Here's An Easy Substitute For Marjoram If You Don't Have The Real Thing
When some people hear the word herb, they might think of that movie with Lindsay Lohan about a sentient 1963 Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. Some, and most of us, instead think of an item used in the kitchen to season a dish or garnish a plate. Herbs have been used as important cooking tools for thousands of years, enhancing a dish by bringing flavor — especially if that dish is bland because it doesn't have enough salt or fat. Herbs have also been used as various medicines and even as preservatives. While they bring a lot of extra pizzazz to a dish when cooking, it's best to add fresh herbs before you finish preparing the meal.
However, herbs are more than just plants used for toppings on a plate. They have been grown and cultivated across the world for millennia. Marjoram is one of these herbs that genuinely stands out due to its many benefits. Marjoram is not only great for garnishing meat dishes but also does well in soups and salads due to its mild yet unique taste. But, what happens if you're making a recipe that calls for marjoram and you find that you've just run out? Luckily, there are a few herb substitutes that could do the trick in a pinch.
Oregano, thyme, sage, and sweet basil can be used as marjoram substitutes
If you don't have any marjoram in your pantry's spice rack, fear not! There are a few handy tricks to tackle your dilemma and fix up your recipe. The most commonly used herbs you can substitute for marjoram are oregano, thyme, sage, or sweet basil. Due to the versatility of marjoram, there are a ton of recipes that you can prepare at home with relative ease. Some of the recipes you can make with marjoram include Italian pasta sauce, Hungarian goulash, traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, or even Za'atar-spiced grilled chicken breast with lemon juice (via MasterClass).
Additionally, marjoram is used in alternative and traditional medicines primarily due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Some situations where you can use marjoram medicinally could be to fight a cough or a runny nose, infections, and even aid with some digestive problems, per WebMD. If you still need convincing of marjoram's worth, then consider how the oil from marjoram is used as a fragrance found in perfumes, lotions, soaps, and even cosmetics.