From a botanical standpoint, oregano is a cousin to basil since both of them belong to the minty Lamiaceae family. You may also hear some people call it “wild marjoram”. Regardless of the name, oregano is a prominent culinary herb in Mediterranean cuisine.
Can I use oregano instead of basil?
Oregano is a frequent seasoning used in Mediterranean cooking. Oregano has a peppery taste. When using it as one of your substitutes for basil, it goes best in dishes such as casseroles, pizza and pasta sauces.
How much oregano do I substitute for basil?
Basil is an easy substitute for oregano in a 1:1 ratio.
As with other spices, it is best to use the same fresh or dried version the recipe calls for. Bay leaf Like basil and oregano, bay leaf is a familiar flavor in Mediterranean cooking.
Can you substitute fresh oregano for fresh basil?
The best fresh basil substitutes are herbs and greens that can mimic some of those flavors with a similar soft texture. What is this? Fresh oregano. This is the closest substitute when it comes to texture, flavor, and color.
What’s a substitute for basil?
Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.
What’s a substitute for oregano?
Basil is best used to substitute oregano in Mediterranean dishes or Italian recipes. It is has a similar flavor profile and can be used as a 1 to 1 substitute, fresh or dried.
What is oregano herb used for?
Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What does basil taste like?
The flavor of basil is a balance between sweet and savory, with hints of mint, anise, and pepper. While the initial flavor has pronounced tones of black pepper, this aromatic herb ultimately adds a hint of sweetness to any dish.
Why is there no basil?
Supply-chain issues result in a seemingly massive basil shortage. It’s the great basil shortage of 2022 and it’s happening at exactly the wrong time — not that there’s ever a right time for a basil shortage.
What goes on pizza oregano or basil?
It’s also one of the most used herbs in Italian cooking, and considering pizza is a part of Italian cuisine, it’s understandable that oregano is a must-have pizza topping.
Do you use oregano in spaghetti sauce?
Combining the wet or fresh with the condensed enables cooks to achieve a nice depth of tomato flavor. When it comes to spice, the consensus is that fresh garlic, browned onions, bell peppers and dried oregano and basil (not “Italian Spice” mixtures) yield the best old-fashioned flavor.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Dried Herbs for Fresh
The easiest and most common substitution in the world of herbs is to simply use dried rather than fresh herbs. For instance, if you’re out of the fresh basil your recipe calls for, just use dried basil in its place.
Can I use thyme instead of basil?
Basil. As it’s in the same family as thyme, feel free to use basil in place of thyme in many dishes. Fresh basil is very licorice-y and bright, so use half of the amount of fresh basil as you would fresh thyme, and a 1:1 swap for dried thyme.
Is dried basil the same as basil leaves?
One-third cup dried basil is the equivalent of 1 cup fresh basil. The rule of thumb for basil is to use a 3:1 ratio. That being 3 parts fresh is the same as 1 part dried. The reason that the portions of fresh versus dry are different is because dried basil when compressed has a more concentrated flavor.
How do you use fresh oregano?
Oregano can be used in more than just pizza and pasta sauce. The beautiful green herb adds a delicious, and perhaps unexpected, earthy flavor to several dishes including chicken, seafood, hamburgers, even beans. Also, try it in your next homemade pesto for a bit of a more robust topping for pasta or fish.
What can I substitute for dried basil?
Other dried herbs that can substitute for dried basil leaves include parsley, thyme and oregano. Fresh or dried cilantro simulates some of the bitter freshness of dried basil leaves. Blend thyme, oregano or parsley with savory or marjoram for greater complexity.
Is mixed herbs and oregano same?
Mixed Herbs are the perfect blend of 5 herbs, which are oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley.
Is parsley similar to oregano?
Oregano is a member of the mint family, although it has a strong savory taste. It can be used to substitute parsley as a garnish, or fresh or dried in cooking, although you should use less oregano than parsley, as it has a much stronger flavor.
Does oregano increase blood pressure?
According to a September 2021 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate more herbs and spices—in particular, cinnamon, turmeric and oregano—recorded lower blood pressure readings 24 hours later.
Is oregano good for kidneys?
Research has found that oregano has been traditionally used in the treatment of kidney stones. It acts as a diuretic which increases urine volume and reduces supersaturation of crystals and anti-spasmodic agent or relieves pain.
Is oregano a natural antibiotic?
Interestingly, oregano oil is an effective natural antibiotic and antifungal agent, and it may help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol levels.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.