Can I substitute fennel seed for aniseed?
As a general rule, use half the amount in fennel seeds that is called for in aniseed in your recipe. Likewise, if you’re in a pinch and need to alternate aniseed for fennel seed, only use half the instructed amount.
Is star anise the same as bitter fennel?
Just don’t mistake anise for star anise! Sweet fennel and bitter fennel: both are consumed as seeds, but bitter fennel is similar to celery seed. Anise and star anise: though they have a similar taste, anise seed is spicy and much stronger. The two are from different plants altogether; star anise is actually a small tree fruit.
What can I substitute for fennel bulb?
But if you can’t find any fennel bulb in your area, or you simply run out of it, the following are sufficient enough to replace it: Celery isn’t just a look-alike of fennel bulb. It is also considered by many to be the best substitute for fennel bulb because of the similarity in texture and structure.
Is cilantro a good substitute for fennel seeds?
If you want something to replace the fresh grassiness of the fennel leaves, then dill is the best option. But, if you want something strong and bitter (but just not something that tastes like licorice) then cilantro is definitely a good choice. Fennel seeds also have a licorice/aniseed flavor.
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What can I use if I don’t have fennel?
Fennel bulbs are a versatile ingredient, with a strong aniseed taste that can be eaten cooked or raw. When substituting, there are different parts...
What spice can you substitute for fennel?
The closest spice substitute for fennel seeds is star anise or anise seeds. Fennel seeds have a licorice taste, which can be quite strong. Star ani...
Are fennel and cumin the same?
Fennel and cumin are not the same. Both seeds belong to the Apiaceae family, but are harvested from different plants. There is a distinct flavor di...
Is star anise the same as fennel?
Star anise is not the same as fennel, although they have a similar licorice flavor. Star anise is milder in flavor than fennel seeds. It also has a...
Fennel Bulb Substitutes
Let’s start with the most recognizable part of the fennel. Fennel bulbs are the large, bulbous section at the base of the plant.
Bok Choy
Bok choy is a hugely underrated ingredient. It is sometimes used in salads but deserves to be much more popular. Bok choy can be eaten raw or it can be fried or roasted.
Leek
Leek is another great alternative to fennel. The taste of leek is very different from that of the fennel plant. But it has a relatively similar texture.
Celery
This might be a bit of a surprising one. Celery gets a bad rap for being a “health food”. Although it is lacking in calories, it definitely isn’t lacking in taste.
Fennel Leaves Substitutes
Fennel isn’t always sold with its leaves. This is because most people prefer to only eat the bulb.
Dill
In terms of texture, dill is by far the closest to the leaves of a fennel plant. For flavor, dill is quite different.
Cilantro
Cilantro is another ingredient that people either love or hate. Some people enjoy the bitterness. Whereas the other most common opinion is that it tastes like soap.
