replacing one portion of dill with half portion of cilantro and adjust according to taste.

Fennel

Another herb to work as a fresh dill substitute is fennel.

Fennel fronds and dill look very similar and only an expert would be able to tell the difference by looking at them.

The anise-licorice flavor profile of fennel matches that of dill and works as a good substitute for dill.

Besides garnishing, you can use fennel fronds to replace dill in vegetable, meat, and fish dishes.

Don’t throw away the stems of fennel as cooking with them will add a nice flavor and a sweet taste.

Use fennel as a dill spice substitute in equal parts.

Tarragon

Tarragon is another dill seasoning substitute that shares a similar anise flavor.

Use fresh tarragon in equal parts to substitute for fresh dill in your recipes.

However, if you’re going to substitute fresh dill with dried tarragon, for every tablespoon of fresh dill weed, use a teaspoon of dried tarragon.

Tarragon as a substitute for dill works especially well in stews, as a garnish in soups, seafood dishes, in salad dressings, or as a condiment.

There’s just one difference you should keep in mind.

Fresh tarragon can sustain the heat from cooking better so if you want to tone down the flavor slightly, add it in the early cooking stage.

Due to its ability to withstand high cooking temperatures, tarragon retains its flavor in baking and roasting.

Thyme

Thyme is a popular seasoning herb and chances are you have dried thyme somewhere in the kitchen cupboard to replace dried dill weed.

As thyme comes from the mint family, you will get a slightly sweet taste and a stronger earthy flavor and use it as a dill substitute in soup.

It can also be used in fish and meat marinades and roasting and baking recipes.

Thyme can withstand cooking temperatures, unlike fresh dill weed.

To tone down its flavor, it’s better to add thyme at the beginning of the cooking process.

For the same reason – a stronger flavor – you should use half the amount of thyme for every part of the dill.

This same attribute of thyme makes it a good seasoning herb for roasting, stewing, grilling, and baking as it can retain its distinct flavor.

Basil

A popular culinary herb in Italian and Asian cuisines, basil leaves have a sweet taste and a fresh aroma that complements dishes made with meat, tomatoes, or red sauces.

You’ll often see it as a topping on pizzas.

It also works great in soups, stews, salads, and marinades as one of the best substitutes for fresh dill weed.

Use in equal parts if you want to replace fresh dill with fresh basil.

However, as the flavor profile is not the same, you may start with half part of the dried basil for every part of the fresh dill and tweak the amount to adjust to your taste.

Chervil

Another substitute for dill is the chervil.

Akin to parsley with a mild sweet licorice flavor, you can use chervil in sauces, soups, egg dishes, and poultry recipes.

In French cuisines, chervil is used to lend a subtle taste and aroma to soups and stews.

You can use chervil as a fresh dill weed substitute in equal parts and make any changes according to individual taste.

Sage

Sage makes a good dill substitute for salmon with its own distinct flavor of pine and woody notes.

Rub sage on salmon to give it a nice earthy and warm flavor or use this to make herb butter.

When cooking with sage, add it toward the beginning of the cooking process to tone down its strong flavor and prevent it from giving a bitter taste.

Use fried sage crumbles as a topping to any dish to give it a milder flavor.

As dill and sage have different flavor profiles, try using half the amount of sage to replace one part of dill.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular seasoning herb for cooking meat, especially in French, Italian, and Spanish cuisines.

Besides being used in lamb, chicken, and pork dishes, rosemary is one of the best substitutes for dill for potatoes that are baked or roasted.

For every part of the dill, use half the amount of rosemary as it has a stronger flavor.

In sauces and salad dressings, rosemary adds a floral hint.

Mint

Popular in Mediterranean cuisines, mint makes a nice fresh dill substitute, especially in yogurt sauces and dips like tzatziki.

Use mint in salad dressings and other cold dishes to get the most of its sweet taste and a refreshing, lingering aftertaste that cleanses the palate.

If you’re using lemon in a marinade or a salad dressing, add just a pinch of mint to balance the sourness of the lemon with the minty flavor.

As mint has a strong flavor, use half or one-third of it to replace one part of dill so as not to drown out other flavors in your salad.

Oregano

Oregano is a well-known herb and is used a lot in Italian cooking to season pasta, pizza, soups, and stews.

It has a strong flavor and using too much of it can overpower the main flavors in the dish.

As a substitute for fresh or dried dill, use oregano sparingly at first and adjust according to taste.

It’s better to use oregano in marinades and dressings instead of dill if you don’t have it at hand.

Bay Leaf

In Indian cuisines, bay leaf is a major ingredient to add flavor to any tampering.

Used in meat and vegetable dishes, bay leaves add variety in the taste when sauteed along with other whole spices.

As a substitute for fresh or dried dill, use one to two leaves.

Pro Tip: To impart more flavor, tear the bay leaves in half before adding.

Garlic

I know, garlic is not exactly a substitute for either fresh or dried dill but it’s one of my favorite bulbs to add more depth and flavor to soups, vegetable and meat stews, or any comfort food.

