Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that captures the traditional flavors commonly found in Italian cuisine. While the specific composition can vary by brand or recipe, it typically includes a combination of the next herbs:
- Oregano: Known for its robust, peppery flavor, oregano is a key herb in many Italian dishes. It contributes depth to sauces, meats, and vegetables.
- Basil: Basil has a sweet and slightly peppery taste. It is a staple in Italian cooking. It’s often used in pasta sauces and pesto.
- Thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthiness and slight minty flavor, enhancing the complexity of various dishes.
- Marjoram: Comparable to oregano but milder and sweeter, marjoram complements the other herbs in the blend.
- Rosemary: With its distinctive pine-like flavor, rosemary can lend a fragrant touch to roasted meats and potatoes.
- Sage: Offering a slightly peppery, warm taste, sage is often used in richer dishes and pairings.
- Parsley: Though less pungent than the other herbs, parsley brightens flavors and adds a fresh note to the mix.
Italian seasoning is versatile. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, soups, and stews. You can add it to marinades and roasted vegetables. It is also great when sprinkled on pizza. Its convenience as a pre-mixed spice blend is appealing. Home cooks choose it to quickly infuse their dishes with traditional Italian flavors.
Making your own Italian seasoning is so simple you’ll wonder why you never did it before. Six flavorful herbs mixed with just the right balance is the golden ticket. So versatile. Perfect for flavoring mayo or vinaigrette. Buon appetite!
Ingredients for Italian Seasoning
- 12 tbsp dried basil
- 12 tbsp dried oregano
- 12 tbsp dried parsley
- 4 tbsp garlic powder
- 4 tsp onion powder
- 4 tsp dried thyme
- 4 tsp dried rosemary
- 4 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 4 tbsp sea salt (optional)
If you’re looking to substitute Italian seasoning in recipes or need alternatives for its individual components, here are some suggestions:
Substitutes for Italian Seasoning
- Homemade Blend: Create your own Italian seasoning using commonly found dried herbs. A simple mix can include:
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- A pinch of sage
- Greek Seasoning: This blend often includes similar herbs and spices. Oregano and basil are commonly found in it. This makes it a good choice in most recipes.
- Herbs de Provence: This French herb blend typically includes thyme, basil, and rosemary and can work well as a substitute.
- Pasta Seasoning: Specialty pasta blends can serve as a substitute for Italian seasoning in pasta dishes.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: If you’re in a pinch, a ranch dressing mix can offer a different flavor profile. It can add an herbal touch as a substitute in certain dishes. Use sparingly.
Substitutes for Individual Ingredients
- Oregano:
- Thyme: Use the same amount.
- Marjoram: A mild substitute, use about 1.5 times the amount.
- Basil:
- Dried mint: Offers a different but acceptable flavor.
- Spinach or kale (for fresh): Use in cooked dishes where the texture will break down.
- Thyme:
- Oregano: Use the same amount for a slightly different taste.
- Rosemary: Use sparingly due to its stronger flavor.
- Marjoram:
- Oregano: It is stronger, use a smaller amount.
- Dried thyme: Can work as a substitute.
- Rosemary:
- Thyme: It has a milder flavor.
- Sage: Use sparingly for a different aromatic quality.
- Sage:
- Thyme or rosemary: Provides a similar earthiness.
- Parsley:
- Cilantro: If you prefer a fresher, slightly citrus flavor.
- Chives: For a mild onion flavor.
Notes
- When substituting, start with smaller quantities of the alternatives. Adjust to taste, as some herbs can be more potent than others.
- Fresh herbs can often be used instead of dried. As a general rule of thumb, use three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
Using these substitutes can help you keep flavor in your dishes while accommodating what you have available!
Spice Preparation and Storage Instructions
- Mix the Spices: Thoroughly combine all the spices in a bowl. Make sure they are evenly blended for a consistent flavor throughout.
- Grinding Seeds: If your recipe calls for whole seeds, you can grind them using a spice grinder before mixing. Alternatively, grind them when you are ready to cook. Ground spices release their flavors more effectively.
