It is versatile enough to be used with vegetables and as one of the herbs in a bouquet garni. Your email address will not be published. The leaves are the most aromatic part of the plant, no matter if they are green or dry. The marjoram plant is native to the Mediterranean region, especially Cyprus and Turkey. This means that if a recipe calls for three teaspoons of marjoram, you would use two teaspoons of oregano. It has the astonishing ability to enhance the flavour of any dish. The thing is, that Mexican oregano isn't actually oregano at all, but a completely unrelated plant that tastes a bit like oregano… though not enough to actually be confused if you have them side by side. Just because it works well with meats, do not assume that that is the extent of its seasoning abilities. Basil, thyme, oregano and savory are all good substitutes for marjoram, according to Food.com. Second, you can also have fresh marjoram leaves, which are fantastic on seafood and grilled options in general. Despite being a close relative of oregano, its flavor is lighter with stronger floral notes and without the earthiness of oregano. The flavor of marjoram is slightly sweeter and not as strong as oregano, but it is otherwise very similar. See Substitute for marjoram - which says you can substitute oregano. Aside from the fact that marjoram is sweeter and less earthy, the flavors are actually very similar as long as you allow for the differences in pungency. Most recipes that call for oregano will usually have it alongside other strong flavors; for example, it is difficult to find a recipe that contains oregano that does not also contain garlic. Subscribe to my free newsletter and receive an eCookbook of my most popular recipes! Whether it be a meaty dish, seafood, pasta or sauces. The similarity is such that some cooks actually consider marjoram a milder version of oregano. Marjoram is slightly sweeter and milder than oregano, though, so it’s important to adjust your recipe accordingly. Oregano and marjoram are members of the mint family and have a similar appearance. Do you also have other marjoram substitutes that work better? Note that both fresh and dried oregano are considerably stronger than marjoram, with dried oregano being the most potent of the three. Oregano: Whether it’s dried or fresh, oregano is always your best bet as far as marjoram substitution goes. To successfully substitute oregano for marjoram, use 2/3 tablespoon of fresh oregano for 1 tablespoon of fresh marjoram. A favorite oil to support the immune system is oregano oil but this oil can be too strong for some. Basil belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, too. Fresh oregano is best though dried is a good substitute as well. There are three forms in which you can cook with marjoram. That’s why knowing about these 10 marjoram substitutes can be extremely helpful if you are cooking a recipe that requires a dash of marjoram for perfection. Often, it is also used for making herbal teas which are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. But if you're fresh out of both types of any particular herb, we can help. If you are wondering how you can recognise marjoram, then here is the answer you are looking for. Required fields are marked *. Q: If I don’t have ground oregano on hand, what makes a good substitute? Another option is thyme, also a … The herbs are related and have a similar flavor profile. Substituting dried herbs for fresh herbs: For any herb, you can substitute 1 teaspoon dried herb for 1 tablespoon fresh herb. Also, I always like to top a soup with it like this swede soup. Your email address will not be published. In all cases, this article will give you insight on the best marjoram substitutes, whichever form you choose to cook with. First, you can cook with dried or ground marjoram (the herb). Eclectic recipes from all over the world are regularly published, satisfying the blog's audience of adventurous eaters' needs. Other traditional preparations that require marjoram include stews, cheese sauces and seafood. Keep in mind that dried oregano tends to taste even stronger than the fresh stuff. You can use oregano as a marjoram substitute in all forms of soups,… It is arguably the most popular herb in Mediterranean cuisine and you can find it in recipes for a large number of Greek and Italian dishes. If you haven’t tried cooking a recipe that requires marjoram, then get to it fast! Since it has a more pungent and less sweet flavor, use about half the amount of oregano. Basil: oregano or thyme Bay leaf:For 1 bay leaf, substitute 1/4 teaspoon crushed bay leaf or 1/4 teaspoon thyme Chervil: tarragon or parsley Chives:green onion, onion, or leek Cilantro:parsley Dill … Italian seasoning is a blended mixture of common Italian herbs including marjoram, basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary. The only way this works as a marjoram substitute is because it delivers a very citrusy flavour. Marjoram can be used in place of oregano, but it won't hold up to longer cooking times, so it's important to add it at the end. In certain dishes, such as sauces or marinades, you can substitute dried oregano for fresh marjoram. But unlike