If you don’t have any dill but want some oomph in a one-pot meal, garlic can be the game changer.

It’s better to use garlic powder instead of dill as an alternative but if you have none, use the best garlic press to get some fresh garlic.

Dill Seed Substitute

Dill seed is the fruit of the dill plant and it’s more of a spice than a herb, unlike the dill weed.

The dill weed is used to refer to the leaves and stems of the dill plant.

If your recipe asks you to use dill seeds, don’t make the mistake of using fresh dill weed instead.

Dill seeds are more potent and have a more powerful flavor, making them the perfect partner for bread, soups, and vegetable dishes.

Here’s a list of what you can use as a dill replacement.

Celery seeds

Use as a dry rub for meats and in potato salads and coleslaw instead of dill seeds.

The warm, grassy, and earthy flavor of celery seeds will not disappoint you.

Use in equal parts to get the best results.

Caraway seeds

Caraway seeds have a pungent flavor and should be used in equal parts to dill for cooking cabbage dishes and soups that use cream.

Coriander seeds

Used as whole or half-broken seeds in Asian fritters, coriander seeds can replace dill seeds to lend an intense aroma and crunch.

Try using half part of the coriander seeds to replace the dill seeds and adjust as per taste.

Fennel seeds

The licorice flavor of fennel seeds makes a good dill seed alternative.

Use in equal parts to get the full burst of flavor.

FAQs

What Is The Best Substitute For Fresh Dill In Pickles?

Use fresh tarragon as the best dill substitute for pickles.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Dill?

If you don’t have dill, you can use any other herbs like parsley, celery, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, chervil, basil, and fennel.

How Much Dried Dill Do I Substitute For Fresh Drill?

For every tablespoon of fresh dill, substitute with one teaspoon of dried dill.

How Much Is A Bunch Of Dill Equivalent To Dried Dill?

Dried dill is one-third the equivalent of a bunch of fresh dill.

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Is Tortilla Bread? The Truth Revealed!

Posted on October 26, 2022October 26, 2022 by John Bird

Is tortilla bread, how it differs from bread, how tortillas are made, and for what purposes they are used are covered in this post for better understanding.

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you might be familiar with tortillas and wondered are tortillas considered bread.

Here’s a little trivia before we start.

Do you know when was the tortilla invented?

Back in 10,000 BC, the people of Mexico prepared tortillas made from corn, specifically in the Sierra Madre Mountains region.

Is tortilla bread or not is a riddle to many.

There are some qualities that make tortillas bread and some that don’t.

Before we get into this debate, let’s define what tortilla is and what makes it similar to or different from bread.

What Is Tortilla?

If you are wondering are tortillas bread, this is what you need to know.

Tortillas are a type of thin flatbread made with either a base of flour or finely ground corn.

It’s an unleavened bread that uses some salt, flour, and water.

Unleavened means there was no rising agent like yeast, baking powder, or baking soda used to make the dough rise.

So, if you’re wondering do tortillas have yeast, the answer is no.

What is tortilla bread made of?

Tortillas can be made from various types of flour so you can have flour tortillas, corn tortillas, and wheat tortillas, although traditionally, Mexicans used corn or maize as the main flour source.

Wheat tortillas came later into the scene when the Spanish brought this grain with them to the Americas.

Tortilla Vs Bread: Main Differences

Tortilla	Bread
No leavening agent	Leavening agents used
Basic ingredients are flour, water, and salt	Additional ingredients like butter, milk, sugar, and eggs are used
Usually round in shape	Can take on various shapes
Cooked in hot griddle	Baked in an oven

Now that we have the basic knowledge of what a tortilla is, let’s have a closer look at what the term “bread” includes.

There can be both leavened and unleavened bread.

Like tortillas, bread also contains some kind of flour but the main difference is that bread has other ingredients like eggs, milk, and of course, some kind of a rising agent like yeast so that we have leavened bread.

Tortilla has no yeast and nothing else other than flour, water, and salt.

Having said that, there are unleavened breads or flat breads like pita bread, roti, matzo, and chapati.

So in one sense, a tortilla is a kind of unleavened bread.

How is tortilla bread made and how is it different from baking bread?

To elaborate on this point, we need to examine the ingredients, preparation method, shapes and sizes, cooking method and uses.

Ingredients

Wheat flour is used to make flour tortillas and ground corn or maize is used for making corn tortillas.

You can switch up various kinds of flour to make your own tortillas.

For example, for gluten-free tortillas, you can use almond flour.

Tortillas are made from flour, water, and salt.

Do flour tortillas have yeast you may ask.

No, tortillas are flatbreads that are not leavened and hence, don’t have yeast.

On the other hand, although basic bread may use flour and water, it doesn’t stop at just these ingredients.

The bread loaves that we bake or buy also have other ingredients added, the main one being yeast.

So, yes, our everyday bread like a baguette or a sandwich bread contains yeast and is, therefore, leavened.

Besides, bread has additional ingredients like sugar, salt, eggs, oil or butter, and milk.

Preparation

For both tortillas and leavened bread, you mix the ingredients to form a dough.

