Is there an inexpensive substitute for truffles?
I recently had a hamburger whose main ingredient was Truffle shavings ($50.00 btw) - I loved the flavor, but can't afford to buy the real ones, any substitutions with similar flavor?
Best Answer
They're so expensive because there really isn't anything else with the same flavor, and they can't be cultivated.
However, they do take some of the smaller ones to make truffle oil, which is much more reasonably priced, and more easily available.
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Why does truffle cost so much?
Pound for pound, truffle is one of the most expensive foods you can buy. The reason behind such high costs is the scarcity of the produce, truffles are seasonal, extremely difficult to grow and take many years to cultivate. They also have a short shelf life.How do you get truffle flavor?
Another way to spread truffle flavor throughout a homemade dish without shaving actual truffles on top is buying sauces infused with truffles. The most prevalent are truffle butter, truffle pesto sauce, and mushroom truffle sauce.Is truffle similar to mushroom?
Truffles and mushrooms are both in the fungi kingdom; however, they grow in different places, thrive in different climates, and have a unique place on the table. Think of the prized ingredients as distant (delicious) cousins.Is there a fake truffle?
That's because the essence of truffle, as modern diners know it, didn't quite go mainstream until a much cheaper substitute was developed; 2,4-dithiapentane is a chemical reproduction that smells eerily similar to the real stuff.More answers regarding is there an inexpensive substitute for truffles?
Answer 2
Agreed with Joe. You can buy truffle oil--but be careful where you buy it and from whom. Often it is made with other flavouring agents.
Bear in mind also there is a large flavour difference between black and white truffle. The former is very earthy and dark; renaissance writings describe the aroma as being like "unwashed slatterns" and "unaired bedchambers." White truffles are lighter in flavour, with distinct garlicky notes.
If you're using truffle oil, use it only to finish. Cooking with it just doesn't really work. And it is very pungent! A few drops in some homemade mayonnaise would be lovely, or a few drops in some mashed potatoes, yum! Also in scrambled eggs (for that I really would use white, I find black truffle just overpowers eggs completely).
Answer 3
I suggest you to use not the oil, but the butter. I think it's much more pleasurable. I don't know if you can find it where you live, but if you have a chance, go for it.
Another possibility is that you spend the money for a small truffle and put it in oil. If you are passionate about risotto, put it into a small jar with some rice. It will get the flavor and at the same time it will not let it escape, thus wasting it.
Answer 4
+1 for truffle oil.
Don't go for chinese truffles, they are tasteless and despite their low price are still a waste of money.
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