Quick Answer: What To Substitute For Savory?
There are different ways in which you can substitute Savory. It gives a tasteful and yummy peppery taste. The Savory can be substituted with thyme, oregano, basil, sage, herbs, winter savory, and many more options that you can use as substitutes for savory.
Savory is a member of the mint family, which has a robust and peppery taste. It’s been used for over 2,000 years, and is native to the sunny slopes of the Mediterranean region.
Although there are around 30 different types of savory, the most used is winter savory and summer savory.
Savory is also referred to as the “herb of love.” This is because the Ancient Romans believed that it was a natural aphrodisiac, so it was used to make love potions.
Savory’s reputation was so strong that European monasteries were forbidden from growing it for fear that the monks would fall under its spell.
Today, however, one of the more common uses for savory is to season meat, flavor beans, and give a thyme-like flavor to a meal.
Not only is it used to season meals, but it is also known for having several health benefits. It is often used to help with digestive issues, and is a remedy for sore throats, coughs, and bacterial infections.
It can also help with asthma and respiratory tract infections. Savory is also considered a natural antiseptic, and can be used to treat bites or stings.
What Is Winter Savory?
Winter savory, also known as satureja montana, is a bitter and aromatic herb that has tough, bright green leaves.
It’s known for being a hardy plant that typically grows in the rocky bedrocks of the Mediterranean – hence the name “montana” which means “mountain.”
It is most reminiscent of the winter season, as it has hints of pine and sage, which is why it’s most commonly used in slow-cook meals like stews and soups.
It’s also added to stuffing, lentils, and beans, and is often mixed with breadcrumbs as a topping.
What Is Summer Savory?
In comparison, summer savory, or Satureja hortensis, is a sweet and somewhat spicy-smelling herb, which is much lighter in flavor. In terms of appearance, it’s delicate, with small, light green leaves.
It’s used in both traditional dishes, and holiday cooking, and is one of the most popular herbs in Acadia, which is an Atlantic Coast region in Canada.
Because of its tender leaves, summer savory is typically used as a garnish for salads, used in egg dishes, and in the making of sausages.
It is also one of the ingredients which is used in the dry spice mixture herbes de Provence, which is typically used in stews, sauces, and for grilled meats.
What Is The Difference Between Summer And Winter Savory?
Summer savory has a hot and peppery flavor, whereas winter savory has a more subdued earthy taste. However, both have notes of mint, thyme, and marjoram.
Both winter and summer savory were extremely popular herbs until the spice route from Asia introduced black pepper to Europe.
Quick Table: Savory Substitutes
| Substitutes | Calories (Per 100 Grams) |
| Winter Savory | 82 |
| Thyme | 101 |
| Rosemary | 131 |
| Marjoram | 271 |
| Sage | 315 |
| Oregano | 306 |
| Basil | 22 |
| Herbes de Provence | 3.6 |
| Mint | 70 |
| Dill | 43 |
| Coriander | 23 |
Best Substitutes For Savory
Winter Savory
If your recipe needs summer savory, you can actually use winter savory as a substitute, despite it having a more bitter flavor.
However, if you cook winter savory for a long time, it will weaken its strength, but your dish will have a slightly bitter sage and pine flavor.
As it’s quite a hardy herb, winter savory pairs best with beans, meat, fish, root vegetables, cabbage, and lentils, and is great for stews and soups.
How To Substitute
Substitute winter savory from savory, this plant has a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that compliments poultry, seafood, and vegetable dishes. The winter savory is harvested in the fall, as it starts to die back in the fall and winter.
Thyme
Thyme is probably the most similar herb to both kinds of savory and can be easily substituted with a 1:1 ratio because of the similarities in flavor.
Thyme is a grassy and woody-flavored herb, which is pretty similar to lavender and rosemary. It is commonly used in savory dishes such as roasted meat, fish, stews, soups, marinades, vegetables, and even baked goods.