It’s fairly simple to mix corn flour or wheat flour with adequate water and salt to form a dough for tortillas.

In the case of bread, sometimes there is a particular order in which the ingredients need to be combined.

After the ingredients are kneaded into a dough, you need to rest them for a while so that they can rise.

This is especially so in the case of bread.

As there is no yeast in tortillas, you can proceed to the next step without waiting for the dough to rise.

Shapes

From the dough, you can cut smaller-sized doughs and roll them out with a rolling pin to make the tortilla.

You could also use a cast iron tortilla press like this one to make a large batch in less time.

Traditional tortillas are round in shape but you can always make a rectangular, square, or oval shape to suit your needs.

The shape of the bread depends on the type of bread being baked.

Traditionally, baguettes have been long, thin bread.

Although it can sometimes be found in circular shapes, sourdough often comes in enormous oval loaves with a scored top.

Braided bread like challah is usually oval in shape whereas wreath-shaped bread like herb and Romano cheese is round.

If you make bread at home regularly, you should know how to store homemade bread to retain maximum freshness.

Size

Tortillas come in various sizes, ranging from 2.4 to over 24 inches (6 to over 30 centimeters) in diameter.

Depending on where it comes from and what it will be used for, the size may vary.

To make Mexican dishes like tacos that can be held in one hand, use tortillas that are between 6-7 inches wide (15-18 cm).

A 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) tortilla is the ideal size for burritos since it can be filled to the brim while still folding inward.

The size of bread varies widely.

The square sandwich bread should be large enough to put fillings inside.

While dinner rolls are on the small side, but large enough to take a few bites.

Cooking Process

Are tortillas leavened?

No, so they are not baked.

In fact, you can just put the tortillas to cook on a very hot pan or griddle.

😀Fun Fact: Indian flatbreads are cooked on an open flame and this process helps them to rise even without baking soda or any leavening agent.

How do you know that your tortilla is cooked?

A cooked tortilla should be uniformly light in color with darker areas or spots.

If you press them and it doesn’t feel squishy, that’s another sign the tortilla has been cooked properly.

Depending on the size of the tortilla and how hot the skillet is, it can take about 10 seconds to one minute to cook the tortilla on each side.

There is no single method of baking bread.

It all depends on the type of bread you are baking.

Although gas or electric ovens are used to bake most bread, some are also baked over an open flame, in tandoori ovens, or in traditional bread ovens (like a pizza oven).

Bread is baked in a variety of methods and at a variety of temperatures for varying lengths of time.

How Tortillas And Bread Are Used

Did you know that tortillas double up as a utensil?

If you’re served soup or any gravy dish, instead of using a spoon, soak up the gravy with a piece broken from a tortilla and dunk it in the soup.

Wheat and flour tortillas are more pliable and are used in quesadillas and burritos.

Tacos and enchiladas need a firmer base so corn tortillas are used for this purpose.

Btw, if you’re planning to host a taco party, learn how many pounds of ground beef per person you need.

Tortillas can be baked or deep-fried to form crispy and crusty nachos, an easy food for party.

Flatbreads like wheat or corn or flour tortillas also serve as a side to pair with soups and stews.

Bread has different purposes as well.

You can put filings inside two pieces of bread and make a sandwich.

An open sandwich is one where you don’t cover the fillings with another bread.

Potato bread and banana bread can be eaten by themselves.

Which Is Worse: Tortilla Vs Bread

It’s a difficult question and an appropriate answer depends on the ingredients of the tortilla and bread, what you’re putting inside as fillings, and how large the size and servings are.

These will directly impact the count of calories, fat, carbs, and fiber you’re consuming.

Calories

If you’re on the path of trying to lose weight like I am, you should count your calorie intake.

Compared to tortillas, bread has a far higher calorie content, with a 1 oz piece carrying anything from 75 to 100 calories.

In contrast, a corn tortilla typically has between 60 and 65 calories.

Due to the oil that is added to flour tortillas to make them softer and more pliable for easier rolling, they have more calories than corn tortillas, with a typical flour tortilla having about 90 calories.

Fat

When we’re discussing corn tortilla vs bread, the fat added (or not) is a deciding factor.

Corn tortillas, as we have seen, are healthier than their flour counterpart.

Flour tortillas have fat content, making it easier to roll them.

So, when you’re in the store, choose whole grain options or corn tortillas that did not use any form of fat or if they did, it’s vegetable oil.

When it comes to different kinds of bread, fat can be a little deceptive.

Despite being viewed as healthier (and holier than thou) white bread, whole-wheat bread actually has more fat per slice.

While one slice of white bread only has about 1g of fat, one thin slice of whole wheat bread (33g) has about 2g of fat.

Carbs

A 6-inch corn tortilla contains 14 grams of carbs while a flour tortilla of the same size has 15 grams.

A piece of white bread has 14 grams of carbs while a piece of whole-grain bread has fewer carbs – 12 grams.

So, the clear winner is whole-grain bread if you’re on a keto diet.

Fibers

Fibers have tons of benefits for us, especially if we are on the path to weight loss.

