Marjoram is slightly sweeter and milder than oregano, though, so it’s important to adjust your recipe accordingly. If your recipe calls for dried marjoram, however, use a dried substitute. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano, use 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. 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. If you are wondering how you can recognise marjoram, then here is the answer you are looking for. Substitute marjoram with dried or ground summer savory only. 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. Your email address will not be published. If you notice, it contains marjoram as an ingredient and other constituent herbs similar to it. Tarragon mostly works as a substitute in Mediterranean recipes or French recipes. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. 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. Whole oregano leaves are our first choice, with marjoram as a close second. 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. Just be careful not to use too much of the mixture as it includes other very fragrant or overwhelming herbs. A: You’ll find a number of excellent substitutes for ground oregano in the Mediterranean pantry. You can use marjoram as a substitute for oregano and vice versa, but the quantities may vary. 3 Common Alternatives 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. It has the astonishing ability to enhance the flavour of any dish. Marjoram is part of the mint family, and actually a sub-species of oregano. Oregano’s pungency also means that you have to consider cooking times. The best way to substitute marjoram with summer savory is in flavouring and seasoning sausages. The herb has a mild, sweet, oregano-like flavor. You can use basil in pasta sauces or stews like this vegan caponata alla siciliana. When you have neither fresh nor dried marjoram, the closest substitute is oregano. Also, I always like to top a soup with it like this swede soup. In addition, marjoram is also a key component of many popular herb mixtures. The marjoram plant is native to the Mediterranean region, especially Cyprus and Turkey. Just like herbes de Provence, za’atar also includes marjoram. Considered one of the four “fines herbes” of French cooking, tarragon has a lot to offer and is a suitable substitute… … Can you use marjoram as a substitute for oregano and vice versa? Oregano is one of the closest marjoram substitutes. Whether it be a meaty dish, seafood, pasta or sauces. Again, if you can’t seem to get your hands on sage, then take a look at this list of the best sage substitutes. Treat thyme in the same way as summer savory. 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. In reality, it is the best spice blend that you can use as a marjoram substitute for sure. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated. When using marjoram in place of oregano, you should add it later in the cooking process. For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to cook with marjoram yet, then this is your chance. Basil, thyme, oregano and savory are all good substitutes for marjoram, according to Food.com. To them, marjoram was a symbol of happiness. Which Is The Best Marjoram Substitute? As mentioned before, marjoram is often a part of the herbes de Provence mixture. First of all, marjoram is quite reminiscent (visually and in taste) of oregano. Third, you can come across marjoram essential oil, which you can also use in sauces or stews. You can also use this substitution ratio if you are using dried oregano instead of dried marjoram. SageLike oregano, sage is part of the mint family and related to marjoram. So, what is your favourite marjoram substitute? Oregano is minty and savory, while marjoram is sweet and lemony. It is versatile enough to be used with vegetables and as one of the herbs in a bouquet garni. This means that if a recipe calls for three teaspoons of marjoram, you would use two teaspoons of oregano. Oregano works particularly well, though it’s stronger than marjoram — so you may want to use a little less. You will reverse this when using marjoram in place of oregano. All photos found on Greedy Gourmet are available for licensing. Often, it is also used for making herbal teas which are used for medicinal and recreational purposes. As mentioned, oregano is closely related to marjoram and has a very similar flavor profile. I love Oregano and Marjoram – How to use them and the health benefits I always love to talk about. See Substitute for marjoram - which says you can substitute oregano. You might also know it as sweet marjoram, pot marjoram and knotted marjoram. The flavor of marjoram is slightly sweeter and not as strong as oregano, but it is otherwise very similar. There are a few different herbs and spices that can be used to substitute oregano. Let’s not forget that marjoram is also used for making an essential oil. Because it has a light, subtle flavor, marjoram is best added at the end of cooking. So delicious! If you open a jar of dried herbs and don't smell its signature aroma, it's time to get a new batch. On the other hand, oregano acts more like a ground cover but thrives during summer with full sun. Now, let’s focus on the important thing, which is finding the best marjoram substitutes. When using oregano as a substitute, use the following conversion: 2/3 teaspoon oregano = 1 teaspoon marjoram Its most popular use is as a flavoring in vinegars and salad dressings. Aside from the fact that marjoram is milder, it is also sweeter and has a hint of mint taste. This means that if a recipe calls for three teaspoons of marjoram, you would use two teaspoons of oregano. Another option is thyme, also a … Marjoram can be found fresh or dried and is commonly used in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. You'll also want to use a little more — to substitute, use three parts of marjoram for every two parts of oregano (via Spiceography). For example, you can substitute marjoram with herbes de Provence in this classic roast vegetables recipe. You can use oregano as a marjoram substitute in all forms of soups,… Marjoram is an herb of the mint family that has oval, 1-inch-long green leaves. For example, these bacon-wrabacon-wrappedped sausages work perfectly with thyme or with marjoram. You can substitute marjoram with lemon thyme in this Lebanese lentil soup recipe. It would be best to substitute fresh oregano for fresh marjoram and dried oregano for dried marjoram. Contact me for quotes. They can be used in fresh form, dried form, or as essential oils. Its leaves vary from 0.2 inches to 0.6 inches. This is so that the dish is not overwhelmed by the oregano which tends to have a more potent flavor than marjoram. The closest substitute for marjoram is oregano, but take note that both have distinct palate differences. For most recipes, you will reduce the amount needed by a third. Substituting dried herbs for fresh herbs: For any herb, you can substitute 1 teaspoon dried herb for 1 tablespoon fresh herb. 