- Storage: Pour the mixed spices into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. For optimal freshness, choose small tin cans or glass jars that block out light.
- Choose the Right Environment: Store the spices in a cool, dark, and dry place. This will help preserve their flavor and color.
- Batch Size: Consider making a larger batch to last for 4 to 6 months. After this period, the spices lose some potency and vibrancy, though they typically won’t spoil.
- Flavor Check: While the spices won’t go bad, be mindful of their strength after several months. Always taste before using to guarantee your dishes have the desired level of flavor.
By adhering to these steps, you can keep the quality and flavor of your spice blends for months to come!
Notes on Italian Seasoning
- Quality Matters: Always opt for high-quality herbs. Check the expiry date on dried herbs, as they can lose potency over time. Fresher herbs will yield better flavor.
- Storing: Store Italian seasoning in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to preserve its flavor. Avoid keeping it near heat sources like the stove.
- Pre-Mixed vs. Homemade: While pre-mixed Italian seasoning is convenient, consider making your own blend. This lets you tailor the ratios to your taste.
- Cooking Times: Dried herbs can be more potent than fresh herbs. If using Italian seasoning in a recipe, add it early in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop.
- Versatile Usage: Italian seasoning isn’t just for Italian dishes. It can enhance the flavor of roasted meats, vegetables, salads, and even homemade bread.
Tips for Using Italian Seasoning
- Pasta Sauces: Start with about 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning per 4 servings of sauce. Adjust to taste as the sauce simmers.
- Marinades: Combine Italian seasoning with olive oil, garlic, and vinegar for a flavorful marinade for meats and vegetables.
- Soups and Stews: Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to soups. You can also do this with stews about halfway through cooking. This timing ensures best flavor integration.
- Pizza: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over your pizza before baking for an extra punch of flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss vegetables with Italian seasoning and olive oil before roasting to elevate their flavor profile.
- Bread and Rolls: Mix Italian seasoning into dough for homemade bread. You can also sprinkle it on top before baking for added aroma and flavor.
- Salads: Use Italian seasoning in salad dressings or sprinkle it on salads for an herbaceous touch.
By keeping these notes and tips in mind, you can maximize the flavorful potential of Italian seasoning in your cooking!
Tip!
If you don’t have all the herbs above, you can either skip them or exchange for something else. Marjoram works well instead of parsley for example. We used dried garlic flakes, but you can also use garlic powder. Adding salt, or not, to your spice mix is a matter of choice.
ITALIAN SEASONING
Italian seasoning is a harmonious blend of herbs that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Typically featuring oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage, and parsley, this versatile mix adds depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes. Perfect for pasta sauces, marinades, soups, and roasted vegetables, it simplifies meal preparation while bringing a taste of Italy to your table. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, Italian seasoning is an essential pantry staple that elevates your culinary creations.
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp dried basil
- 12 tbsp dried oregano
- 12 tbsp dried parsley
- 4 tbsp garlic powder
- 4 tsp onion powder
- 4 tsp dried thyme
- 4 tsp dried rosemary
- 4 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 4 tbsp sea salt (optional)
Notes
- Pasta Sauces: Start with about 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning per 4 servings of sauce. Adjust to taste as the sauce simmers.
- Marinades: Combine Italian seasoning with olive oil, garlic, and vinegar for a flavorful marinade for meats and vegetables.
- Soups and Stews: Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to soups. You can also do this with stews about halfway through cooking. This timing ensures best flavor integration.
- Pizza: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over your pizza before baking for an extra punch of flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss vegetables with Italian seasoning and olive oil before roasting to elevate their flavor profile.
- Bread and Rolls: Mix Italian seasoning into dough for homemade bread. You can also sprinkle it on top before baking for added aroma and flavor.
- Salads: Use Italian seasoning in salad dressings or sprinkle it on salads for an herbaceous touch.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 123Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7018mgCarbohydrates: 27gNet Carbohydrates: 13gFiber: 13gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
