According to the Food Network's Food Encyclopedia, bay leaf is also called laurel leaf or bay laurel, this aromatic herb comes from the evergreen bay laurel tree, native to the Mediterranean. Early Greeks and Romans attributed magical properties to the laurel leaf, and it has long been a symbol of honor, celebration and triumph, as in "winning your laurels." The two main varieties of bay leaf are Turkish (which has 1- to 2-inch-long oval leaves) and Californian (with narrow 2- to 3-inch-long leaves). The Turkish bay leaves have a more subtle flavor than do the California variety. Bay leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, vegetables and meats. They're generally removed before serving. Overuse of this herb can make a dish bitter. Fresh bay leaves are seldom available in markets. Dried bay leaves have a fraction of the flavor of fresh. Store dried bay leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Some individuals may be surprised to learn that 1 tablespoon crumbled bay leaf has 6 calories, 10 grams potassium, and 1 gram carbohydrate. 1 whole bay leaf = 1/4 teaspoon crushed or 1/2 tsp broken bay leaves. The substitute for bay leaf is an equal amount of thyme, basil, or oregano.
Thyme is the most versatile and common substitute for bay leaves. It can easily replace bay leaves in almost all kinds of preparations due to its dry aroma and a little minty flavor. Thyme lends a slightly sweet taste instead of a tangy flavor. Use it in the preparation of fish, poultry, soups, sauces, chowders, eggs, custards, croquettes, and spaghetti to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. To add a little sharp zing to your food, try using lemon thyme.
Basil has a mint flavor and has a sweet, herbal scent. It is popularly used in the preparation of Asian and Italian cooking, especially with tomato gravies, vegetable dishes, chicken, lamb, and fish. Oregano has a strong aroma and works great with tomatoes and as an additive to chili powder. If you want to further enhance the entire flavor and savor a great dish, use Mexican oregano instead of the regular oregano.
The use of bay leaves or the substitutions list here can enhance the flavor of foods. Check out the lentil soup recipe in Flavorful Fortified Food - Recipes to Enrich Life to get started.
Some individuals may be surprised to learn that 1 tablespoon crumbled bay leaf has 6 calories, 10 grams potassium, and 1 gram carbohydrate. 1 whole bay leaf = 1/4 teaspoon crushed or 1/2 tsp broken bay leaves. The substitute for bay leaf is an equal amount of thyme, basil, or oregano.
Thyme is the most versatile and common substitute for bay leaves. It can easily replace bay leaves in almost all kinds of preparations due to its dry aroma and a little minty flavor. Thyme lends a slightly sweet taste instead of a tangy flavor. Use it in the preparation of fish, poultry, soups, sauces, chowders, eggs, custards, croquettes, and spaghetti to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. To add a little sharp zing to your food, try using lemon thyme.
Basil has a mint flavor and has a sweet, herbal scent. It is popularly used in the preparation of Asian and Italian cooking, especially with tomato gravies, vegetable dishes, chicken, lamb, and fish. Oregano has a strong aroma and works great with tomatoes and as an additive to chili powder. If you want to further enhance the entire flavor and savor a great dish, use Mexican oregano instead of the regular oregano.
The use of bay leaves or the substitutions list here can enhance the flavor of foods. Check out the lentil soup recipe in Flavorful Fortified Food - Recipes to Enrich Life to get started.
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