How To Substitute
There are several methods to substitute thyme for savory. One way is to add ground sage to the dish. Another way is to use oregano. One way to substitute thyme for savory is to use dried oregano. This method requires using less thyme and more oregano, which is not always an option.
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Rosemary
Rosemary has a pretty unique flavor which consists of pine, citrus, and peppery notes. It is most reminiscent of sage, mint, lavender, citrus, and evergreen.
Rosemary leaves are dried and fresh, but because of their tough texture, you should chop them before use.
Rosemary can be used for seasoning meat, potatoes, lentils, and beans, and in soups and stews. However, it is also commonly used in bread doughs.
As rosemary has a similar flavor profile to savory, it can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.
How To Substitute
When substituting rosemary for savory, it is best to use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per 1 tablespoon of savory. When you substitute rosemary for savory, the flavor is more subtle. To do this, you should add rosemary to your cooking as you are cooking.
Marjoram
Like savory, marjoram is a member of the mint family. It has a pine and citrus flavor, which closely resembles oregano. Another similarity to savory is that it is one of the herbs used in herbes de Provence.
It is also one of the ingredients used in other spice mixtures like Italian seasoning, za’atar, and poultry seasoning.
Marjoram is best paired with poultry, meat dishes, and vegetables. It’s also a great herb to use in stews, sauces, soups, and salad dressings.
You can also use Marjoram as a substitute for savory in a 1:1 ratio.
How To Substitute
Marjoram, sometimes referred to as “sweet marjoram,” is a relative of oregano, but is more similar to thyme in taste. It has a sweet, woody flavor that is quite versatile. The flavor of marjoram can be easily substituted in any recipe calling for thyme.
Sage
Like winter savory, sage has a strong earthy, and bitter flavor, which has hints of pine. Sage also has some citrus notes, which help boost the flavors in a lot of dishes.
Some of its most common uses are for seasoning lamb, poultry, beans, and potatoes. It is also used in sauces, pastries, marinades, and bread.
Fresh sage can be used in a 1:1 ratio to substitute savory. However, it’s worth noting that dried sage has a much stronger flavor which can overpower the rest of the flavors in a dish. If you do use dried sage, use it sparingly.
How To Substitute
Sage is a type of herb that is used for flavoring a variety of dishes, but it can also be substituted with savory. Substituting it for savory, which has a more intense, pungent flavor, can be a great way to make dishes more flavorful.
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Oregano
Oregano has an earthy and slightly bitter mint flavor. It’s often confused with marjoram, due to their similarities in taste, however, oregano has a slightly stronger flavor.
Oregano is a common ingredient in stews, pasta sauces, pizzas, and other sauces. It is also used to season seafood, fish, chicken, and beans.
Due to its similar flavor profile, oregano is a great substitute for savory and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
How To Substitute
Oregano is a strong herb, while savory is a much milder herb that can be used in any dish to create a more savory taste. The two herbs can be substituted with each other, and this is a great way to use up the oregano you might have in your cupboard.
Basil
Basil is another member of the mint family, which has a fresh and sweet aroma that is contrasted by a slightly peppery-mint flavor. Fresh or dried basil is a common ingredient in soups, salads, sauces, or as a pizza topping.
If you’re using fresh basil, it should not be added until the end of the cooking process, otherwise, it will lose its flavor if it is cooked for too long.
Basil can also be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for savory.
How To Substitute
Basil is a delicate herb with a sweet, pungent flavor. It’s not easy to substitute basil with something else. But by using savory, you can replace basil in many recipes. Savory has a similar flavor to basil, but it is less aromatic.
Herbes De Provence
Herbes de Provence is a pretty popular spice mixture that consists of rosemary, thyme, savory, oregano, marjoram, and more. It is most commonly used to season grilled meats and fish and is also added to soups and stews.
Although there are many flavors, each herb and spice combine to make one aromatic mixture that will lift the flavor of many different meals. As savory is one of the ingredients, you can use herbes de Provence in a 1:1 ratio to substitute savory.
