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I ran out of bay leaves for my soup today, and I wondered what bay leaves substitute could I find in my kitchen without leaving my house to get anything. Then I learned the best bay leaf substitute is either dried basil or thyme because they provide a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor.
I got the desired result, but every herb has its flavor. Thyme is not bay leaf; it’s only an easy substitute that can be easily found in the kitchen.
Bay leaves are special in cooking due to their unique flavor and aroma contribution. They are commonly used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, broths, and meat dishes. Bay leaves are gotten from the Laurel tree, native to warm climates like the Mediterranean, and can be used fresh, dried, crushed, whole, or ground. The flavor of bay leaves is similar to spearmint and menthol, pine, and black pepper, and fresh bay leaves also have floral notes in flavor.
Sometimes, you may run out of bay leaves, just like me. In such cases, there are a few substitutes you can turn to. I use dried thyme leaves, but there are other substitutes I will share in this write-up.
Best Bay Leaves Substitute
Dried Thyme
Dried thyme has a strong, earthy, and slightly minty flavor with a subtle, lemony, sweet undertone. It has a spicy, aromatic, and slightly floral aroma. Dried thyme is a versatile herb in various dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, roasted meats, and vegetables.
Dried Basil
Dried basil has a sweet, slightly peppery, and minty flavor with a subtle anise undertone. It has a strong, aromatic, and slightly floral aroma. Dried basil works well in tomato-based dishes like pasta sauces, soups, and stews.
Dried Oregano
Dried oregano has a robust, slightly bitter, bold, sweet, and spicy flavor. It has a strong, aromatic, and slightly floral aroma. Dried oregano is commonly used in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisines, and it pairs well with tomato-based dishes, grilled meats, vegetables, and salads.
Bay Leaf Powder
Bay leaf powder can be used as a 1:1 substitute for dried bay leaves. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 dried bay leaves, you can use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of bay leaf powder instead. Bay leaf powder is available in most grocery stores and can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
You can leave bay leaves out of your recipe if you don’t have bay leaves. They give a mild taste that comes out as the stew cooks, but it’s not a big deal if you don’t use them.
Remember to adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences, as each substitute may vary in intensity.
Substitute for Bay Leaf in Stew
A suitable substitute for bay leaf in stew is dried thyme. It can provide a similar aromatic and earthy flavor to your dish. Start with a small amount, such as half a teaspoon of dried thyme, and adjust according to your taste preferences.
What Kind of Flavor Does Bay Leaf Add?
Bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic, and slightly floral flavor to dishes. It adds a unique herbal flavor, which could be difficult to substitute with other ingredients. Bay leaves have a somewhat bitter and medicinal mild taste, but they also provide a pleasantly sweet and savory aspect to dishes. While the actual leaf is not typically consumed, it imparts a distinct and complex flavor during cooking.
