Bay leaves are aromatic and generally used in cooking to bring out the flavor and cut through the richness in a dish. Bay leaves come from the laurel tree and are prominent in many different cuisines from all over the world from India to the Caribbean and East Asia, whole leaves are added to dishes, usually slow cooking sauces or stews and then removed before serving.
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Substitute for Bay Leaf
Although it’s widely debated whether or not bay leaves add significant flavor to dishes or if they’re mostly unnecessary, there are a few substitutes you can use if you want to help to bring out the flavors of your favorite dish. Using one of the substitutes below will give you a hint of complexity that is similar to adding bay leaf to your sauce or stew. Use ¼ teaspoon of either of these substitutes for 1 bay leaf.
Considering the debate as to what a bay leaf contributes to dishes, you also have the option to just leave the bay leaf out of the recipe altogether.
Substitute for Ground Bay Leaf
Ground bay leaves can be used similarly to whole bay leaves, without the need to remove before serving. Ground bay leaf can also be used for rubs for meat with some salt and pepper. Ground bay leaf helps build flavor opposed to offering a strong, signature flavor. Bay leaves compliment acids and also emphasize the umami flavors in chilis, sauces, and stews. If you don’t have whole or ground bay leaves, you can use dried Greek oregano or dried thyme in its place.
Common Bay Leaf Questions
What Are Some Common Bay Leaf Recipes?
While bay leaves are generally used in stews and soups like our pea soup, we also love it in rice dishes like this arroz con pollo and even hot beverages like this chai latte recipe.
How Much Ground Bay Leaf Equals 1 Bay Leaf?
Between ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon equals 1 bay leaf. This is the same conversion you should use if you’re substituting dried oregano or dried thyme for a bay leaf.
What Are Some Benefits of Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves emphasize the existing flavors and compliment the other spices in each dish. Bay leaves are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and have even been proven to help treat migraines. Bay leaves can also help with digestion. These benefits make a good case to use bay leaves or ground bay leaves in your favorite dish!
FAQs
If you don't have whole or ground bay leaves, you can use dried Greek oregano or dried thyme in its place.
What can I use in place of bay leaves? ›
Thyme and Oregano are the best universal substitutions for bay leaf. Fresh basil is sweeter than a bay leaf but makes a good bay leaf alternative in Italian dishes. Dried basil has a peppery taste like bay leaves making it a great alternative for bay leaf substitution.
How much thyme equals one bay leaf? ›
How To Substitute Thyme For Bay Leaves. Generally, you should substitute ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme per bay leaf. The same goes for oregano if you don't have thyme on hand. Many people grow fresh thyme: After all, a small pot of thyme is easier to fit on a kitchen windowsill than a 6-foot-tall bay laurel tree.
Does a bay leaf really make a difference? ›
It has a slightly pine, eucalyptus-type flavor which might not sound enticing on its own, but it gives dishes an herbaceous lightness that creates balance. While you might not be able to pinpoint bay leaf flavor in a sip of soup, you'll notice when it's not there. It gives soups and stews that oomph!
How much oregano is equal to 2 bay leaves? ›
Substitutions for Bay Leaves
Substitute 1/4 tsp. dried thyme or oregano, for each bay leaf or 1/4 tsp. crushed bay leaf called for in the recipe.
Can I skip bay leaves? ›
Most commonly, bay leaves are used in stocks, soups, and stews. Alternatives to cooking with whole bay leaves include using powdered bay leaves, substituting with oregano or thyme, or simply omitting bay leaves from the recipe altogether.
Are bay leaves important in a recipe? ›
Many cuisines, including Greek, French and Indian, depend on the bay leaf for its ability to transform simple ingredients. From risotto to mole to tomato sauce to simmered beans, bay leaves bring depth and complexity.
Are bay leaves necessary in soup? ›
Bay leaves don't hit you over the head with intense aromatic flavor presence, but if they're included in a slow simmering soup, stew, or braise, they do add a subtle flavor layer that's going to lend a little more depth to whatever you're cooking."
What flavour do bay leaves add? ›
Flavour profile
Dried bay leaves have a delicate, warm aroma, and you'll find them a lot less bitter than their fresh counterpart. Their taste is often likened to oregano and thyme, and the slightly medicinal, aromatic flavour works particularly well with warming spices like nutmeg and chilli flakes.
What is the point of a bay leaf? ›
Fresh or dried bay leaves are used in cooking for their distinctive flavour and fragrance. The leaves should be removed from the cooked food before eating (see safety section below). The leaves are often used to flavour soups, stews, braises and pâtés in many countries.
Thyme - With its earthy and slightly minty flavor, thyme serves as an excellent substitute for bay leaves in many recipes. Use thyme in soups, stews, and sauces to add depth and complexity to your dishes.
Why put bay leaf under pillow? ›
The Timeless Tradition of Bay Leaves under the Pillow
The belief is that these leaves, symbols of peace and protection, have a profound calming effect on the body and mind. The subtle, natural fragrance of bay leaves can lull you into a serene slumber, providing a respite from the demands of the day.
What flavor does bay leaves give? ›
What Is A Bay Leaf's Flavor? In their fresh form, bay leaves tend to be more bitter and pungent, while dried they taste more herbal, with flavor notes similar to thyme or oregano. They are often described as having notes of eucalyptus, menthol, and pine.
What's the difference between basil and bay leaves? ›
Appearance: Bay leaves are thin, dried leaves with a dark green color, while basil leaves are broad and fresh with a bright green color. Bay leaves are usually used whole and removed from the dish before serving, while basil is often used as a garnish or chopped and mixed into the dish.
What do bay leaves do a lot if you use them right? ›
Accordingly, says Ledet, bay leaves help balance the flavors in dishes by adding a touch of bitterness and acidity, which can cut through richness and enhance other flavors. Plus, their aromatic compounds can help neutralize undesirable tastes, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable dish.