The fibers found in fruit and vegetables help us to keep fuller for longer, thereby preventing us from grabbing snacks when we’re hungry.

Moreover, fibers regulate our digestive system and keep us healthy.

You will find almost twice as much fiber in wholewheat and corn tortillas compared to flour tortillas and white bread – 2 grams vs less than a gram.

FAQs

Are Tortillas Unleavened Bread?

The answer to the question is tortilla unleavened bread is yes.

Can Tortilla Bread Go Bad?

Yes, tortilla bread can go bad if you haven’t stored them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Can Tortilla Bread Be Frozen?

Yes, tortillas can be frozen to make them last longer.

What Is The Difference Between Flatbread And Tortilla?

Flatbread vs tortilla is a common question and while tortilla is a type of flatbread, flatbread is a wider category under which you also have pita bread, roti, etc.

Do Corn Tortillas Have Yeast?

No, corn tortillas do not have yeast.

Does Tortilla Bread Make You Fat?

Tortilla bread made with whole wheat or corn will not make you fat.

Does Tortilla Bread Have Gluten?

Corn is naturally gluten-free and tortilla made from corn does not have gluten.

What is Tortilla Wrap?

When you wrap a tortilla around a filling, it’s called a tortilla wrap.

What Are Wraps Made Of?

Wraps are typically made of flatbreads like tortillas, pita, and lavash.
The bread vs wrap difference lies in the use of leavening agents.
Whereas the wrap is flat, bread is raised by a rising agent.

What Is The Difference Between A Wrap And A Burrito?

Burrito vs wrap centers around how they are served.
While wraps are served cold, burritos are served hot mostly although they can be served cold too.

Does Ketchup Go Bad? And Much More!

Posted on October 23, 2022October 23, 2022 by John Bird

Wondering if ketchup can go bad? We are, too — and we’ve found the answer. Find out what you can do stop your condiments from going bad in this article!

Yes, ketchup can go bad, much like any other condiment. However, there are some distinctions on how it can go bad, and how you would be able to tell if it has.

To know how to properly store ketchup, the average ketchup shelf life, and how you can use old ketchup, you can read this article.

So, how long does ketchup last? Let’s find out more below:

How Long Does Ketchup Last?

It depends!

It can last around 3-6 months if the unopened bottle of ketchup is left in the pantry.

An opened bottle of ketchup, however, will last only a month in the pantry. If you store the ketchup in the fridge, the shelf life lengthens. It can last anywhere from 6 months to a year.

How Long Does Homemade Ketchup Last?

Homemade ketchup can last for around a week in the fridge. As it’s not pasteurized compared to store-bought ketchup, it’s not safe from all the microbes possible! It only has natural preservatives.

Homemade ketchup is susceptible to spoilage easily due to such an acidic environment. Acidic conditions will let microbes grow much faster.

Consume homemade ketchup within a week. It’s advisable to do so before you end up with a lot of expired ketchup in your hands. Proper food storage with homemade ketchup should have the product in the refrigerator as much as possible.

How to Tell If Ketchup Has Gone Bad

Can ketchup go bad? Definitely. You have to be on the watch for the signs so you can decide whether to throw out the bottle or not.

There are some common signs to see if you have bad ketchup in your hands. You can tell if ketchup has gone bad with the signs below:

Mold Has Started to Form

Mold can form along the neck of the bottle. Once you see that, it’s confirmation that what you’ve got is spoiled ketchup. Throw it away and buy a new bottle!

Another way to tell is if ketchup has started to separate into watery liquid and a heavier, tomato paste-like consistency.

A bloated bottle is rare, but you might notice the neck of the ketchup bottle bloating when it’s spoiled.

It Smells Sour

If you have an unopened ketchup bottle, it’s time to open it up to smell it. Anytime condiments smell sour, it’s a bad sign. A yeast-like odor may happen as well.

The Taste is Different

If you want to confirm if the ketchup has really gone bad, you can also open it up to taste it. Yes, usually, ketchup already tastes sour, but you’ll know when a spoiled taste has come.

A sour, off taste will confirm if it’s time to discard ketchup bottles into the trash.

What About the Best-By Date?

The printed date on the bottle is there as a guide. However, a best-by printed date doesn’t always mean your ketchup has expired or spoiled. It only means that the best quality of your ketchup is best consumed by a certain time.

Food Storage 101: How to Store Ketchup

Food storage is pretty straightforward with most condiments.

Ketchup is the same. There’s nothing out of the ordinary in storing opened and unopened ketchup. Simply put the ketchup bottle inside the pantry or the refrigerator. You may prefer the latter, as ketchup lasts longer there.

As much as possible, you should keep it in its original container and leave it in a cool place. A dark place is also preferable to keep it away from sunlight!

If you’re going to transfer it, keep it in an airtight container.

If you need ketchup to last for a long time, you can choose to freeze ketchup in an ice cube tray. Take them out when needed – just a cube or two according to your needs – and let the others sit in the tray for as long as you like!