How To Substitute
A great way to substitute herbes de provence is to use savory. Savory is a herb that has a more intense flavor than herbes de provence. The flavor is a combination of the spices used in the dish, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and basil.
Mint
A refreshing flavor that is both energizing and invigorating. This ice-cold water is perfect for keeping you cool on a hot summer day.
Experience a fresh way for an amazing appetizer. The tender herb can be used in raw form to maintain the delicacy and flavor.
A refreshing herb that provides a cooling sensation and tingling mouthfeel. The sensation of coolness and tingling feeling as the leaves hit your tongue is unparalleled.
It’s an herb that provides a refreshing, cool sensation that can be used in a variety of recipes.
How To Substitute
You can easily substitute savory with mint leaves by using the leaves to make a mint jelly or by adding the leaves to your ice cream.
Dill
A light and tangy flavor that makes a perfect addition to many dishes, dill is a plant that is also used to make dill pickles.
It has a fresh and bright taste, and is a great addition to many salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Dill is most commonly used in salads, but can also be found in pickles and soups.
It has a lemony, pungent taste and is often used in pickles, as well as in savory sauces, dressings, and marinades.
How To Substitute
Dill can also be used as a substitute for savory in other recipes. Dill can be used in place of basil, oregano, thyme, or sage. Dill has a unique, fresh flavor that is perfect for dishes that need a more delicate taste.
Coriander
Coriander is a fragrant herb with a peppery taste and a slightly bitter aroma. It is often used in Mexican and Indian dishes.
A delicate and aromatic herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. The leaves are used as a garnish for dishes such as salads, curries, and soups.
It is an herb that is related to cilantro, but it has a more pungent flavor and aroma. It has lance-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs on a stem.
The leaves of the coriander plant are used in many different cuisines and dishes. They are often used in Indian dishes, like a spice in curry and as a flavor in breads and cakes.
How To Substitute
One can replace savory with coriander in many different dishes. The addition of coriander to dishes, whether meat or vegetable, can add a fresh, earthy flavor that complements many flavors.
Final Thoughts
These are the best substitutes that you can use to replace savory in a recipe, as they all have a pretty similar flavor. Most of the herbs mentioned on the list are also members of the mint family, just like savory.
You can use most of these herbs in the same quantities as savory for a dish, however, you can add more if you like the flavor that they provide.
Also, if you want to add more flavors to a dish, you can mix two herbs together. Basil and oregano work well together, as do sage and thyme. You can also use herbes de Provence, which contains several different herbs and spices, including savory itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Spice Is Called Savory?
Savory is a herb that belongs to the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean area. It has been used since the Middle Ages, and has an aromatic, almost thyme-like flavor, but with a peppery bite.
It is also pretty similar in flavor to marjoram and is one of the main ingredients used in herbes de Provence.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Savory?
Throughout history, savory has been used as a natural remedy to help relieve various different health problems. The most common benefits include relieving dry and sore throats, bee stings, sciatica, and intestinal disorders.
It can also be used to lower bad cholesterol, and as it is rich in antioxidants, it is thought to prevent cancer (not known if that is 100% accurate).
It is a great source of potassium, which is key in controlling heart rate. Summer savory, in particular, is extremely rich in iron, which is essential for red blood cell formation.
It also contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps your body build resistance against diseases, and vitamin A, which is good for your skin and eyesight.
What Is The Best Substitute For Savory?
Out of all the herbs we have mentioned, the best substitute would have to be thyme. The two are very similar in flavor profile, as they are both pungent and minty.
They are also very similar in appearance and texture, and thyme can be used in a 1:1 ratio to substitute savory.
The Best Substitutes For Savory
15
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minutesCan’t get hold of savory, but a recipe insists that you use it? Here are the 8 best and most similar herb substitutes that you can use instead.
Ingredients
Winter Savory
Thyme
Rosemary
Marjoram
Sage
Oregano
Basil
Herbes de Provence
Mint
Dill
Coriander
Directions
- Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
- Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio
Recipe Video
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
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