Quick Answer
You can substitute herbs de Provence for oregano in most recipes, but the flavor will be different. Herbs de Provence contains oregano along with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, lavender, and savory. Using herbs de Provence instead of oregano alone will result in a more complex, floral flavor. Adjust the amount of herbs de Provence to taste, starting with about half the amount of oregano called for.
Herbs de Provence Overview
Herbs de Provence is a dried herb blend that originated in the Provence region of southeast France. It typically contains the following herbs:
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Savory
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Marjoram
- Parsley
- Tarragon
The exact ingredients and proportions vary by recipe, but oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil are usually the core herbs. Lavender flowers are also frequently included. Herbs de Provence has an aromatic, somewhat floral flavor profile thanks to the diversity of herbs. It is used to season meat, stews, soups, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, fish, pizza, pasta, and more.
Oregano Overview
Oregano is a fragrant herb that comes from the mint family. It has a robust, earthy, slightly bitter flavor with citrus and floral notes. There are several varieties of oregano used in global cuisines, but two main types are:
- Mediterranean oregano (also called Greek oregano): This is the most common variety, with a pungent, spicy flavor. It’s featured in Italian, Greek, Spanish, and other Mediterranean cooking.
- Mexican oregano: This has a more mellow, subtle flavor with notes of lime. It is featured heavily in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking.
Dried oregano is a staple herb in Italian cuisine and pizza seasoning. It also goes well with tomatoes, olives, olive oil, lamb, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Substituting Herbs de Provence for Oregano
Because herbs de Provence contains oregano along with other Mediterranean herbs, it can work well as a substitute in most recipes. However, keep the following tips in mind:
- Start with half the amount of herbs de Provence as oregano called for. Herbs de Provence is a blend of many herbs, so it has a more concentrated flavor. Use too much and the other herbs like lavender may overwhelm the dish.
- Add herbs de Provence early in cooking. The long cooking will help meld the flavors.
- For raw applications like salad dressings, start with just a quarter of the oregano amount.
- Herbs de Provence will add a floral, slightly sweet element thanks to lavender and fennel. Taste as you go to ensure it doesn’t overpower savory dishes.
- If a recipe already includes some of the herbs in herbs de Provence, like thyme, rosemary or basil, reduce the substitution amount even more.
Dishes That Work Well
Herbs de Provence can substitute for oregano in many Mediterranean recipes and dishes where oregano’s earthy flavor shines:
- Pizza: Sprinkle herbs de Provence in place of oregano over pizza sauce and mozzarella for a floral twist.
- Pasta: Toss herbs de Provence with olive oil as a finishing drizzle for pasta.
- Soup: Add to Mediterranean soups like minestrone, tomato soup, and vegetable soup.
- Stew: Use when braising meat or chicken for Mediterranean or French-inspired stews.
- Roast vegetables: Coat vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs de Provence before roasting.
- Eggs: Add herbs de Provence to omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs.
- Salad dressings: Whisk herbs de Provence into olive oil and vinegar for salad.
Dishes That May Not Work as Well
In some dishes, the floral notes of lavender and fennel in herbs de Provence may not suit the flavor profile as well as oregano alone. In these cases, you may want to use oregano instead or reduce the substitution amount even further.
- Barbecue rubs and sauces: Oregano’s bold flavor stands up well to grilled meats. Herbs de Provence could clash.
- Mexican dishes: Herbs de Provence is not an ideal substitute for Mexican oregano’s citrusy, mellow notes.
- Pungent dishes like chili: Oregano adds an earthy backdrop. Subtle herbs de Provence may get lost.
- Irish, English or American comfort food dishes: Oregano complements simple flavors well. Herbs de Provence may seem out of place.
Substitution Ratio
As a general guideline, use the following substitution ratios when replacing oregano with herbs de Provence:
| Oregano Amount | Herbs de Provence Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| 1 tablespoon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| 1/4 cup | 2 tablespoons |
Start with less herbs de Provence blend than oregano called for. It’s easier to add more herbs de Provence to taste later on than to try masking its flavor if you add too much.
Tips for Cooking with Herbs de Provence
Here are some additional tips for cooking with herbs de Provence as an oregano substitute or for any dish:
- Rub herbs de Provence mixes directly onto meat or vegetables before grilling or roasting to infuse flavor.
- Add early in cooking stews, soups and braises for the herbs to fully incorporate.
- Mix into olive oil and let steep for a few hours, then drizzle over salads, bruschetta and pizzas.
- Stir into softened butter or olive oil with minced garlic for an instant compound butter or bread dip.
- Blend with some olive oil and toss with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil for an herby Caprese salad.
- Make herb-infused vinegar by steeping in wine vinegar for 2-3 weeks then drizzling over greens.
Store dried herbs de Provence in an airtight container away from light. Use within 1 year for the best flavor.
Other Oregano Substitutes
If you don’t have herbs de Provence on hand, here are some other good options for replacing oregano:
- Basil + thyme: Use a 2:1 ratio of basil to thyme for a closer flavor match.
- Marjoram: Has a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, but can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
- Thyme: Similar earthy qualities. Use about 3/4 the amount of oregano.
- Savory: Also from the mint family. Use 3/4 the amount.
- Rosemary: Stronger flavor. Use just 1/2 the amount and combine with thyme.
In a pinch, you can omit oregano from recipes entirely and increase other robust herbs like garlic, basil and thyme for flavor.
Conclusion
Herbs de Provence makes an excellent substitute for oregano in many Mediterranean-style recipes, but use a lighter hand as its flavor is more complex. Start with half the oregano amount called for and adjust to taste. Herbs de Provence shines in dishes like pizza, pasta, roasted vegetables, eggs, stew and soup. But oregano may still be a better choice for bold American, Mexican and barbecue recipes. Consider other herb blends or single herbs like thyme, basil and marjoram to substitute for oregano as well. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can replicate oregano’s savory qualities.