The Shelf Life of Condiments

Don’t let ketchup expire! Here’s a guide to its shelf life, along with other condiments:

Ketchup

The shelf life of ketchup is around 3-6 months in the pantry. The shelf life of ketchup, however, can be extended by putting it in the fridge, which puts it at around a year.

You can take a look at the best by date on the label, but it’s not an expiration date. It’s only when it can be safely used in your meals. Knowing if it’s expired depends on how it looks, smells, and tastes.

Mustard

The shelf life of mustard is longer than one might think — it’s around one to two years in the the pantry itself! However, it can be cut down to a year once opened. Remember to look at the expiration date as a guide.

Mayonnaise

Unopened, it can last at least a couple of months to three months. Opened, it’s best consumed within a month or so. Look at the printed date as a guide for when you can eat it.

Where to Use Your Ketchup

Food costs a lot these days, so you don’t want any part of your pantry to go to waste.

Want to use up your ketchup before it expires? More than a mere condiment, ketchup is also an ingredient you can use in many meals. Here are some examples to get you started, may it new or old ketchup sitting around in your pantry:

Omurice

This beloved meal comes from Japan! It’s quick and easy to make, and delicious, too. Fry up onion and chicken before adding rice and mixed vegetables. Add your ketchup and some soy sauce before mixing it all together!

Now that you have your rice, put it in another container and prepare the eggs. Make a fluffy omelette and fold it on top of a cup of rice. Drizzle some ketchup onto the egg and rice, and you’re good to go!

Glazes

Ketchup can be used for glazes before its shelf life catches up to it. You can blend it with other condiments and ingredients from your pantry, including soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and mustard. You can easily add it to your food and it will definitely enhance the taste of meals!

Dips

For dips, you can mix it with sour cream and Worcestershire sauce. Or maybe you want a deeper flavor and bright red look with teriyaki sauce and dark brown sugar.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and finally, your tomato ketchup. If you don’t have tomato ketchup, tomato sauce is also a good alternative. Just mix it all together and you’re good to go. You can use it for a variety of meals!

Chicken with Ketchup

Simply take some boneless chicken thighs and fry both sides until golden brown. Then, remove it from the pan. Fry in some cayenne peppers and garlic before adding ketchup. Let it simmer to a thicker liquid before adding in the chicken and mixing them all together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long ketchup lasts is finally answered! Now, let’s turn to your other questions:

Is it OK to eat expired ketchup?

No, it’s not OK to eat expired ketchup. You could suffer from various health issues if you do so, and there’s no telling what the adverse effects can be immediately after you consume it!

How long can you eat ketchup after expiration date?

Look for signs of spoilage first. There are times expiration dates aren’t accurate, or you could be look at the best by date on the label. Some ketchups can still be consumed after a prolonged period of time, months past the date.
If there are no signs of spoilage, you can take a gamble and use it in your meals. If it hasn’t been properly stored, and has been exposed to fresh air and direct sunlight, it might not be good to eat it.

How long is opened ketchup good for?

Ketchup should have a pretty long shelf life. It can retain quality up to a year or two.

Is it OK to eat expired ketchup?

No, it’s not OK to eat expired ketchup. You could suffer from various health issues if you do so, and there’s no telling what the adverse effects can be immediately after you consume it!

How long can you eat ketchup after expiration date?

If there are no signs of spoilage, you can take a gamble and use it in your meals. If it hasn’t been properly stored, and has been exposed to fresh air and direct sunlight, it might not be good to eat it.

Now, if it’s showing signs of spoilage, your ketchup is bad and you should throw it out!

How long is opened ketchup good for?

Ketchup should have a pretty long shelf life. It can retain quality up to a year in the fridge.

What Is A Macchiato? Is It Different From A Latte?

Posted on October 23, 2022February 3, 2023 by John Bird

What is a macchiato and how does it differ from a latte or a cappuccino? Find out the differences so that you can order or make the perfect cup of coffee.

I sometimes get overwhelmed by the long list of coffee drinks – cappuccino, latte, espresso macchiato, cortado, flat white, latte macchiato, and so on at the local coffee shop.

Coffee is coffee, right?

Wrong!

Although the essence of espresso drinks has coffee at their heart, the ratio of hot milk, foam, and espresso makes them unique.

Consequently, the taste, texture, and flavor of coffee can vary greatly.

On top, there are regional differences in how coffee is prepared.

Moreover, adding flavored syrups also changes the taste of a traditional cup of coffee.

In this post, we will look at how macchiato differs from other coffee drinks like latte and cappuccino.

Grab your mug and off we go!

What Is A Macchiato?

A macchiato is an espresso beverage prepared with steamed milk and one shot of espresso.

The foamed milk is poured over the espresso.

The Italian word macchiato, which means “stained” or “marked,” refers to the little “mark” of foamed milk in a macchiato.

Baristas had to explain to servers the difference between an espresso shot and an espresso with some milk in it, hence the name “macchiato.”

The precise coffee-to-milk ratio will vary depending on your neighborhood coffee shop or a particular barista.

Regional variations also come into play; a macchiato from an Italian coffee shop would not taste the same as one from an American café.

