If you don't have ready-made Italian seasoning while making a dish, you can use the substitute and still make delicious dishes.
Italian seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs that adds a delightful flavor to various dishes. You can buy them from the store or create one at home. You can easily create a seasoning or its substitute using common herbs found in most kitchens.
Whether you're preparing a pasta sauce, seasoning any veggies, or a homemade pizza, this homemade Italian seasoning substitute will help you get the desired flavor. These are better than store ones too.
What is Italian Seasoning?
Italian seasoning is a spice blend containing many flavorful herbs and spices. This is a popular Mediterranean herb blend. The prominent ingredients in Italian herbs are oregano, thyme, and parsley. Some of the brands also contain flavoring agents like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper too.
Best Italian Seasoning Substitute
1. Homemade Italian Seasoning-
The main ingredients of Italian seasoning are dried herbs. Combine these herbs to make your homemade Italian seasoning. They are -
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp sage
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp Rosemary
Mix the dried herbs in a bowl and mix. Alternatively, blend them using a spice blender if required.
For added depth, include a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences. Homemade seasoning will actually help you control the quality of herbs.
2. Oregano + Basil or Oregano + Thyme
These herbs are the major herbs in Italian seasoning. So if you don't have other herbs, then consider adding oregano and basil/ thyme in equal proportions to make the substitute.
3. Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is a classic French herb blend that has a similar flavor profile. This has dried parsley, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. So this can also be a substitute for Italian seasoning. Though it also contains lavender flowers which may vary the flavor of the seasoning. So use a bit of it and test whether you like it or not. Then decide to increase the amount to replace Italian seasoning.
4. Use fresh herbs
Nothing like fresh herbs to substitute dried herbs. Fresh herbs bring a soft aroma and flavor to the dish. So the amount of fresh herbs should be a little more than the dried herbs. For example, if the recipe asks for 1 tsp of dried herb add 2 tsp of chopped herb to bring in the exact flavor.
Also, it is advisable to avoid overcooking the herbs since they will lose their natural flavor. Add the fresh herbs towards the end of cooking.
5. Pizza Seasoning/ Pasta Seasoning
Readymade pizza and pasta seasoning are also great substitutes for Italian seasoning. They contain the same spices/ herbs. Substitute with the same amount of pizza seasoning for any recipe.
6. Greek Seasoning
Greek seasoning is almost similar to Italian seasoning and both have oregano as their main component. It contains oregano, basil, parsley, dill, thyme, and rosemary herbs.
However, Greek seasoning may also contain cinnamon and dried dill in it. So the flavor also may vary to some extent. Also, they may contain salt in them. So while using Greek seasoning as a substitute for Italian seasoning, add less salt or add after tasting.
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Homemade Italian Seasoning Substitute
Equipment
- 1 Blender optional
- 1 glass jar
Ingredients
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp marjoram
- 2 tsp parsley
- ½ tsp sage
- ½ tsp rosemary
Instructions
- Add all the spices in a mixing bowl.
- If required blend them in a spice blender.
- Use the homemade Italian substitute immediately or store for later.
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