Basil is a mild-tasting herb that plays a significant role in Mediterranean cooking and it is an essential ingredient among chefs all over the world. It is an important ingredient in a range of dishes such as pesto, pasta sauces, dressings, and as a topping on pizzas to name a few. Basil provides a peppery flavour which gives way to a subtle hint of sweet, minty, aromatic flavour. However, if you do not like this herb, or it has run out of your kitchen you will need a basil substitute that is right for your meal. Below is a compiled list of some of the best substitutes for basil which will help you finish your meal preparation. Keep in mind that using a different herb may change the result of your meal since no back-up ingredient will perfectly mimic the herb.
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Fresh Basil
One of the best substitutes for basil is fresh basil itself. Using fresh basil in your recipe will be perfect when you may need alternative for dry basil. The flavour will be the same since you are using the same ingredient only fresh. Fresh basil can be applied in any recipe that needs dry basil. However, you will need more of the replacement version to get the perfect results. For example, if you require one tablespoon of dried basil, then make use of three tablespoons of the fresh ingredient. Simply toss in the leaves towards the end of the cooking process as they can turn bitter or lose their flavour when overcooked. If you also need fresh basil in your meal but have run out, you can simply toss some dried basil. For meals such as pizza that use basil as a flavour and as a garnish, the dried option will not work very well.
Spinach
Another good substitute for basil is spinach leaves. Spinach leaves are an excellent option if you want to make pesto. Not everyone enjoys the strong taste of basil, especially children. To keep the vibrant green colour, use spinach leaves as an alternative. Adding a small amount of basil to give the meal a mild flavour punch may also be a good option. You can use spinach leaves in stir-fries or for Thai cooking to create a tasty meal without an overpowering flavour. Also, spinach leaves can be used in almost every meal that requires basil.
Italian Seasoning
Also on our list of best substitutes for basil is Italian seasoning. A lot of Italian recipes will still taste delicious if you add some Italian seasoning instead of basil. The seasoning includes parsley, rosemary, thyme, pepper, oregano and basil. You can add some Italian seasoning is pasta sauce too. If you choose to use Italian seasoning, check your recipe to see what other herbs and spices are used to make your dish. If the ingredients include thyme, then you may want to use a little less seasoning because it is normally included when making the Italian seasoning.
Oregano
The fourth herb on our list of basil substitutes is oregano. Oregano is another herb that is commonly used frequently in Mediterranean cooking. Although it has a stronger floral, peppery taste, this popular herb shares a similar flavour profile with basil. You can use it as a substitute in pasta sauces, casseroles, or even as a topping on pizza or bruschetta. Most dishes that need basil work well with oregano. It is easily accessible and adds a similar taste to basil when put in your meals.
Thyme
Thyme is another decent substitute for basil. Its flavour profile is much warmer than basil, and it also has a characteristic lemony taste as well as a mint undertone. Its mint undertone is what links it to basil and, as with oregano, it works perfectly well with casseroles and sauces. It is important to go easy on the ratios when it comes to using thyme as a substitute for basil. Thyme also has a unique taste that can give your meals an unpleasant flavour when overused.
Celery
You can also consider using celery leaves when it comes to an alternative for basil. Celery leaf is one of your best options if you want to make pesto especially if you do not like the taste of basil. Simply use the same quantity of celery leaves to diminish the flavour while maintaining the green colour. For anyone who hates wasting food this is an excellent option because celery leaves are commonly thrown out, in favour of the stalk. Celery leaves are easily accessible and can be used in almost all the dishes that may require basil.
Cilantro
Cilantro is another good option as a substitute for basil. It provides a definite hit of lemon, mint, and pepper all in the same mouthful. It may not be the herb of choice for some people because it will not imitate basil’s flavour. However, it offers a similar green vibrancy to sauces and dressings. Cilantro works well in Thai cooking, especially when it comes to curries that are enhanced by hard-hitting flavours.
Mint
Also on the list for good substitutes for basil is mint. Mint is a cousin of basil, and the two share the same taste profile. However, it isn’t ideal to use mint on pizzas or in casseroles. The flavour will not work due to the cooling taste of mint. You can apply mint in dressings and sauces where cooking is not involved. That way mint will provide a fresh flavour as well as a vibrant colour to your dish.
Finding a basil substitute that will not ruin your dish is not that difficult. There are a range of alternatives that are commonly found in many stores. Also, you may have some of the best substitutes for basil in your kitchen. Also, if you do not enjoy the taste of basil, consider spinach leaves or celery leaves because both are excellent choices. Italian seasonings and oregano are also good options if you want to make a luxurious Italian pasta sauce and you want to keep the flavours roughly the same.