Balsamic vinegar has an unmistakable flavor, but it is not a product that is always available; if you don't have it, you can try making a "substitute". This article describes some recipes for making similar tasting mixes and recommends alternative products.
Ingrediants
Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 part molasses or brown rice syrup
- 1 part of lemon juice
- A sprinkle of soy sauce
Elderberry Balsamic Vinegar
- 400 g of ripe elderberries
- 500 ml of organic red wine
- 700 g of brown sugar
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Products Available
Step 1. Remember that balsamic vinegar has a unique flavor
There is no real substitute; you can find something that has a similar aroma, but you will never be able to get an identical one. This section of the article describes some possible solutions: you choose the one you prefer.
Step 2. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with half a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl
Keep working the ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely; To speed up the process, you can heat the mixture in a saucepan, but remember to let it cool completely before using it.
Step 3. Combine one tablespoon of red wine vinegar with half a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl
Stir to dissolve the sugar; eventually, you can also heat the mixture to facilitate dissolving. Wait until the vinegar is cold before incorporating it into the recipe.
Step 4. Use five parts of vinegar for one of sugar
Any type of vinegar is fine, just heat the two ingredients in a saucepan to combine them. Wait until the mixture is cold before using it.
- Chinese black vinegar is perfect.
- Fruit vinegar is fine too; try apple, pomegranate or raspberry.
Step 5. Try a balsamic vinaigrette
The mixture contains other ingredients, such as oil, herbs and sugar, but the basic flavor is very similar. If you're making a salad dressing that involves balsamic vinegar, you can use vinaigrette instead.
Step 6. Try another type of vinegar
A dark product may taste similar to balsamic vinegar; for example, you can evaluate:
- Brown rice vinegar;
- Chinese black vinegar;
- Red wine vinegar;
- Sherry vinegar;
- Malt vinegar.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare a Substitute
Step 1. Mix the lemon juice and molasses in equal parts in a small bowl
If you don't have molasses, use brown rice syrup. Prepare only the dose needed for the recipe; for example, if you need two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar, use one of lemon juice and one of molasses.
Step 2. Add a splash of soy sauce
Mix all the ingredients with a fork.
Step 3. Adjust the doses if necessary
Taste the mixture: if it is too sour, add a little molasses or rice syrup; if it is too sweet, add a little more lemon juice.
Step 4. Pour the mixture into the recipe instead of the balsamic vinegar
Method 3 of 3: Make Elderberry Vinegar
Step 1. Mash 400g of ripe elderberries in a bowl
You can proceed with a fork, a rolling pin or the convex part of the spoon; you have to break the peel to release the pulp and juice.
Step 2. Pour 500ml of red wine vinegar over the berries
Make sure they are completely submerged.
Step 3. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for five days
Store the container in a cool place where it will not be disturbed; if the room is hot, transfer the mixture to the refrigerator.
Step 4. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and filter it through a sieve
Crush the berries in a sieve to extract all the juices and vinegar; when finished, you can throw away the berries.
Step 5. Incorporate 700g of sugar into the mixture and heat over medium heat
Keep stirring until it has dissolved completely.
Step 6. Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes
As soon as you notice the first bubbles, reduce the heat; stir frequently with a spoon, otherwise the sugar can burn or caramelize.
Step 7. Pour the mixture into a dark glass bottle
For this operation use a funnel. The container must be dark in color, otherwise the vinegar deteriorates over time.
Try to get a green or dark blue bottle
Step 8. Cap the bottle and store it in a cool, dry place
Use a cork or plastic stopper, as vinegar corrodes other materials.
