We've been dealing with horrible inflation over the past year. Some things seem to be easing a bit (like gas prices). But others just keep going up, up, up! One of the biggest offenders? Eggs! There are a lot of reasons why, from storms in the south to outbreaks of Avian Flu. Plus corporate greed, and good old "supply and demand". And now they're saying to brace for a shortage.
What to do? Read on....
Custard can be made without eggs.
Now, what about main dishes? There are options! I've honestly preferred eggless scrambles and "egg" salad (I use only a little dill weed and some finely chopped dill pickle, finely diced onion in place of green onion, add a bit of Vegetarian "chicken" broth powder for about half the Kala Namak, omit the lemon juice, and cut my tofu into slightly larger pieces) over the egg-based kind for much of my life. And they're easy to make.
Like quiche? I've made an eggless quiche using tofu before (I've done dairy AND non-dairy cheeses). I would use a big batch of scrambled tofu (use silken for this). I just put "heavier" fillings (Veggie "sausages", cubed potatoes, etc) in the bottom of the crust, mixed in lighter (spinach, onions, cheese) into 1/4 of the filling to put on top, and pressed tomatoes on top. Then baked and sprinkled with a little more cheese, put back in to melt. But if you're looking for a recipe, why not 15 of them?
One would not believe it possible, but here are a couple recipes for soufflé! One is a savoury mini version (I'd add cheese, personally). And the other is for chocolate soufflé.
Here's an eggless (dairy-based) Flan.
French toast can be made without eggs too! In the mood for Eggs Benedict? The Betty Crocker Project has the solution. And here's a tofu-based breakfast burrito (that is freezer friendly! And gives suggestions for soy-free). Craving a breakfast sandwich? Thee Burger Dude has four options for a copycat McMuffin. You can even make a fried "egg" sandwich.
Boiled eggs? Gotcha covered! Here are recipes for soft-boiled, hard-boiled, and Deviled. Yep, even poached "eggs" can be made without eggs.
Here are a bunch of recipes for various "eggs" (some soy-free), ranging from fried to frittata, omelets to crème brûlée.
Of course, you could buy Just Egg (I haven't tried this) or VeganEgg (I wasn't a fan). Also, The Gentle Chef just released the DIY version of his proprietary "Eggz" blend, along with a couple recipes.
Waffles might not call for a lot of eggs, but if you're feeling adventurous (or just out of eggs), here's a recipe for you. Same thing with pancakes.
Try shakshuka made with tofu. Or eggless fried rice (add veggies and desired protein). Egg Drop Soup, anyone? Or how about a Vegan Migas (Mexican scrambled eggs with tortillas). I haven't tried this recipe yet, but have used store-bought "chorizo" with tofu scramble (very close to what I grew up with), but here's Chorizo con Huevos. Huevos Rancheros can be made with scrambled tofu as well. Feeling "extra"? How about some Scotch "eggs" (boiled eggs encased in sausage mixture, typically deep fried [this uses an air fryer]).
Eggs are also used in meatloaf and meatballs (or veggie "meat"loaf/balls). To substitute, try 2 T quick oats and 3T boiling water mixed and let to cool per egg. Or 1/2 C bread crumbs per egg. Or 1/4 C mashed potatoes per egg.
When breading foods, instead of dipping in egg you could try an alternative. I add seasonings to flour in one bowl, put milk in another (dairy or plant-based), and bread crumbs into the third. I dip into the flour, then the milk. Repeat again, then dip into bread crumbs.
You can even make eggnog without eggs! When I make it this way, I add a bit of cinnamon to this pudding 'nog, and then a lot of booze (lol). I've made a few Vegan 'nogs before, and this is a good basic recipe (make sure to use silken tofu! I learned that the hard way).
Eggs are used in so many things, so please consider this post a jumping-off point. If there's any other uses for eggs you'd like to see me add to the post (or have suggestions or a recipe of your own), I'd love to hear it in the comments!
Until next time....