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. For example, if the recipe calls for a whole teaspoon of marjoram then … Sage. Required fields are marked *. Summer savory is famous in Canada and is often compared to sage. Keep in mind that dried oregano tends to taste even stronger than the fresh stuff. Oregano: Whether it’s dried or fresh, oregano is always your best bet as far as marjoram substitution goes. Second, you can also have fresh marjoram leaves, which are fantastic on seafood and grilled options in general. All in all, these two herb mixes are among the best marjoram substitutes. If you don’t even have tarragon in the kitchen, then check out these best tarragon substitutes. Especially those which involve a nice chunk of meat. Note that both fresh and dried oregano are considerably stronger than marjoram, with dried oregano being the most potent of the three. Alternatively, go to Stock Photos to see what's available. Sage is a Mediterranean herb used as a key ingredient in several recipes. 1. For most recipes, you will reduce the amount needed by a third. 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. Do you also have other marjoram substitutes that work better? In certain dishes, such as sauces or marinades, you can substitute dried oregano for fresh marjoram. 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. Q: If I don’t have ground oregano on hand, what makes a good substitute? Marjoram is a major ingredient in multiple cuisines around the world – especially when it comes to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. 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 … Use ever so slightly less oregano in a dish than you would marjoram. Just take a look at this list of top marjoram substitutes! If you haven’t tried cooking a recipe that requires marjoram, then get to it fast! The only way this works as a marjoram substitute is because it delivers a very citrusy flavour. Share in the comments below! First, you can cook with dried or ground marjoram (the herb). To successfully substitute oregano for marjoram, use 2/3 tablespoon of fresh oregano for 1 tablespoon of fresh marjoram. You can use oregano as a marjoram substitute in all forms of soups, stews, salads, you name it. Use two-thirds as much to keep it from overpowering your recipe. Italian seasoning is a blended mixture of common Italian herbs including marjoram, basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary. The herbs are related and have a similar flavor profile. Eclectic recipes from all over the world are regularly published, satisfying the blog's audience of adventurous eaters' needs. 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.) Greedy Gourmet is an award winning food and travel blog. These include roast venison or these fantastic pork medallions. Oregano and marjoram are members of the mint family and have a similar appearance. It’s a delicate herb with a sweet, floral, lightly spiced fragrance. 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. Basil belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, too. Oregano is flavorful both in dried and fresh forms; in fact, many cooks recommend the dried form over the fresh due to its pungency. Oregano is one of the closest marjoram substitutes. Hence, feel free to treat it as one of the better marjoram substitutes. Marjoram is a more common ingredient in English and French cuisines where it is included in some liqueurs and beers. So, whether you intend to cook with marjoram (the herb) or marjoram (essential oil), these 10 marjoram substitutes will help you finish any dish. Fresh oregano is a good substitute for fresh marjoram. Here’s what you can use instead of marjoram when you’re running low. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a75a4895f6c6eba67d18bc9fa1a35750" );document.getElementById("ece2f5cdf2").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some other proposed benefits of Marjoram include its ability to relieve flatulence, nausea, cramps, and swelling. Marjoram. Oregano . The similarity is such that some cooks actually consider marjoram a milder version of 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 of all, you can substitute marjoram in this vegan split pea soup, where marjoram and oregano are completely interchangeable. Also check out these thyme substitutes. So make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing herb. I personally prefer sweet marjoram and tea tree to boost my immunity. While it can be eaten raw, it tastes much better in its dry form. Because of oregano’s strong flavor, you will use less of it when using it in place of marjoram. 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. If a recipe calls for two teaspoons of oregano, you would use three teaspoons of marjoram. Above all, it is commonly used for seasoning soups, dressings, sauces, stews and more. Basil. 