When it comes to Italian herbs, rosemary is one of the most popular. Rosemary is most commonly used as a seasoning for roasted meats and vegetables, but it can also be used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and baked goods. When used fresh, the leaves can be added whole to recipes or chopped before being added.
However, what do you do if you’re out of rosemary or simply don’t want to use it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll provide a list of substitutes for rosemary that will give your dish the same flavor profile.
We’ll also provide tips on how to use them so that your dish turns out perfect every time!
List of Substitutes for Rosemary:
- Thyme
- Sage
- Oregano
- Tarragon
- Caraway Seeds
- Basil
- Parsley
- Dill
- Mint
- Bay Leaves
Thyme
Although they are often used interchangeably, rosemary and thyme actually have quite distinct flavors.
Rosemary is significantly more potent, with a strong piney aroma that can easily overpower other ingredients. Thyme, on the other hand, is more subtle, with grassy and floral notes.
However, in a pinch, thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary. When using thyme as a substitute, it is important to use a 1:1 ratio. This will help to ensure that the dish does not end up being too weak or too strong.
Additionally, it is important to add the thyme early in the cooking process so that it has time to release its flavor. With a little bit of care, thyme can make an excellent substitute for rosemary.
Sage
While sage and rosemary are both herbs that are commonly used in cooking, they do have some distinct differences in flavor. Sage has a citrusy pine flavor, while rosemary is more pungent and earthy.
However, sage can be used as a substitute for rosemary in some cases. When substituting sage for rosemary, use 1/2 cup of sage for every 1 cup of rosemary called for in the recipe.
As a general rule, you should also use less sage than you would rosemary, as sage is more potent. When substituting sage for rosemary, it’s also a good idea to add other complementary flavors, such as thyme or oregano.
This will help to even out the flavor of your dish.
Oregano
Oregano and rosemary are both herbs that have a slightly bitter and strong earthy flavor. They can be used interchangeably in many recipes, although you may need to adjust the ratio slightly.
Oregano is slightly more potent than rosemary, so you’ll need to use less of it. Both herbs are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, so they pair well with dishes that feature olives, tomatoes, and garlic.
When substituting oregano for rosemary, you can use it fresh, dried, or as a paste. If using dried oregano, be sure to rehydrate it in water for about 30 minutes to an hour before using it in a recipe.
You can use oregano in any dish that calls for rosemary, from roasted meats and vegetables to soup and pasta dishes. The slightly bitter and strong flavor of oregano is a versatile addition to many recipes.
Tarragon
Tarragon is an aromatic herb with a bitter-sweet licorice flavor. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent in poultry, fish, and egg dishes.
It can also be used as a substitute for rosemary. When substituting tarragon for rosemary, use the same amount of tarragon called for in the recipe.
Tarragon can be used to flavor meats, soups, stews, and sauces. When using tarragon as a substitute for rosemary, add it at the beginning of cooking so that its flavor has time to develop.
If you are looking for a substitute that will give your dishes a similar bitter-sweet flavor profile, try oregano.
Caraway Seeds
If you’re out of rosemary and looking for a suitable substitute, caraway seeds may be a good option. These small, brown seeds have an earthy flavor that is similar to rosemary, making them a good choice for dishes like roasted potatoes or grilled chicken.
When substituting caraway seeds for rosemary, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds instead.
As with any substitution, be sure to adjust the other seasonings in the recipe to taste.
Basil
Basil and rosemary are both herbs that are commonly used in cooking. Basil has a slightly peppery and minty flavor, which makes it a good substitutes for rosemary.
When substituting basil for rosemary, use equal amounts of the herb. Basil can be used in many different dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, and pasta dishes.
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used as both a garnish and a spice. There are several benefits to using parsley as a substitute for rosemary.
First, parsley is more widely available than rosemary. This makes it a more convenient option for those who don’t have easy access to rosemary. Second, parsley is less expensive than rosemary. This makes it a good choice for those on a budget.
Finally, parsley is easier to use than rosemary. This is because parsley doesn’t need to be finely chopped like rosemary does. As a result, it’s less likely to end up in your food if you’re not careful.
To use parsley as a substitute for rosemary, you’ll need to use twice as much parsley as you would rosemary. This is because parsley has a milder
Dill
Dill is a versatile herb that can be used as a substitute for rosemary in many recipes. While it has a slight anise-licorice and grassy flavor, dill is milder than rosemary and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Dill is especially good in salads and fish dishes. It is also a popular addition to yogurt-based sauces and dips. When substituting dill for rosemary, use half as much dill as you would rosemary. This will help to achieve the desired flavor without overpowering the dish.
Another plus is that dill can be used fresh, dry, or frozen.
Mint
Mint and rosemary are two herbs with very different flavor profiles. Mint is cooling and refreshing, while rosemary is savory and earthy. However, in a pinch, mint can be used as a substitute for rosemary.
The cooling feeling of mint will offset the heat of dishes that use rosemary, and the fresh flavor will brighten up any dish. To substitute mint for rosemary, use a 1:1 ratio.
This means that if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of rosemary, you would use one tablespoon of mint instead. Keep in mind that mint is a very potent herb, so a little goes a long way.
When substituting mint for rosemary, start with less than the recipe calls for and add more to taste.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves can be used as a substitute for rosemary in many cases. They have a slightly bitter and herbal flavor, which can be a good complement to certain dishes.
Bay leaves can also offer some health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as vitamin B6. Additionally, they have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
When substituting bay leaves for rosemary, use a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, when using bay leaves as a substitute for rosemary, be sure to remove them before serving as they can be sharp and potentially choke-inducing if swallowed whole.
FAQ
How do I know if a substitute will work in a recipe?
Generally, rosemary substitutes can be swapped one-to-one in recipes. However, it’s always a good idea to taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Can I use fresh or dried herbs when substituting rosemary?
You can use either dried or fresh herbs for most of the substitutes listed above.
Final Thoughts
There are many herbs that can be used as substitutes for rosemary. Basil, parsley, dill, and mint are all good options. These herbs have similar flavors to rosemary and can be used in many of the same dishes.
When substituting rosemary, it’s always a good idea to taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. Overall, all the substitutes listed in the blog post are great choices and we are sure that they will work well for you.