The Displacement method is a quick and easy way of measuring soft or semi-solid ingredients. Measuring out a semi-solid like peanut butter coconut oil, or butter (vegan of course!) can be messy – plus, when some is left in the measuring cup, I’m never sure I’m getting it all. Here is a trick my mamma taught me called “The Displacement Method”.
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You can measure the semi-solid – like peanut butter, coconut oil, or butter easily and with less mess by using the displacement method:
- First, you are going to need to know the total volume of both the liquid and semi-solid. In the example below, I am measuring out 3/4 cup peanut butter a 1 cup vegetable broth. Altogether it equals 1 3/4 cup. That is what I will be filling my cup up to.
- Next, get a liquid measuring cup and fill it with 1 cup of liquid. I prefer to use the liquid that will be going into my recipe if possible. If the recipe doesn’t use a liquid then you can use cold water and discard the water after using.
I’m measuring peanut butter into veggie broth. I know how much of each I need and just fill the measuring cup till it is to the correct line. - Then, scoop out the peanut butter – or other semi-solid – and put in the measuring cup until the liquid level measures up to make the total amount. Voila!
I’m putting the vegan butter into the cup with almond milk. I will know I have enough when it reaches the fill line. - Finally, pour the entire amount into your recipe if you are using both the liquid and the semi-solid.
- If your recipe does not call for the liquid, then you will have used cold water. (Use cold so that your ingredients don’t melt into the water.) Drain the water from the semi-solid and put only that in the recipe.
- Smile about not having to clean sticky peanut butter out of a measuring cup.
It is now to the fill line. I know I’ve measured out enough peanut butter. You are welcome! Veggie Fun Kitchen recipes that have used the Displacement Method include:
- African Peanut Stew
- Mardi Gras King Cake
