Evaporated milk, the unsweetened cousin of sweetened condensed milk, is a staple in numerous recipes. But what do you do with it if you have some leftover? This versatile ingredient simply begs to be used creatively, and we’ve got a wide variety of suggestions to help you put your evaporated milk to good use.
Evaporated milk: What is it?
Evaporated milk is simply milk that has had 60% of its water content removed, leaving a concentrated, creamy liquid that can be stored for longer periods than regular milk. Its creamy texture and subtly sweet flavour make it a superb addition to a number of dishes, from savoury to sweet.
Unique Ways to Use Evaporated Milk
1. Creamy Sauces
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to heavy cream in your pasta and curry sauces, evaporated milk is your answer. Its creamy texture lends a lush richness to your sauces without adding excessive fat. For example, this easy, creamy alfredo sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pan, sauté the minced garlic until golden.
- Add the evaporated milk and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Combine with your favourite pasta and enjoy.
2. As a Coffee Creamer
For a rich, creamy, and low fat coffee creamer, reach for evaporated milk. It adds a lovely depth of flavour to your morning coffee and keeps your calorie intake down.
3. In Baking
Evaporated milk can be a wonderful substitute for regular milk in numerous baking recipes, adding a decadent creaminess to your breads, cakes, and muffins.
4. Soups and Chowders
Just like in sauces, evaporated milk can add a luxurious, velvety texture to your soups and chowders. Try this creamy potato soup, for example:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients (except evaporated milk) in a large pot.
- Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the evaporated milk, season to taste, and serve.
As you can see, evaporated milk is a versatile and practical ingredient. With its creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor, it can enhance a variety of dishes from savoury to sweet. So, the next time you find a can lurking in your pantry, you’ll know just what to do!
