Introduction
Cream of tartar is a common ingredient used in baking and cooking. But for those who follow a vegetarian diet, the question arises: is cream of tartar vegetarian? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with two delicious vegetarian recipes that use cream of tartar.
Is Cream of Tartar Vegetarian?
Yes, cream of tartar is vegetarian. It is a byproduct of winemaking and is obtained from the tartaric acid in grapes. As it is not derived from animal sources, it is safe for consumption by vegetarians.
Recipe 1: Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made vegan pie crust
- 1 cup aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk aquafaba and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Add sugar and continue whisking until glossy and thick.
- Pour mixture into pie crust and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in vegan butter.
- Pour lemon mixture into pie crust and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 218
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 101mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Equipment:
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Pie dish
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish with fresh berries or whipped coconut cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations:
Try using lime or orange juice instead of lemon juice for a different twist on this classic dessert.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar. If you don’t have vegan butter, you can use coconut oil or olive oil instead.
Storage:
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure your aquafaba is at room temperature before whisking. You can also add a pinch of salt to the aquafaba before whisking to help stabilize the meringue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
A: Yes, you can use regular butter if you are not following a vegan diet.
Recipe 2: Vegetarian Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually stir in flour mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of almond milk or your favorite hot beverage.
Variations:
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cookie dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar.
Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips:
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
Conclusion
Cream of tartar is a vegetarian-friendly ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pies to cookies. These two recipes are just a small sample of the delicious vegetarian dishes you can create with cream of tartar. So why not give them a try for yourself and see just how tasty and versatile this ingredient can be?