A traditional Italian macchiato uses one shot of espresso while the American version uses two shots.

What Is The Difference Between A Latte And A Macchiato?

Latte	Macchiato
Whipped cream, frothed cream, or 5 millimeters of milk foam on top	No milk foam on top
Sweeter taste	Strong taste of espresso
Mild flavor	Robust flavor
1/3 espresso to 2/3 steamed milk ratio	2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk
11-15 ounces	Smaller serving of 1 and 1/4 ounce

Latte literally means “milk” in Italian.

😀Fun Fact: If you ask for a latte in an Italian restaurant, you’ll get a glass of milk!

Café latte or as the French like to call it café au lait is “coffee milk”.

In Germany, it’s called “Milchkaffee‘ (milk coffee).

It’s made by adding foamed milk to a single espresso shot.

A latte can have a thin layer of whipped cream, or frothed milk on top and if you don’t mind having more calories, you might also ask for sugars or syrups to be added.

The taste of the standard latte is sweeter with a more mild flavor as it contains more milk and less coffee.

There are variations in making lattes by country.

The French version of the latte contains a double shot of espresso, while you will find the American version laced with caramel or chocolate syrup.

In fact, in the US, you can have a latte made from non-dairy milk like almond or soy, or coconut milk.

The bottom line: latte is ⅓ espresso and ⅔ frothed milk that’s rich and creamy.

What makes a macchiato different from a latte is that it’s made with a higher percentage of coffee to milk – ⅔ espresso mixed with ⅓ steamed milk.

The milk is steamed and then foamed and added to the coffee, which gives the macchiato its characteristic thick, white, and rich consistency.

So, the difference between macchiato and latte lies in the proportion of coffee and milk and the way they taste.

Plus, macchiato does not have foam on top.

There’s one more difference: macchiato is a smaller serving than most other coffees as it contains 1 and ¼ ounces or 37 milliliters of coffee.

A typical latte serving is 11 to 15 ounces.

Macchiato is not prepared in the same way everywhere in the world.

For example, in Australia, a macchiato will have two shots of espresso and just a splash of milk.

Latte vs macchiato can be confusing but if you can remember that latte means milk, it’s easy to order your choice of drink.

You can find variations of both these drinks on the Starbucks keto drinks list.

What’s A Latte Macchiato?

Espresso Macchiato	Latte Macchiato
Milk is added to espresso	Espresso is added to milk
One shot of espresso	One or half shot of espresso
Robust espresso flavor	Sweeter milky flavor

You might wonder what is a latte macchiato coffee when you see it on the menu of one of your neighborhood coffee shops.

There are two main types of macchiato coffee: espresso macchiato and latte macchiato.

The “stain” of the original macchiato is a shot of espresso that has been slightly diluted with 1-2 teaspoons of steaming milk.

The espresso macchiato has the highest espresso to milk ratio, and because milk is used as a supplementary ingredient, the espresso still dominates the flavor profile.

On the other hand, the latte macchiato is a sweeter, layered espresso beverage.

It is made by adding a shot or half a shot of espresso to a glass of warm milk, topped with a milk foam layer.

Note that instead of milk being added to espresso, the latte macchiato has espresso added to a glass of hot milk.

Herein lies the main difference between latte and latte macchiato.

Unlike an espresso macchiato, served in a short glass, a latte macchiato is served in a tall glass.

The latte macchiato meaning can be remembered easily if you can recall that “latte” simply means milk.

There are countless permutations and combinations you can make by using macchiato and latte.

Speaking of which, let’s look at macchiato vs latte iced first.

The difference between iced latte and macchiato is the order in which the ingredients are added.

In a glass, a shot of espresso is added, followed by milk, and finished off with ice cubes on top to make an iced latte.

Usually, low-fat milk is used to make iced latte.

The finished drink has one color and looks a lot like milky coffee.

As we have already seen, macchiato as a typical drink does not contain ice and it’s not served in a glass.

Just like we have iced latte, we have iced macchiato.

Now, let’s take you through iced macchiato vs latte in detail.

Whole milk is poured into a glass, lots of ice is added, and two espresso shots are topped off to create an iced macchiato.

You’ll notice a visually appealing marble appearance as the coffee and milk gel when the espresso falls into the beverage.

As you have already seen, latte in its basic form does not come with ice and it’s made by adding steamed milk to an espresso shot, not the other way around.

Iced Latte	Iced Macchiato
One shot of espresso, milk, and ice cubes in this order	Milk, ice, and two espresso shots in this order
Low-fat milk	Whole milk
Plain milky coffee effect	Marble effect

What Are Cappuccino, Flat White, And Cortado?

Milky coffees come in many forms and sizes and while we are on the topic of latte vs macchiato, let’s have a look at other popular milky espresso beverages like cortado, flat white, and cappuccinos.

Cappuccino

In Italy, traditional cappuccino is a morning drink and is seldom consumed during the daytime or evening.

This Italian espresso drink is made by using equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

However, the certified Italian cappuccino uses 25 milliliters of espresso coffee and 100 milliliters of cold milk that should be steamed to a volume of 125 milliliters.

