Who knew lovage could be so elusive? Sometimes we’re out of luck when that herb disappears, and we’re left scrambling. No worries though, alternatives are plentiful and just as tasty.
We’ve experimented in our own kitchens, trying different swaps. It’s a fun challenge. We’ve stumbled across some real winners. From parsley to celery leaves, we’ve found plenty of stand-ins.
These options get pretty close to lovage’s unique flavor. When you’re all set to cook and realize there’s no lovage in sight, try one of our top picks.
We’re sharing our go-to substitutes here. Keep it simple and delicious with these handy alternatives. Remember, the perfect swap is more about flavor balance than replicating exact taste.
5 Easy Lovage Substitutes in Recipes
Here are five lovage alternatives we can’t get enough of. These ingredients are versatile, easy to find, and perfect for adding extra flavor to dishes.
1 – Celery Leaves
Is celery unavailable? Relax, we’ve got you covered with celery leaves. These are celery’s cooler sibling, packed with flavor. Use them 1:1 if you’re out of lovage.
They’re green, leafy, and ready to roll. We often toss them in soups and stews. An easy win. Next time, try celery substitutes if you’re curious.
Celery leaves add freshness to salads. They taste slightly bitter, a bit like parsley. Perfect for that extra kick. Just chop them finely. It’s all about bringing life to the dish. We’ve seen it work wonders. Trust these leaves to make a difference.
2 – Celery Seeds
We get it, sometimes lovage can be AWOL. Enter celery seeds. Tiny, mighty flavor bombs. They deliver a hit of earthiness. Swapping them in? Try a 1:1 ratio. Simple swap, big taste.
Not just for dressings. Sprinkle in soups or stews for that herbaceous lift. Crush them a bit for full flavor release. That aroma, ah, spot on! Need more ideas?
Check out this handy celery seed alternatives guide. Great if you’re experimenting in the spice aisle. Tweak your meals, your way.
3 – Parsley
Ever ran out of lovage and wondered what’s next? We whip out parsley, our trusty flavor friend. Super versatile, these leafy greens boost salads and soups. One-to-one substitute ratio rocks.
Chop ‘em finely for that fresh pop in your stew. Parsley is mildly bitter, bit like celery kickin’. Toss into your mix, it’s green magic. Try other parsley replacements if you’re keen on different twists.
Need flavor? Pick parsley. It’s simple, quick, and spruces up any dish. Our favorite pick-me-up for when lovage plays hard to get.
4 – Fennel
Fennel’s a funny bulb, isn’t it? We swear it looks like celery and anise merged in a flavor fusion. Chop and toss in soups, stews, or salads. Use as a one-to-one swap for lovage. Its delicate sweetness and mild anise notes perk up dishes.
Throw seeds in dressings or marinades for that licorice zing. Not sure how to sub it right? Check out fennel substitutes for more swaps.
We slice it raw sometimes; it’s fresh and crisp. Play with every part—bulb, stalks, and fronds—each one’s a keeper. Fennel is that flavor wildcard in the spice rack.
5 – Tarragon
Tarragon is that herb with a licorice-like twist. It’s aromatic, with subtle bitterness and sweetness. A handful will do, use a 1:1 swap for lovage. Tarragon’s a game-face changer. Toss it in salads for that unexpected zing. Mix it into dressings—flavor mix magic. Play with sparingly, too much steals the show.
We discovered its charms in a creamy chicken dish. The oven’s heat brings out its best, trust us, it’s wild. Read up more in our tarragon alternatives guide. Really brings new herb ideas to the table. Every dish deserves some tarragon love!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.