marjoram, Basil belongs to the … Use dried lemongrass only as a last resort! It would be best to substitute fresh oregano for fresh marjoram and dried oregano for dried marjoram. Oregano is flavorful both in dried and fresh forms; in fact, many cooks recommend the dried form over the fresh due to its pungency. Just like herbes de Provence, za’atar also includes marjoram. You can substitute marjoram with lemon thyme in this Lebanese lentil soup recipe. If you don’t even have tarragon in the kitchen, then check out these best tarragon substitutes. Za’atar is a very popular ingredient in Middle Eastern recipes and is an excellent herb for roasting vegetables or making salads like this fattoush salad. People often wonder if regular oregano and Mexican oregano are interchangable. As mentioned, oregano is closely related to marjoram and has a very similar flavor profile. A: You’ll find a number of excellent substitutes for ground oregano in the Mediterranean pantry. Especially, since this type of lentil soup often calls for the addition of a lemon and pairs very well with notes of citrus. Let’s not forget that marjoram is also used for making an essential oil. If your recipe calls for dried marjoram, however, use a dried substitute. Because it has a light, subtle flavor, marjoram is best added at the end of cooking. The plant has leaves that are ovate and very smooth. These include roast venison or these fantastic pork medallions. However, oregano's flavor is stronger. The fresh marjoram leaves hold more flavor than the dried ones, and it can be used as a rosemary substitute to season meat, vegetable, mushroom, and tomato-based dishes. Aside from marjoram’s health and beauty uses, it also has many culinary uses. You can also use this substitution ratio if you are using dried oregano instead of dried marjoram. Oregano . Tarragon mostly works as a substitute in Mediterranean recipes or French recipes. You can use basil in pasta sauces or stews like this vegan caponata alla siciliana. I personally prefer sweet marjoram and tea tree to boost my immunity. Sage. Marjoram is a herb that carries typical citrus notes with a hint of sweet pine. Later on, it went on to be famous in other parts of the world, including the US. Marjoram is an herb of the mint family that has oval, 1-inch-long green leaves. In fact, marjoram is so fragrant, you can often find it also in the form of an essential oil. Marjoram is definitely not as well known as oregano because oregano is commonly used in internationally popular dishes like pasta pizza, and more. Aside from the fact that marjoram is milder, it is also sweeter and has a hint of mint taste. In the US, most people will recognize oregano due to its starring roles in pizza and marinara sauces but it is also widely used for poultry stuffing. When using marjoram in place of oregano, you should add it later in the cooking process. Substitute marjoram with dried or ground summer savory only. Keep reading to find out more and learn about example recipes where marjoram is the perfect addition. Which Is The Best Marjoram Substitute? Again, if you can’t seem to get your hands on sage, then take a look at this list of the best sage substitutes. Nature of the Substitute: Marjoram is sweeter, which is why it is also a great tarragon substitute along with being a tad less sharp in its taste than oregano. First of all, marjoram is quite reminiscent (visually and in taste) of oregano. Oregano and Marjoram are very similar and can be confusing but amazingly these two aromatic herbs are very useful, especially in the kitchen. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. It also carries the pine … It is very pungent in the fresh form and can easily overpower the other flavors in a dish. From a biological perspective, marjoram is the most similar herb to oregano; the two are in the same family and share many characteristics. Experts describe oregano’s flavor as being both floral and earthy with lemon and camphor notes. If a recipe calls for two teaspoons of oregano, you would use three teaspoons of marjoram. Whole oregano leaves are our first choice, with marjoram as a close second. Marjoram is very much used in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. When you have neither fresh nor dried marjoram, the closest substitute is oregano. Hence, feel free to treat it as one of the better marjoram substitutes. While it can be eaten raw, it tastes much better in its dry form. As mentioned before, marjoram is often a part of the herbes de Provence mixture. For most recipes, you will reduce the amount needed by a third. You can also experiment with thyme and sweet basil as marjoram … For most recipes, you will reduce the amount needed by a third. I love Oregano and Marjoram – How to use them and the health benefits I always love to talk about. Share in the comments below! It also pairs well with this sausage soup. Its leaves vary from 0.2 inches to 0.6 inches. On the other hand, oregano acts more like a ground cover but thrives during summer with full sun. Third, you can come across marjoram essential oil, which you can also use in sauces or stews. Thyme. Marjoram is a more common ingredient in English and