A visible dome shape cap of frothed milk is added to finish off the coffee drink which is then served in a white porcelain cup with a 150-160 milliliter capacity.

When sipping a cappuccino, you’ll be greeted by a stiff and thick milky foam and then a rich and warm espresso coffee.

No wonder the drink has a smooth, rich, and creamy mouthfeel.

But the key to a great cappuccino is the quality of the espresso as it contains less of it and more milk, making it imperative that the espresso is of top-notch quality.

Flat White

A latte is an espresso drink that has extra milk foam on top.

This milk foam typically has a thickness of 5 millimeters.

A flat white, in contrast, is a latte with a thinner milk foam layer on top, typically less than 2 millimeters thick.

It is “flat” as a result of that.

Cortado

One to two shots of espresso and about the same amount of steamed milk are used to make a cortado.

The Spanish verb “cortar” means “to cut,” as in “cutting the coffee with hot milk.”

This coffee drink has a higher milk content than a macchiato and less milk than a cappuccino.

In addition, the milk is steamed rather than heavily frothed, giving the coffee drink a different texture from typical Italian coffee drinks.

Caffeine Content: Macchiato Vs Latte Vs Cappuccino: Which Is The Strongest?

Each serving of all three coffee drinks has about the same amount of caffeine.

For instance, since a shot of espresso is used to make both cappuccinos and lattes, they both have the same amount of caffeine.

The actual amount of caffeine in a medium 16-ounce (475 ml) cappuccino and latte is around 173 mg.

In contrast, a 2-ounce (60 ml) macchiato provides less than 85 mg of caffeine per serving or nearly half the amount of caffeine.

If you’re trying to cut down on caffeine intake, these Starbucks low caffeine drinks are right for you.

How To Make Caramel Macchiato At Home

If you want to know how to make caramel macchiato at home Starbucks style, here’s a step-by-step guide.

Things you need:

Milk steamer like this

Espresso machine

Method:

Inside your coffee cup, drizzle thick caramel syrup all around by turning the cup while you squeeze out the syrup.
Add half-inch thick of caramel syrup to the bottom of your cup.
For every two 1-ounce shots of espresso used in a 16-ounce beverage, steam 12 ounces of milk.
Allow space at the top of the jug when adding the milk.

The milk level shouldn’t go higher than the internal spout of the jug.

Keeping things level will prevent overflow because milk expands as it warms.

Your milk will reach 140° using the steaming spout on an espresso machine or a premium steaming wand in around 40 seconds.

Prepare your espresso shots after the milk has steamed.

Letting the milk settle will aid in the milk’s frothed portion floating to the top.

Your steamed milk can achieve the ideal consistency while resting.

Use freshly ground Arabica or dark espresso coffee beans to get the best flavor from your latte.
Pull the required espresso shots and add them to the coffee cups.
If you are planning to use any sweeteners or syrups, now is the time to add to the hot espresso so that they mix in well.
Gradually pour the steamed milk into the coffee cups.

You will see that the milk separates from the froth as you pour it.

The froth will be left at the bottom of the jug.

Top the coffee with the froth.
Then add whipped cream and some caramel syrup to get a nice cup of caramel macchiato.

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between A Latte And A Macchiato?

A latte has 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, has a milk foam on top, with a milder and sweeter taste, and comes in 11 to 15 ounces serving.
Macchiato has 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk, making it more robust with a stronger coffee flavor, and a traditional macchiato comes without a milk foam on top and is served in a small cup of 1 and 1/4 ounces.

What Makes A Coffee A Macchiato?

A coffee that has 2/3 parts espresso and 1/3 part steamed milk is called a macchiato.

What Is A Macchiato Vs Latte Vs Cappuccino?

Macchiato is 2/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk.
The latte is 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk.
The cappuccino is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam.

What Is The Point Of A Macchiato?

The point of a macchiato is to tweak an espresso by adding a splash of milk.
Thus, it’s not as bitter or strong as an espresso but not weak or mild like a latte.

How To Preheat Oven For Cookies The Right Way

Posted on October 20, 2022October 27, 2023 by John Bird

A guide to how to preheat oven for cookies the right way so that they are cooked evenly and you get consistent results instead of dry and hard cookies.

Baking cookies in the oven is an art. But there’s also a science to it.

You must understand how to preheat the oven and then bake your cookies correctly. This can make all the difference in the quality of your cookies.

You may be wondering how to preheat your oven for cookies, and whether or not it’s necessary.

Why Do You Need To Preheat Your Oven For Cookies?

Whether you’re baking chocolate chip cookies or oats cookies, your oven must be preheated correctly.

Cookies get their fine crumb from the expansion of trapped air or moisture in the dough.

Leavening agents such as baking soda or baking powder help the dough to rise.

But for this baking process to start, there needs to be a good amount of heat, in the beginning, to get things going.

Preheating your oven to the correct temperature will allow the cookies to cook evenly without becoming dry or brittle.

In a cold oven, the cookie dough will spread as it takes more time to heat the dough to the right temperature and you’ll end up with a batch of flat, dry, and hard cookies.

