Ask Ottolenghi: what can I take advantage of as an alternative of preserved lemons, harissa and pomegranate molasses?

I like your recipes, particularly the vegetarian ones, however I usually can’t get the likes of membrillo, creme fraiche, preserved lemon, pomegranate molasses and harissa. What alternate options would you recommend?
Joyce, St John’s, Canada
Wherever doable, you wish to keep throughout the similar flavour profile and texture, so if, for instance, a recipe requires creme fraiche, notably as an accompaniment to a dish, soured cream or thick Greek yoghurt make effective substitutes. If it’s for baking, nevertheless, I’d use soured cream, as a result of it has an analogous tanginess to creme fraiche.

Pomegranate molasses-wise, date molasses would work as a substitute, although you would possibly wish to add a bit of lemon juice to imitate the sweet-sour observe of pomegranate molasses; honey or maple syrup combined with lemon juice may also present the requisite tangy observe and thick sweetness. And whereas we’re with reference to sweetness, merely exchange membrillo with one other candy paste: thick apricot or fig jam each work very well.

Preserved lemons, in the meantime, are sometimes used principally to carry a pop of shock to a dish, so, although they’re not fairly the identical, give capers or olives a go. If, alternatively, it’s their lemony style that’s required, don’t underestimate the ability of recent lemon juice or grated zest.

If you happen to fancy a challenge, you can additionally merely make your personal preserved lemons or harissa. You may both go for a fast preserved lemon or one which takes a good bit longer, however each solely actually require recent lemons to start out off with. The record of elements for harissa, in the meantime, would possibly seem daunting, however, likelihood is, you have already got a number of them within the cabinet, in order that’s only a case of placing them collectively. The identical goes for spice mixes comparable to baharat and nutty dukkah.

Above all, nevertheless, don’t ever not make a recipe simply since you’re lacking one ingredient. Don’t inform anybody, however if you happen to actually can’t discover another, I promise the world will maintain turning if you happen to simply go away it out. Preserve that between us, although, sure?