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Alternatives to Bay Leaves
Alternatives to Bay Leaves. Bay leaves. which originated in the Mediterranean, were used for medicinal purposes long before they were added to food. Available fresh and dried, bay leaves impart a complex flavor to soups, stews and other dishes, particularly roast meat. If you don't have bay leaves on hand, try substituting boldo leaves, a South...
Bay leaves. which originated in the Mediterranean, were used for medicinal purposes long before they were added to food. Available fresh and dried, bay leaves impart a complex flavor to soups, stews and other dishes, particularly roast meat. If you don't have bay leaves on hand, try substituting boldo leaves, a South American seasoning with a peppery, spicy flavor and slightly medicinal fragrance.
Other Herbs
Other popular herbs and spices can be used in place of bay leaves. Though they won't give your cooking the exact same taste, they will add a similar depth and savory flavor. Thyme, with its minty taste, and juniper berries, which impart hints of citrus and pine that work well with meat, are both alternatives to bay leaves.
Fresh, Dry and Ground
Be wary of using fresh or ground bay leaves as alternatives for dried bay leaves and vice versa. California bay leaves are the most common fresh variety, according to Serious Eats, and their strong taste can be overwhelming. Ground bay leaves have a similar ability to overpower food, while dried leaves don't deliver the same intense flavor as fresh, making them a poor substitute.
