Fat and oil are important ingredients for just about every dish. Unless of course, you’re preparing boiled recipes or even salads. That said, there are a wide variety of different types of fats and oils available on the market to suit every possible recipe.
One of these options is without a doubt the popular Schmaltz. Despite its popularity, Schmaltz is often difficult to find. Fortunately, we’ve got a few credible substitutes for you to consider!
What is Schmaltz?
If you’ve never used schmaltz, you might be wondering what it is. Essentially, schmaltz is rendered goose or chicken fat. For the most part, it has been used primarily in Jewish cuisine and has been around for centuries.
Since it can be used as a flavor enhancer, cooking fats and even spreads. With a strong aroma, it’s suitable for roasts and stews. Some of the more common dishes that schmaltz is often used in include:
- Chopped liver
- Chicken soup
- Matzah balls
- Matzah brei
- Fried chicken
Additionally, people also use schmaltz as a bread spread but, it will need to be salted for this purpose to avoid tasting bland. To get the best flavor from your schmaltz, use it in meat preparation rather than as a frying agent.
Why Do People Prefer Schmaltz?
The people who regularly use Schmaltz refer to it as liquid gold. And for good reason. Not only does it add a unique and extraordinary flavor to your recipe, but it’s also dairy-free. Which makes it perfect for Kosher dishes and for people who don’t eat dairy.
For the most part, you can use Schmaltz like you would any other type of cooking oil. The only real difference is that it gets stored in the refrigerator, making it solid rather than liquid like olive or vegetable oil.
How is Schmaltz Made?
Schmaltz has been made the same way for generations. For the most part, it’s made by cooking chicken fat and skin with onions. You can either get chicken skin and fat from the butcher or save them from your own cooking over time.
Keep in mind that you will have to collect twice as much that way because prepared chicken already has some of its fat rendered. Once you have enough fat and skin, simply cook the onions and chicken for about 90 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Then you simply strain out the rendered fat using a piece of cheesecloth. The cooked chicken pieces are often enjoyed as a snack while the Schmaltz is stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep the Schmaltz in an airtight container to maintain the flavor.
No Schmaltz?
Have you ever started a recipe only to discover that a crucial ingredient is either finished or you don’t have enough for the entire recipe?
In some instances you can simply whip up some of the ingredients, however, if you don’t have an adequate amount of chicken skin and fat, you won’t be able to whip up a batch.
When this happens always a good idea to know what substitutes can be used to replace key ingredients. Let’s check out the top schmaltz substitutes so that you can get back to your recipe!
Schmaltz Substitutes
- Crisco
Crisco is often the most common substitute for Schmaltz. This is because it has been used as a substitute for Schmaltz since the early 1900s when it became too challenging for women to make it.
Essentially, Crisco is a type of vegetable shortening that was first introduced in 1911. Since it’s made from a variety of vegetable oils it’s a solid white fat and works exactly the same way as Schmaltz.
A plus point is that it’s more economical and more readily available. It can be used in a variety of recipes which includes frying. However, studies have shown it to be less nutritious than butter.
- Butter
Many chefs regard butter to be the perfect substitute for schmaltz since both ingredients have similar fat content. In fact, butter can be used for every purpose or recipe that calls for schmaltz.
In particular, butter is the perfect substitute for matzo balls. If you’re looking for a schmaltz substitute as a spread, opt for chicken butter as it adds a rich flavor to just about anything!
Olive oil is the perfect substitute for Schmaltz in Mediterranean recipes. Especially when searing and sauteing meat and veggies is required. The trick is to use a little less olive oil, so be sure to work out your quantities correctly.
In general, olive oil isn’t a suitable substitute in baking recipes, but since many people use it in pancakes, it really is up to you. Another plus point of using olive oil as a substitute is its widely known health benefits. The most significant of these include the following:
- Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, making it high in omega-6 and omega-3
- If you’re looking for an option with increased antioxidants, then olive oil is the best option
- There are also high anti-inflammatory properties which help combat heart disease and diabetes
- Unlike other types of fats and oils, olive oil doesn’t contribute to weight gain
- Olive oil can combat the buildup of plaques in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease
- Ghee
By definition, Ghee is a clarified butter that features a nutty aroma and flavor. It’s also an ideal replacement for Schmaltz for both baking and cooking purposes. Unlike olive oil, you won’t need to reduce the quantity of Ghee. A simple 1:1 ratio will work fine.
However, we should mention that Ghee has a higher moisture content so you might want to amend the quantity according to your taste. Additionally, it’s suitable for recipes that require being prepared at high temperatures.
When you imagine the taste and general texture, Greek yogurt might at first not seem like a suitable substitute for cooking. The good news is though that it actually works quite well. This is especially the case for baking.
Essentially, Greek yogurt adds a touch of tanginess to your baking recipe. We recommend that you opt for the full-fat yogurt option because it will add moisture to your baked goods. Non-fat Greek yogurt on the other hand will create a dry and crumbly texture, making it a less-than-perfect option.
- Avocado
One of the top reasons people enjoy using Schmaltz has to do with the buttery texture it adds to just about every recipe. If it’s this buttery texture that you’re after, avocado is a brilliant substitute.
Generally, it is not most people’s first choice for meals but it’s excellent as a baking substitute. It’s especially tasty in instances where the recipe calls for the ingredient to be mashed.
We recommend adding a little butter to your mashed avocado to balance out the moisture and creaminess. A huge plus point with avocado is that it’s readily available in most supermarkets or vegetable markets.
Another popular Schmaltz substitute is without a doubt coconut oil. This is especially the case in baking recipes. A top feature of coconut oil that makes it a brilliant choice is its varying texture.
When stored at room temperature, it will have a solid texture, and a slightly warmer temperature will result in a more liquid texture. Additionally, coconut adds a unique flavor and taste to your recipe.
If you don’t really want a coconut-like flavor to your dish, it’s a good idea to rather opt for a refined version with a milder taste. Coconut oil also has a wide range of health benefits, making it one of the more popular substitutes. A few health benefits of coconut oil include the following:
- Coconut oil increases the “good” cholesterol, HDL, making it a better choice as a substitute than butter
- People who regularly eat coconut oil have an increase of lipids circulating in their blood, minimizing the risk of heart failure
- Coconut oil has been known to reduce appetite in general, making it a good choice to regulate food portions
- There are also high anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties
- Other Types of Animal Fat
If keeping Kosher isn’t a pre-requisite in your recipe, many people often substitute Schmaltz with lard (pork fat), tallow (beef fat) or even duck fat. Keep in mind though that this might change the flavor of your dish, so these options would essentially be a personal choice.
Final Thought
If your recipe calls for Schmaltz and you’re having a hard time finding some, the good news is that all the options on our comprehensive list will make an ideal substitute.
While it’s true, some alternatives are healthier than others, it really comes down to what you have in your pantry. Be sure to check which alternatives are better for cooking and which would enhance your baked recipe.
Don’t let a lack of Schmaltz stop you from enjoying your favorite recipe!