Substitutions for Bay Leaves Have dried bay leaves, when your recipe calls for crushed, or fresh bay leaves when your recipe calls for dried? Use this formula to arrive at the proper substitution: One fresh bay leaf = two dried leaves. One dried bay leaf = 1/4 tsp.
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.
- Ground bay leaf
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
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.
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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.
Do bay leaves actually do anything?
FAQ
What is the equivalent of 2 bay leaves?
How many teaspoons is one bay leaf?
How much oregano is 2 bay leaves?
How much thyme equals 2 bay leaves?