Tomato price rise: 5 Ingredients to substitute for tomatoes

With the recent increase in tomato prices, it is becoming difficult for individuals to include this vegetable in their daily diet. Tomatoes are selling for Rs 100 per kg, driven up by floods in parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Here are five alternatives for expensive tomatoes.

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Raw mango powder 

It is acidic and sweet like tomatoes, and it is cheap as well. Simply add a teaspoon or tablespoon of it to your curry and you’re good to go.

Tamarind

Soak some tamarind for 15 minutes, extract the pulp and remove the seeds. Strain it with  water and add it to curry. Tamarind also helps with thickening, so check the consistency of your dish before serving.

Amla

You can use fresh amla in place of tomatoes, but it is very sour, so be careful.  Soak it in water with sugar and blend it before adding it to any curry.

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Bottle gourd 

You may add gourd in place of tomatoes for texture. Since gourd is not sour, add either raw mango powder or tamarind for the tanginess.

Yoghurt

The acidic flavour of yoghurt blends well with spices. Add yoghurt that is 2-3 days old and has a sour aftertaste.

So, even though there are lots of alternatives for tomato, its an unavoidable vegetable. The edible berries of the Solanum lycopersicum plant, often known as the tomato plant, are tomatoes. The species originated in Western South America and Central America. Tomatoes are one of the best sources of umami flavour. Tomatoes are used in a variety of cuisines, sauces, salads, and drinks, both raw and cooked.