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Herb & Spice Substitutes

Sometimes a recipe calls for something you just don't have in the cupboard...

Herb Substitutions



Basil - Oregano or thyme
Chervil - Tarragon or parsley
Chive - Green onion; onion; or leek
Cilantro - Parsley
Italian Seasoning - Blend of any of these: basil, oregano, rosemary, and ground red pepper
Marjoram - Basil; thyme; or savory
Mint - Basil; marjoram; or rosemary
Oregano - Thyme or basil
Parsley - Chervil or cilantro
Poultry Seasoning - Sage plus a blend of any of these: thyme, marjoram, savory, black pepper, and rosemary
Red Pepper - Dash bottled hot pepper sauce or black pepper
Rosemary - Thyme; tarragon; or savory
Sage - Poultry seasoning; savory; marjoram; or rosemary
Savory - Thyme; marjoram; or sage
Tarragon - Chervil; dash fennel seed; or dash aniseed
Thyme - Basil; marjoram; oregano; or savory

Spice Substitutions

Allspice          Cinnamon; cassia; dash of nutmeg or mace; or dash of cloves
Aniseed          Fennel seed or a few drops anise extract
Cardamom Ginger
Chili Powder Dash bottled hot pepper sauce plus a combination of oregano and cumin
Cinnamon          Nutmeg or allspice (use only 1/4 of the amount)
Cloves          Allspice; cinnamon; or nutmeg
Cumin          Chili powder
Ginger          Allspice; cinnamon; mace; or nutmeg
Mace          Allspice; cinnamon; ginger; or nutmeg
Mustard        Wasabi powder (1/4 to 1/2 as much since it is hotter); horseradish powder; 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder = 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
Nutmeg         Cinnamon; ginger; or mace
Saffron         Dash turmeric or annato powder (for color)
Turmeric        Dash saffron (for color) plus ground mustard powder (one to one ratio)
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