Celery seeds, known for their strong, earthy flavor and slight bitterness, are a unique spice used in a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for substitutes for celery seeds, here are some options across different categories:
Best: Celery Salt
Celery salt, made from ground celery seeds and salt, is the best substitute for celery seeds in terms of flavor. It provides a similar taste but with added saltiness, so it’s important to adjust the salt content in your recipe accordingly.
How to Use
- Substitute celery salt for celery seeds, but reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
- Ideal for use in soups, stews, salad dressings, and Bloody Marys.
Cheapest: Ground Celery Leaves (Celery Powder)
Ground celery leaves, or celery powder, offer a more affordable and easily accessible alternative. While milder than celery seeds, they still impart a similar celery flavor.
How to Use
- Use ground celery leaves in a slightly higher quantity than celery seeds to achieve a similar flavor profile.
- Suitable for use in soups, stews, and meat rubs.
Tastiest: Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds can be a tasty alternative, offering a distinct, earthy flavor with hints of citrus and pepper. They are stronger and more aromatic than celery seeds but can provide a similar depth of flavor.
How to Use
- Use caraway seeds in a lesser quantity than celery seeds, as they have a stronger flavor.
- They work well in bread, cabbage dishes, and as a seasoning for meats.
Most Accessible: Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are widely available and can serve as a substitute for celery seeds. They have a sweeter, more anise-like flavor but can mimic the aromatic quality of celery seeds in many dishes.
How to Use
- Use fennel seeds in the same amount as celery seeds.
- Ideal for use in Mediterranean cooking, in sausages, and in pickling blends.
Most Unusual: Dill Seed
Dill seed provides an unusual but effective substitute, offering a slightly bitter, caraway-like flavor. While different from celery seeds, they can add a similar aromatic quality to dishes.
How to Use
- Substitute dill seed for celery seeds, keeping in mind the different flavor profile.
- Suitable for use in pickles, bread, and seafood dishes.