Marjoram substitute? fresh Basil or dried Oregano is what I've got?
Posted by pano | Under Herb Garden Tuesday Aug 10, 2010I have a recipe for a Red Pepper Pasta and Feta Salad. It needs 1 tablespoon of small fresh marjoram leaves. I don’t recall ever tasting Marjoram, some websites say its like Oregano, but I only have that Dried, and I like to use fresh herbs where possible. I have Basil and Parsley growing in my garden. Could I use one or a mixture of all three as a substitute?
Other indredients are- pasta
red peppers (roasted)
feta
pine nuts (toasted)
Dressing- white vinegar, olive oil and black pepper.
Thanks for your help 
Oregano is very close in taste to marjoram. I use one for the other all the time depending upon which one is handier! Use one third as much dry as you would fresh herbs. So 1 tsp. dried oregano will work for the 1 Tbs. fresh marjoram.
Basil is great with pasta, and since you have it fresh in your garden it’s meant to be.
marjoram is a distant relative of oregano ,each one has a different flavour , basil is well away from marjoram ,basil is a full leaf where as marj. is smaller ,oregano , is mainly the main herb for pizza dishes,and distinctive pasta dishes ,it would be worth your time to get the marj. because it is subtle, goes well with bean dishes, soups etc
Oh, without a doubt, fresh basil.
A. The recipe calls for fresh. It’s always better and herbs can always be substituted for taste preferences.
B.That recipe screams pesto, with the pine nuts. (made with fresh basil).
C. Basil totally goes with all of the other ingredients and always goes with pasta. (A little fresh parsley is always good in anything )
Don’t bother with the dried herbs, they are always better in something cooked for a while.
PS – Try white or red wine vinegar instead of plain.