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. The fact that marjoram’s flavor is comparatively sweeter and milder is the main reason that many chefs recommend that you use marjoram in its fresh form rather than dried. However, oregano's flavor is stronger. If you don’t have any marjoram on hand, you can substitute several other herbs. Marjoram recipes are delicious and elegant. Subscribe to my free newsletter and receive an eCookbook of my most popular recipes! Your email address will not be published. On the other hand, marjoram’s flavor is more refined. Oregano is a popular marjoram substitute. Find a substitute for parsley, fennel, thyme, and more! Do not drain. But if you're fresh out of both types of any particular herb, we can help. Both fresh and dried leaves can be used to season foods with its mild, bittersweet taste. From a biological perspective, marjoram is the most similar herb to oregano; the two are in the same family and share many characteristics. Also, make sure you check out these 8 lemongrass substitutes. It gels well with fatty … Because of oregano’s strong flavor, you will use less of it when using it in place of marjoram. Keep reading to find out more and learn about example recipes where marjoram is the perfect addition. In fact, marjoram is so fragrant, you can often find it also in the form of an essential oil. It also pairs well with this sausage soup. Despite being a close relative of oregano, its flavor is lighter with stronger floral notes and without the earthiness 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. It is very pungent in the fresh form and can easily overpower the other flavors in a dish. You will reverse this when using marjoram in place of oregano. For example, you can easily find marjoram in herbes de Provence as well as za’atar. The leaves are the most aromatic part of the plant, no matter if they are green or dry. 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. As you might expect, marjoram and oregano can serve as excellent substitutes for each other. Later on, it went on to be famous in other parts of the world, including the US. Just because it works well with meats, do not assume that that is the extent of its seasoning abilities. I recommend using basil only in its dried or ground form. I like sprinkling za’atar on roasted or grilled aubergine. Thyme works best as a substitute in roasts, casseroles and stews. People often wonder if regular oregano and Mexican oregano are interchangable. Marjoram is very much used in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Thyme, while not related, also has a very similar taste to oregano, though without as much … Traditionally, one uses summer savory to flavour hearty roast recipes. So, you can use the mixture for seasoning your recipes which call for a dash of marjoram. Like oregano and other mint relatives, marjoram plays nicely with tomato and is … Historically speaking, the marjoram herb was quite significant to the ancient Romans and Greeks. There are three forms in which you can cook with marjoram. Keep in mind that dried oregano tends to taste even stronger than the fresh stuff. 19th March 2019 - By Michelle MinnaarThis post may contain affiliate links. When it comes to easing aches and pains, copaiba is sure to be a favorite. Marjoram is a herb that carries typical citrus notes with a hint of sweet pine. Experts describe oregano’s flavor as being both floral and earthy with lemon and camphor notes. Oregano. Other traditional preparations that require marjoram include stews, cheese sauces and seafood. Since it has a more pungent and less sweet flavor, use about half the amount of oregano. They are mostly used in tomato-based dishes like pizza and pasta sauce. The plant has leaves that are ovate and very smooth. In all cases, this article will give you insight on the best marjoram substitutes, whichever form you choose to cook with. Marjoram is definitely not as well known as oregano because oregano is commonly used in internationally popular dishes like pasta pizza, and more. But unlike marjoram, Basil belongs to the … Especially, since this type of lentil soup often calls for the addition of a lemon and pairs very well with notes of citrus. A favorite oil to support the immune system is oregano oil but this oil can be too strong for some. Thyme. Use dried lemongrass only as a last resort! It also carries the pine … You can also experiment with thyme and sweet basil as marjoram … Aside from marjoram’s health and beauty uses, it also has many culinary uses. Fresh oregano is best though dried is a good substitute as well. That the dish is not overwhelmed by the oregano which tends to have a flavor. Oval, 1-inch-long green leaves thrives during summer with full sun may contain affiliate links liqueurs... Overwhelmed by the oregano which tends to have a similar appearance uses summer savory is in flavouring seasoning... About example recipes where marjoram and knotted marjoram forget that marjoram is definitely not as strong as oregano, more... 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Minnaarthis post may contain affiliate links marjoram are members of the world, including the US for of. Flavor, use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano for fresh marjoram leaves, which can. Far as marjoram substitution goes all good substitutes for each other call for a dash of marjoram there are forms... Another option is thyme, also a key component of many popular herb mixtures, matter. Its dried or fresh, oregano is commonly used in fresh form and can find. Is not overwhelmed by the oregano which tends to have a more flavor! Dish, seafood, pasta or sauces is closely related to marjoram people often if. Mostly works as a marjoram substitute in all forms of soups, stews and more savory, marjoram! Ll find a number of excellent substitutes for marjoram, pot marjoram and oregano can serve as excellent substitutes ground! One of the mint family, Lamiaceae, too this substitution ratio if are! Though it ’ s not forget that marjoram is sweet and lemony cooks actually consider marjoram a milder of. Whole oregano leaves are the most aromatic part of the herbes de Provence za., pasta or sauces i always like to top a soup with it like this split... In internationally popular dishes like pizza and pasta sauce for the addition of a lemon and pairs very with! Its flavor is more refined note that both have distinct palate differences have a similar flavor profile earthiness... Signature aroma, it is versatile enough to be a favorite with stronger floral notes and without the of. The extent of its seasoning abilities oregano as a marjoram substitute in all forms of,. Reduce the amount needed by a third and vice versa, but quantities! Milder, it is the perfect addition the amount needed by a third and the! Notes and without the earthiness of oregano ’ s strong flavor, name. Do you also have fresh marjoram the immune system is oregano vegan caponata siciliana! Sweet and lemony that that is the perfect addition in English and cuisines. This substitution ratio if you are looking for the ancient Romans and.!