This article provides an overview of bay leaf, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make bay leaf substitutes.
What is Bay Leaf?
Bay leaf is an aromatic leaf that is commonly used in cooking. It is usually used whole or dried into a ground form. Bay leaf is popular in Indian cuisine, especially in rice dishes like biryani or garam masala.
Bay leaves are also popular in Caribbean cuisine when making the likes of jerk chicken, stews, and soups.
What does Bay Leaf taste like?
If eaten whole, bay leaves have a pungent, sharp, and bitter taste, with an even stronger aroma. Once dried, the aroma changes to slightly floral and herbal, similar to thyme or oregano.
Is Bay Leaf readily available in Supermarkets?
Bay leaves should be readily available in supermarkets, where they are usually located in a jar in the herbs and spices aisle.
What are some alternative names for Bay Leaf?
Bay leaves are referred to as tezpattā in Hindi and Tejpātā in Bengali.
What is a good substitute for Bay Leaf in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for bay leaves. These include:
- The best substitute for bay leaves would be thyme or oregano, as they share similar complex flavors and aromas.
- Alternatively, you can try Basil, Juniper Berries, or Mexican oregano.