Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 3 affordable tomato substitutes for Indian dishes

1.Sanjeev Kapoor’s smart kitchen tips

Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, known for giving Indian cooking a modern twist, shared a clever solution to deal with soaring tomato prices and food allergies. In a 2017 blog, he listed his top 3 natural substitutes for tomatoes. 

 

2.Pumpkin (Kaddu)

Chef Kapoor suggests using pumpkin puree as a creamy, affordable alternative to tomatoes. Slightly sweet and juicy, it adds richness to gravies. You can roast it for deeper flavour, and blend with vinegar, beetroot, or red bell pepper to match the colour and tartness of tomatoes.

 

3.Tamarind (Imli)

Tamarind is a perfect choice to replace tomatoes. It gives a tangy, sweet-sour kick similar to tomatoes. Mix tamarind pulp in warm water and use it in stir-fries, deals for that rich, tangy flavour. 

 

4.Yogurt (Dahi)

Yoghurt is perfect for tomato-free curries or biryani. Whisk it well to avoid curdling and stir it in towards the end of cooking. It’s a great way to keep dishes creamy without tomatoes.

 

5.The perfect Trio for Tomato-Free Cooking

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s top 3 tomato substitutes, such as pumpkin, tamarind, and yoghurt, add unique taste and texture. These ingredients can help you make delicious Indian meals.