I was in the middle of making my famous black bean soup when I realized I was out of epazote.
I didn’t want to wait to run to the store, so I started brainstorming epazote substitutes.
I found some great substitutes that worked well in my soup and I’m excited to share them with you!
Let’s start!
Substitutes for Epazote
- Marjoram
- Coriander
- Lemon Verbena
- Culantro
- Italian Parsley
- Mexican Oregano
- Summer Savory
- Fennel
- Papalo
- Cilantro
Marjoram
Marjoram and epazote are both herbs that are commonly used in Mexican cooking.
They have a similar flavor profile, with hints of mint, oregano, and citrus.
However, marjoram is significantly milder than epazote, so it can be used as a substitute in cases where you don’t want the dish to be too spicy.
Marjoram is also a good choice if you can’t find fresh epazote, as it is more widely available.
The main downside of using marjoram as a substitute is that it doesn’t have the same digestive properties as epazote.
If you are using it for its medicinal benefits, you may want to use a different herb.
Coriander
Coriander can be used as a substitute for epazote. Both herbs have a similar flavor profile, and they can both be used in Mexican dishes.
The benefits of using coriander as a substitute for epazote include its availability and its flavor.
Coriander is more widely available than epazote, and it has a milder flavor that may be more palatable for some people.
When substituting coriander for epazote, it is important to use it sparingly – too much coriander can overwhelm a dish.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is a fragrant herb with a citrusy flavor that can be used as a substitute for epazote.
Like epazote, lemon verbena can be used in bean dishes to help reduce gas and bloating.
It is also suitable for use in other recipes where epazote would normally be used, such as in soups and stews.
When substituting lemon verbena for epazote, use half as much of the herb, as it is more potent than epazote.
In addition, lemon verbena may impart a subtle lemon flavor to the dish, so keep this in mind when using it in recipes.
Culantro
Culantro is an excellent substitute for epazote. This herb has a similar flavor profile, and it is widely available in Asian markets.
In addition, culantro is relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for budget-minded cooks.
Keep in mind that culantro is slightly more pungent than epazote, so you may need to adjust the amount you use to suit your taste.
Italian Parsley
In many cases, Italian parsley can be used as a substitute for epazote. This is because both herbs have a similar flavor profile, with notes of citrus and anise.
Additionally, both herbs are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. However, there are some key distinctions between the two herbs.
Epazote is much more pungent than Italian parsley, so it should be used sparingly.
Moreover, epazote has a bitter undertone that is not present in Italian parsley.
For these reasons, Italian parsley is often considered a more versatile herb than epazote.
When substituting Italian parsley for epazote, it is important to use it sparingly at first and then adjust to taste.
Mexican Oregano
Mexican Oregano, also known as Puerto Rican oregano, is a variety of oregano that is native to Mexico and Central America.
It has a milder flavor than other types of oregano, making it a good choice for use in recipes that call for epazote.
Mexican oregano can be used in any recipe that calls for epazote, including soups, stews, and sauces. It is also a common ingredient in mole sauce.
When using Mexican oregano as a substitute for epazote, you may need to use more of it to achieve the desired flavor.
Mexican oregano is also a good choice for use in place of epazote because it is less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset.
Summer Savory
Summer savory, also known as Satureja hortensis, is a versatile herb that can be used as a substitute for epazote in many recipes.
While the two herbs belong to different plant families, they share many of the same properties, making summer savor a suitable stand-in for epazote.
Like epazote, summer savory has a pungent, earthy flavor that is often used to season bean dishes.
In addition, summer savory is also known for its ability to prevent gas and bloating.
As a result, it can be used in any recipe that calls for epazote, including beans, soups, stews, and even tacos.
In terms of flavor, summer savory is somewhat milder than epazote, so you may need to use a little more of it to achieve the desired taste.
However, this herb is widely available and easy to grow, making it a great choice for cooks who are looking for an epazote substitute.
Fennel
Fennel is a common ingredient in many savory dishes, imparting a subtle anise flavor. It is also a common component of Chinese five-spice powder.
While fennel may be best known as a key ingredient in Italian sausage, it can also be used as a substitute for epazote.
Epazote is a member of the mustard family and has a pungent, slightly minty flavor. It is commonly used in bean dishes to help reduce gas.
When substituting fennel for epazote, it is important to use less than called for in the recipe, as fennel can be overpowering.
In addition to being used as a spice, fennel can also be eaten raw or cooked.
When eaten raw, fennel has a crunchy texture and mild licorice flavor. It is often used in salads or as a garnish.
When cooked, fennel becomes more tender and its flavor becomes sweeter.
It is a versatile ingredient that can be roasted, grilled, or sauteed, and makes an excellent addition to many vegetable dishes.
Papalo
Many people are not familiar with papalo, but it is an excellent substitute for epazote.
While both herbs have a strong flavor, papalo has a more citrusy taste that can brighten up any dish.
Another benefit of papalo is that it is much easier to find than epazote. It can be found in most Latin American markets, and it is becoming more common in mainstream supermarkets.
When substituting papalo for epazote, start with half the amount called for in the recipe. You can always add more if needed.
Papalo is a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes, from soups and stews to eggs and tacos.
Cilantro
Cilantro can be used as a substitute for epazote. While the two herbs have different flavors, they can both be used to add a bit of zest to a dish.
When deciding whether or not to use a substitute ingredient, it is important to consider the desired flavor of the dish.
If you are looking for a more mellow flavor, cilantro may be a better choice.
However, if you want a more pronounced flavor, epazote may be the better option.
Whichever herb you choose, it is important to add it sparingly so as not to overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.
FAQ
What is epazote?
Epazote is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. It’s used to add flavor to dishes like beans, soups, and stews.
Epazote has a unique flavor that can be described as earthy, minty, and lemony.
What is the best epazote substitute?
The best epazote substitutes are Marjoram, Coriander, Lemon Verbena, Culantro, Italian Parsley, Mexican Oregano, Summer Savory, Fennel, Papalo, and Cilantro.
How should I use epazote substitutes?
Epazote substitutes can be used in any dish that calls for epazote. When substituting, it’s important to use the herb sparingly, as some of them can be more potent than epazote.
It’s also a good idea to experiment with different herbs to find the flavor that you like best.
Conclusion
Many epazote substitutes can be used in place of epazote.
When deciding which herb to use, it is important to consider the desired flavor of the dish.
So go ahead and experiment with different herbs to find the perfect epazote substitute for your next dish!