Fennel is both a spice and a vegetable. It’s a very flavorful spice that can be used in a variety of recipes such as meat, fish, sauces, etc. It has a sweet aroma and flavor. If you are run out of Fennel Seed, you can use its substitutes instead. Using a substitute in a recipe would not give a similar flavor but also a texture too. We have a huge list of Fennel Seeds Substitutes that you can use in a recipe that calls for Fennel Seeds.
Before going ahead to know about its substitutes, you have to know what are Fennel Seeds actually?
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What are Fennel Seeds?
Fennel belongs to the perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. Its seeds are used as a spice in savory dishes/recipes and some baked goods too. The sweet licorice taste of Fennel makes the dish more flavorful. It offers vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients as you can see in the list given below. You may also check its amazing health benefits too.
Nutrient Profile of Fennel Seeds:
- Calories: 27
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.3g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugars: 3.4g
- Protein: 1.1g
Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds:
- Fennel Seeds improve heart health.
- It may have cancer-fighting properties.
- Fennel Seeds may benefit breastfeeding women.
- It promotes dental health.
- Eating Fennel seeds after having lunch or dinner may improve digestion.
What can I Substitute for Fennel Seeds?
Are you cooking a recipe that calls for Fennel Seeds and you don’t have any Fennel Seeds around? If yes, you don’t need to worry, your recipe is still safe. You can use substitutes for Fennel Seed in your dish to get a similar flavor and aroma. We have shown a list of Fennel Seeds substitutes right here for you.
1. Anise:
Anise Seeds are an ideal Fennel substitute because it has the same flavor profile. It sounds amazing. Isn’t it? Both Anise Seeds and Fennel Seeds belonging to different plant families still have similar flavor profiles. Anise Seeds have a more pungent taste. It doesn’t matter in which form of Anise Seed you are using either whole or ground. Both forms create a licorice-like flavor. These seeds increase the nutritional value of your whole recipe because they contain calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, etc.
2. Caraway:
Caraway seeds look like Fennel seeds. In terms of flavor, both are like best friends. Both give a similar licorice flavor, but Caraway has a stronger licorice flavor and bitter aroma. Caraway doesn’t resemble the sweetness of Fennel Seeds and somewhat nutty flavor also. When you are making rye bread or soda bread, you can replace Fennel Seeds with Anise Seeds easily. They are also a good choice in several dishes such as sausages or briskets. You can keep the same ratio of Caraway seeds or you can increase its amount accordingly.
3. Cumin:
Cumin Seeds are the most essential ingredient in Latin, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. It is the most popular spice in the world. Cumin also looks a bit similar to Fennel Seeds, but it gives an earthy scent with a spicy touch. The way of using both seeds in a recipe is different. Fennel Seeds are used when food is cooking whereas Cumin Seeds are used in starting a recipe to fry in oil. Roasted Cumin Seeds are also used for garnishing purposes in salads, sauces, soups, tortillas, etc.
4. Licorice Root Powder:
If you are looking for a ground Fennel Substitute then Licorice Root Powder will be a great option. The flavor intensity of licorice root is stronger than Fennel, so we recommend using less amount of Licorice root. You should use 1/2 teaspoon of Licorice Root Powder in place of 1 teaspoon of Fennel Seeds.
5. Dill Seed:
Dill belongs to the carrot plant family. The flat, oval seeds of Dill look almost similar to Caraway. Both leaves and seeds of the dill plant are highly aromatic. Dill Seeds can be used in the whole or crushed form in a recipe. Fresh Dill leaves are more flavorful than Dill Seeds. It’s one of the versatile ingredients that can be used in potatoes, cabbage, tzatziki sauce, and fish recipes and work as a good replacement for Fennel Seeds.
6. Mahlab:
Mahlab is also known as Mahalepi. It is made from the seeds of a cherry called Prunus Mahaleb. The cherry stones are cracked to extract the seed kernels. It releases soft and chewy seeds. Mahlab provides a sweet and sour taste to a recipe/dish. Yes, you can use Mahlab as a replacement for Fennel Seeds in a recipe.
7. French Tarragon:
French Tarragon is a herb that gives a licorice flavor. You can replace Fennel Seed with French Tarragon in a recipe maintaining a ratio of 1:1. Fresh Tarragon has a more intense licorice flavor and is more aromatic as well. The dried version of French Tarragon is also available in the market. You can use the dried version if you want.
8. Anisette Liqueur:
Anisette Liqueur is a French drink. Adding liquor to your recipe makes a huge difference in the flavor and aroma of the whole recipe. Anisette Liqueur is infused with aniseed that offers less alcoholic content with a slightly sweet flavor. The base of this liquor is made of multiple seeds and neutral-flavored alcohol.
9. Fennel Oil:
Fennel Oil is extracted from Fennel Seeds. It may not work with all recipes. This oil has multiple benefits such as providing flavor to a recipe and using liqueur in pastry and sweets. Not even in the food category but also in cosmetics, soaps, perfume, and other industries are fully aware of Fennel Oil as a fragrance enhancer. Using Fennel Oil as an alternative to Fennel in a recipe will be a perfect choice because both belong to the same plant.
10. Celery:
Celery is a green-colored vegetable. It has the same crunchiness and taste as spinach. It contains lots of water with moderate bitterness with a salty punch. You can use it raw, shredded, chopped, or cooked. The taste of Celery increases when the bitterness is breaking down and gives a sweetness and fragrance. You have to use more quantity of Celery than using Fennel Seeds.
11. Parsley:
Parsley has a peppery flavor. Any food that needs a herbal flavor can use Parsley. It is mostly used as salad, in soups, stocks, etc. You can use Parsley in a recipe that calls for Fennel Seeds. Parsley gives a unique flavor as well as a solid texture with a similar fragrance to your recipe.
FAQ:-
Is Fennel warming or cooling?
According to Ayurveda Fennel provides a cooling effect on the body. It's good to drink Fennel seeds water or Fennel Shake to calm the body from heat.
Can you eat raw Fennel Seeds?
Yes, you can eat raw Fennel Seeds. It works as a mouth freshener as well as provides cooling to your body. Eating raw Fennel after lunch or dinner may improve digestion.
Now, you know the best Fennel Seed Substitute. You can choose according to what you have in the kitchen or you can also buy from amazon. Please! comment down below your questions, and let us know how much informative is this article for you. 🙂
