What's an acceptable substitute for Pandan Leaves?
When preparing Sri Lankan cuisine (especially curries) one of the key components is the Pandan Leaf (also known as a Pandanus Leaf).
These aren't readily available where I live so I was wondering if anyone could suggest an alternative?
Best Answer
If you have an indian market nearby, you can get kewra extract/essence. Kewra is the indian name for pandanus plant and kewra essence is featured in a number of indian desserts. I don't recall seeing kewra leaves in my local indian market, but I use kewra essence regularly. (Careful, sometimes it's sold as a very concentrated oil extract and sometimes as the more dilute kewra water; so how much you need to add will depend on which form of kewra you buy).
Not too long ago, I made a Thai custard (usually served with sticky rice) that called for pandanus extract. It was researching where to purchase that when I discovered that I already had it in my cupboard. Great stuff.
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Quick Answer about "What's an acceptable substitute for Pandan Leaves?"
For instance, if you can't get a hold of pandan leaves, you might be able to buy pandan extract or essence in Asian specialty markets. Other potential substitutes include: Vanilla bean. Pods, paste, or extract from vanilla beans may lend somewhat similar sweet and floral notes.Can you substitute banana leaves for pandan leaves?
Pandan leaves often get compared to and confused with banana leaves. While the two are similar, and pandan leaves can certainly be used in place of banana leaves for wrapping and presenting food; the key differences are that pandan leaves are thinner in width and slightly more delicate than banana leaves.Is banana leaf same as pandan?
Pandan UsesWhole pandan leaves are used as a wrapping before steaming or frying foods, similar to banana leaves. However, pandan is much thinner in width compared to the broad banana leaf, so it is important to note that the juices may seep through.What does pandan taste like?
The best word to characterize the flavor of the Pandan is \u201ctropical.\u201d Naturally, the pandan leaves have a sweet taste and soft aroma. Its taste is strong, with hints of rose, almond, and vanilla on the verges of the coconut, defined as grassy.Can I use pandan extract instead of leaves?
Pandan leaf substitutes Due to pandan's unique aroma and flavor, finding a substitute for this ingredient is incredibly difficult. If you can't find fresh or frozen leaves, I would recommend ordering or using pandan extract or paste to use in your recipes.More answers regarding what's an acceptable substitute for Pandan Leaves?
Answer 2
There are enough Sri Lankans live in UK. Therefore, you should be able to find this in a Sri Lankan store (or in an Indian store). This is known as "Rampe" in Sri Lanka. Ask for "Ram-pe" when you visit such a store.
Answer 3
If you plan more of this cooking in the future, you can order extract. The aroma is subtle and savory. It is similar to that of jasmine rice or fresh-baked white bread. The leaf is frequently used in combination with coconut milk for sweet curries and desserts.
The Pandan Leaf (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is actually used in a wide range of Southeast Asian and South Asian cuisine. The flavor seems to derive from one specific aroma compound (abbr. 2AP). Interestingly, the Maillard reaction that is responsible for browning during baking produces an analog of the compound.
Answer 4
I replaced some of the stock in my recipe with jasmine tea and a dash of vanilla essence. It seemed to work - gave a slight flowery taste, which I think is what the pandan leaves do.
Answer 5
Perhaps flavors similar to Indian curries and Asian dishes, such as cilantro, Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, or celery leaves.
I also just read a recipe that suggested bay leaf would be an appropriate substitute.
Answer 6
tried several attempts to use jasmine tea and vanilla this just doesn't work.First time - No. Second time - No. Third time - more fool me, you guessed it - No! Instead I used with great success some Rooibos tea with vanilla. This is already balanced to suit adding to hot water to drink and as the ratio of leaves / vanilla is done the taste just works. Strange I know but just try it - you'll become a convert like me. Also its readily available in most supermarkets and guess what? You can use the rest of the packet to drink as tea! Winner.
Answer 7
Pandan leaf is sometimes sold dried, as a tea. I don't know if its available in your area as such, but you may be able to buy it online more easily - as it is both shelf-stable and lightweight, it may ship and store more easily than, say, buying fresh leaves or extract. I've purchased the tea relatively cheaply, even including overseas shipping, and gotten a fair quantity as well.
You may be able to add the leaves as a garnish, soak them and some water to balance moisture, or else make a tea and just add that, to get the flavor into your final dish.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Felix Mittermeier, Pixabay, Lerkrat Tangsri, Tom Fisk