Many people may be amazed to learn that the commonly used curry leaves can offer a surprising amount of health benefits.
But, many may ask: just how do we use this herbal remedy in our food? With a unique, citrusy aroma, subtle hints of bitterness and mouthwatering flavors, curry leaves are incredibly versatile and add an extra dimension of flavor when added to meals.
And for those who can’t find these aromatic leaves at their local supermarket, there are several excellent substitutes that can help you make all your favorite dishes without them.
Let’s explore the best substitutes for curry leaves and how to get the most out of this flavorful superfood.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Curry Leaves
The five popular substitutes for curry leaves include bay leaves, lemon thyme, basil, lime zest, and cilantro.
All of these ingredients have a similar flavor profile as curry leaves and can be used in many recipes that normally call for them.
let’s take a look at each one in more detail:
1 – Kaffir lime leaves
They have a zesty flavor, which is why they’re often used as an ingredient in many Asian dishes.
Kaffir lime leaves are dark green on top and have a light green underside.
The leaves have a citrusy aroma and tangy flavor that can give your dish an interesting twist.
When purchasing kaffir lime leaves, look for bright-green or dark-green colored ones.
Avoid buying any that are yellowed or wilted since they’re likely no longer fresh.
Kaffir lime leaves can be stored in the freezer for months without losing their flavor or texture, so you’ll always have some ready when you need them.
2 – Lemon zest or lime zest
The flavor can be quite strong, so only a small quantity is required.
It is best used after lightly toasting it in some butter or oil, which mellows its flavor and imparts a subtle aroma.
Zest can be stirred into a dish before serving, or sprinkled on top for decoration.
It’s also a great addition to salads, grilled fish or chicken dishes where the bright tartness provides an interesting contrast.
For a more intense flavor, grate whole lemons and limes over your dish just before serving – this imparts gorgeous freshness yet another dimension of flavor to your dinner.
3 – Basil
It has a wonderful flavor and aroma that work very well when paired with spices such as cumin, mustard seeds, and red chili powder.
As an herb that is readily available, basil is easy to find in supermarkets and online stores.
When using basil as a curry leaf substitute, use one part dried basil for every two parts fresh curry leaves.
Basil should be added at the end of cooking time to preserve its flavor and aroma.
Depending on the dish you are making, you may need to adjust the quantity of basil to get the desired results.
4 – Bay leaves
They are slightly sweeter and milder than curry leaves, which can be an advantage when you’re looking for a subtle flavor.
Bay leaves work well in recipes that don’t require too much cooking time, as they have the tendency to become bitter if they’re cooked for longer.
You can get them dried or fresh and it’s best to add them to your dish at the beginning of cooking.
If you use bay leaves that are still on the stem, remove them before serving as they can be slightly spiky when eaten.
5 – Lemon balm
It has a lemony flavor that makes it an ideal curry leaf operator, as it is often used in salads or chicken dishes.
The taste of the leaves will vary depending on the maturity of the plant; younger plant leaves offer a stronger flavor while older ones may be more muted.
To use them as a substitute for curry leaves, simply strip the leaves off their stems, mince them finely, or substitute them one-for-one with curry leaves in any recipe.
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