Jan 5, 2024, 10:53 AM IST
"Saffron or Kesar," whatever you call it, will continue to be the most expensive spice in the world. Many people do not regularly use saffron due to its high cost, but we have developed a few alternatives that will flavour your food just as well.
This basic ingredient, which is a must in every Indian home, can work wonders as a saffron substitute, giving your food a sophisticated yellowish colour and a similar scent.
Because it can colour food similarly to saffron and has a pleasant, distinct flavour, it can be used as a saffron substitute.
On the other hand, although it does not look like saffron, it has qualities that are similar, which makes it a great alternative.
Paprika is a must-have flavour enhancer that will impart more flavours and less colours than saffron, so it could be a great replacement.
This earthy spice could work well in place of saffron because of its similar aroma.
Anatto is a great alternative to saffron because of its delicious earthy and musky flavour, even though it resembles paprika more than saffron in colour.
All that is required is to remove the petals, let them dry (in the sun if possible), and then grind them into a powder.
Note that none of the substitutes listed in the article are exact equivalents of saffron, and each has unique nutritional characteristics, so take this advice as general rather than professional.