How Long To Preheat Oven For Baking Cookies

The time required for preheating depends on the type of oven you have and the temperature at which you plan to bake your cookies.

You’ll bake most cookies including chocolate chip cookies at 350°F (177°C) or close to it.

However, if some recipes call for a higher temperature, then you need to know how long to preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Even though some recent oven models feature quick preheat settings, most ovens need roughly 20 minutes to reach this temperature after being turned on.

Besides time, there is also a correct method for preheating oven.

You need to know how to preheat oven with the baking tray so that your cookies are not overbaked on direct heat.

Make sure the oven rack is placed in the middle and you put the baking tray in the center for cooking evenly.

Next, to avoid uneven cooking, don’t put more than one baking sheet of cookies at a time.

However, if you are cooking two sheets of cookies at the same time, remember to take the baking tray out from the bottom rack and turn it 180 degrees before placing it on the top rack of the oven when you have reached halfway through.

Do the same for the cookie tray on the top rack.

This will ensure both the baking trays are cooked evenly.

How To Tell If Oven Is Preheated

How to preheat the oven for cookies the right way depends on whether you are using an electric or gas oven.

So, how do you know when your oven has been preheated and your cookie dough should be ready to bake?

Here are four ways to check depending on the kind of oven you have:

Interior temperature gauge
Oven thermometer
Indicator light
The sound of oven turning off

Many electric ovens have an indicator light that illuminates while the oven heats up and shuts once the oven reaches the proper temperature.

A built-in interior temperature gauge in a gas oven indicates when the oven is preheated and the oven shuts off.

You’ll hear a noise when the oven turns off.

If you’re using an oven that has neither an indicator light nor an interior temperature gauge, get an oven thermometer like this that stays inside the oven and you can read the temperature on it from the outside.

Tips To Make Sure Your Cookies Come Out Perfect

Whisk the dry ingredients well so that there are no lumps in the dough.
Once you mix the dry and wet ingredients, take care not to over-mix them as this will lead to tough chocolate chip cookies.
The dough should be chilled for 30 minutes before baking because the butter has melted while getting mixed with the dough, making it too soft.

While the cookies bake, the butter melts to give them a uniform shape, and your cookies will be thick as well.

Before you begin assembling your ingredients and baking, turn on your oven.

In this way, the preheated oven will be ready by the time your cookie dough is ready.

Otherwise, the cookie dough that has been sitting too long will give you flat cookies.

Start checking your cookies 5 minutes before the recipe mentions the end of baking time.

For example, if the recipe says your cookies will be done in 20 minutes, you should start checking them after 15 minutes have elapsed.

Try not to open the oven door to check if your cookies have turned golden.

Instead, look through the oven door to get a glimpse.

If there’s no choice but to open the door, close it quickly to avoid the heat from escaping.

Otherwise, your oven will have to do extra work to get the temperature back up and the dough will lose its texture.

Check the expiry date of the baking powder or baking soda to ensure your cookies rise properly.

Two ways to check if the leavening agents are working well are by adding baking soda to vinegar and by adding baking powder to hot water.

If you see bubbles forming, then they are working well.

Always use baking ingredients like eggs, milk, flour, and others at room temperature as they are easier to beat and combine.

You will also get light and airy cookies as room temperature ingredients allow them to trap air inside that expands during baking.

Correct measurements using a scale and measuring the exact amounts by weight (in ounces or grams) are more effective than volume measuring using spoons or scoops.

But sometimes it’s easier to measure by volume when the ingredients are neither dry nor liquid, for example, when you want to know how many tablespoons is a stick of butter.

If you prefer to use spoons, do use the standard-sized ones.

Always flatten the top of the measuring cup with the back of a knife or spatula to accurately measure dry ingredients.

Choose a flat baking tray without sides when baking cookies to allow the heat from the oven to evenly touch all the cookies.
Always use parchment paper to make it easy to clean up after baking, remove the cookies from the tray, and allow the bottom of the cookies to cook perfectly without over-browning.
Use a scoop to put the cookie dough on the baking sheet and leave some space between each so they are all the same size and shape.
Always remember to turn the baking tray halfway through cooking.
If by the looks of it, your cookies seem to be soft after the baking time is over, don’t worry as they will firm up when they cool down.

Don’t leave them in the oven to bake anymore, as this will make them dry and hard.

Allow a standing time of 5 minutes on the baking tray before putting the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQs

Do I Need To Preheat The Oven For Cookies?

Yes, you should preheat your oven for cookies to make sure the dough rises properly and the cookies are baked evenly to give them the right texture and color.

How Hot Should The Oven Be To Bake Cookies?

Most cookie recipes require preheating and baking in an oven with a temperature of 350°F (177°C).

How Long Do You Preheat An Oven Before Baking?

15 to 20 minutes is required to preheat an oven before baking.
However, for pizza and bread baking, it takes an hour for the oven to preheat with a Dutch oven inside.

Where To Put Hot Baking Pan?

Put the hot baking pan on a glass cooktop to cool down.