If you love preparing Italian favorites, then Italian seasoning is a must-have in your pantry. It’s easy to use, and it can be used on just about any dish that calls for herbs or spices. But have you found the pantry empty with this seasoning just when you need it most? Or maybe you have wondered whether there exists any substitute for Italian seasoning?
Well, this article will show you how to make your own Italian seasoning at home. You’ll also find out the spices that make up this seasoning so that you can easily replace them if needed.
Substitute for Italian Seasoning:
What Is Italian Seasoning?
Italian seasoning is an herb blend that has been around since the early 1900s. Italy is known as a land of herbs and spices, and though this seasoning is not renowned in Italy, its origin is America, where it’s used to prepare a wide range of Italian dishes.
The blend consists of dried basil and oregano as the dominant ingredients mixed with other herbs to bring out great flavors.
Below is a list of herbs mixed to make an Italian seasoning;
- Oregano: This is commonly used in pizza, seafood, meat, poultry, pasta, soups, stews, salads, vegetables, and desserts.
- Basil: This is another common ingredient in Italian cooking. It adds flavor to tomato sauces, spaghetti sauce, chicken, fish, eggplant, vegetable dishes, salad dressings, and bread.
- Marjoram: This is a sweet spice that gives a distinct taste to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and pies. It also gives great results in rice, minced meat, and bean dishes.
- Thyme: This is one of the best herbs to add to tomato sauces, soups, casseroles, and stews. It’s also good in fish, meatloaf, chicken, and pork dishes.
- Sage: This is a favorite herb among many chefs because it brings out the natural sweetness of chicken, turkey, veal, lamb, and beef. It’s also used in stuffing, sausages, and ham.
- Rosemary: This is a popular herb often added to meat, poultry, and seafood dishes. It’s also used to season homemade bread and pastries.
All these herbs are essential to making authentic Italian seasoning. They’re all packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
However, if you don’t have a pack of the seasoning in your pantry, you can use one of the following substitutes. They work well too, and some might even give better results;
Substitutes for Italian Seasoning
If you want to try an alternative seasoning, the following are the best replacements:
1. Fresh Herbs
You can always get fresh herbs from your yard or local supermarket. Some herbs that go well with Italian seasoning include rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, basil, parsley, chives, mint, and dill.
These herbs are usually available all year-round; for the best flavor, make sure you get the freshest herbs possible.
2. Homemade Italian Seasoning Blend
Another way to prepare your own Italian seasoning is by mixing your own blend.
All you need to do is combine equal amounts of each of the herbs mentioned above with more dominant spices. For example, if you would like to mix 1 cup of oregano, 1/2 cup of basil, 2 tablespoons of thyme, 3 tablespoons of marjoram, 2 teaspoons of sage, and 1 teaspoon of rosemary, then simply combine them in a bowl and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Afterward, store the mixture in an air-tight container or jar. You can use this mixture whenever you’d like to add a little extra flavor to your food.
3. Herbes de Provence
Herbes de Provence is French seasoning made of various herbs, including lavender, thyme, rosemary, savory, and fennel. It’s similar to Italian seasoning, except that it doesn’t contain any oregano. Instead, it uses fennel seeds, which are very similar to oregano. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a more subtle flavor than oregano.
4. Dried Basil and Oregano
If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can still create your own version of Italian seasoning using dried herbs. Simply combine equal parts of dried basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sage. Store the mixture in an air-tight container or jar.
Use this blend when you want to add a bit of a kick to your meals.
5. Creole seasoning
Creole seasoning is a combination of spices that originated in Louisiana. The most common ingredients found in creole seasoning are celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, black pepper, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and chili peppers. While there are different types of creole seasoning, the basic recipe is pretty much the same.
Creole seasoning is best for adding flavor to foods that need a lot of spice. For instance, you could sprinkle it over chicken wings before grilling them. Or, you could use it to enhance a dish that has been sauteed.
Greek seasoning contains oregano, thymine, marjoram, and rosemary. It also includes other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Although not quite as popular as Italian seasoning, many people like it because it gives their dishes a unique taste.
Conclusion
Italian seasoning is one of the most versatile seasonings out there. Not only can you use it to add flavor to many different kinds of dishes, but you can also use it to replace some of the spices in your favorite recipes.
Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or something that will take you less time to make, a substitute for Italian seasoning is a great option.
ALSO READ: Substitute for Old Bay Seasoning.