French cuisines where it is included in some liqueurs and beers. For example, you can easily find marjoram in herbes de Provence as well as za’atar. Keep in mind that dried oregano tends to taste even stronger than the fresh stuff. You can use marjoram as a substitute for oregano and vice versa, but the quantities may vary. It’s a delicate herb with a sweet, floral, lightly spiced fragrance. If you notice, it contains marjoram as an ingredient and other constituent herbs similar to it. Use two-thirds as much to keep it from overpowering your recipe. There are a few different herbs and spices that can be used to substitute oregano. It gels well with fatty … 1. Also check out these thyme substitutes. If you don’t have any marjoram on hand, you can substitute several other herbs. Greedy Gourmet is an award winning food and travel blog. They are mostly used in tomato-based dishes like pizza and pasta sauce. But those who have come across marjoram will know that it is a very useful flavor that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Oregano. So, you can use the mixture for seasoning your recipes which call for a dash of marjoram. Treat thyme in the same way as summer savory. All in all, these two herb mixes are among the best marjoram substitutes. The mix packets are for people who aren't good at cooking and don't understand flavours (or who just don't care enough about it to learn.) So, whether you intend to cook with marjoram (the herb) or marjoram (essential oil), these 10 marjoram substitutes will help you finish any dish. Most of all, you can substitute marjoram in this vegan split pea soup, where marjoram and oregano are completely interchangeable. You'll also want to use a little more — to substitute, use three parts of marjoram for every two parts of oregano (via Spiceography). If you open a jar of dried herbs and don't smell its signature aroma, it's time to get a new batch. Summer savory is famous in Canada and is often compared to sage. Historically speaking, the marjoram herb was quite significant to the ancient Romans and Greeks. Find a substitute for parsley, fennel, thyme, and more! To them, marjoram was a symbol of happiness. 3 Common Alternatives Marjoram. Thyme works best as a substitute in roasts, casseroles and stews. The herb has a mild, sweet, oregano-like flavor. Oregano is minty and savory, while marjoram is sweet and lemony. Fresh basil almost has a hint of pepper and it’s not really a suitable substitute for the sweet pine and citrus notes that marjoram carries. For example, if the recipe calls for a whole teaspoon of marjoram then … Basil. Oregano is one of the closest marjoram substitutes. Fresh oregano is a good substitute for fresh marjoram, but since it has a more pungent, less sweet flavor, use about half the amount of oregano. Some other proposed benefits of Marjoram include its ability to relieve flatulence, nausea, cramps, and swelling. Oregano works particularly well, though it’s stronger than marjoram — so you may want to use a little less. So make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing herb. I recommend using basil only in its dried or ground form. The best way to substitute marjoram with summer savory is in flavouring and seasoning sausages. This is so that the dish is not overwhelmed by the oregano which tends to have a more potent flavor than marjoram. … Now, let’s focus on the important thing, which is finding the best marjoram substitutes. Fresh oregano is a good substitute for fresh marjoram. As you might expect, marjoram and oregano can serve as excellent substitutes for each other. When it comes to easing aches and pains, copaiba is sure to be a favorite. Because of oregano’s strong flavor, you will use less of it when using it in place of marjoram. In reality, it is the best spice blend that you can use as a marjoram substitute for sure. For example, these bacon-wrabacon-wrappedped sausages work perfectly with thyme or with marjoram. Just take a look at this list of top marjoram substitutes! Just be careful not to use too much of the mixture as it includes other very fragrant or overwhelming herbs. All photos found on Greedy Gourmet are available for licensing. So, what is your favourite marjoram substitute? Marjoram is part of the mint family, and actually a sub-species of oregano. On the other hand, marjoram’s flavor is more refined. Its most popular use is as a flavoring in vinegars and salad dressings. You can use oregano as a marjoram substitute in all forms of soups, stews, salads, you name it. Also, make sure you check out these 8 lemongrass substitutes. Because of oregano’s strong flavor, you will use less of it when using it in place of marjoram. Here’s what you can use instead of marjoram when you’re running low. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano, use 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. Above all, it is commonly used for seasoning soups, dressings, sauces, stews and more. Both fresh and dried leaves can be used to season foods with its mild, bittersweet taste. You must have noticed that this herb is often called for in the same recipes as marjoram—a clear indicator that they work well in similar dishes.