How to counteract too much Italian seasoning? (5+ ways)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “How to counteract too much Italian seasoning?”. We will further elaborate on the different approaches that will help you counteract too much Italian seasoning in a recipe.
How to counteract too much Italian seasoning?
To counteract too much Italian seasoning, you can:
- Physically remove the Italian seasoning
- Dilute the dish
- Add fresh slices of green pepper
- Add cooked meat
- Add something sour
- Add sweetness
What are the different ways to counteract too much Italian seasoning?
Italian seasoning blends include dried herbs including thyme, rosemary, basil, garlic and oregano, which enhances the taste of a dish.
However, going overboard with too much Italian seasoning can produce a pungent flavour ruining the taste of the dish.
If this is the case with you, and you are hopelessly trying to explore ways to counteract too much Italian seasoning, do not worry, here we have shared seven different ways to help you counteract too much Italian seasoning in your recipe, and to make it appropriate to serve. Consider the following approaches:
Physically remove the Italian seasoning
If you have added too much Italian seasoning to your dish, the first thing you can do is to remove the excess directly. However, this approach will not work if you have added grounded Italian seasoning in a soup or curry.
If you have added whole seeds of Italian seasoning, simply separate the Italian seasoning from the soup or sauce using a ladle-sized slotted spoon just when you have realised your blunder.
If the Italian seasoning has been sprinkled on the surface, you can simply wash it off prior to reseasoning.
If the Italian seasoning has blended well in your recipe by the time you realise your blunder, you will then have to implement any of the other tricks we have shared but you must first try to remove it.
Dilute the dish
You can dilute the flavour of Italian seasoning by making a fresh batch of your dish. This approach helps to reduce the bitterness and pungent flavour caused by too much Italian seasoning.
For instance, if you have added too much Italian seasoning to the white sauce, you can make a new batch of white sauce but do not add any Italian seasoning this time.
Mix thoroughly and allow to cook for some more time so the flavours blend well. Diluting the Italian seasoning will dilute other flavours too, so taste the dish to have an idea of what else is needed.
Similarly, if you are cooking tomato sauce, add a half jar of tomato sauce to the container to dilute the Italian seasonings. Add a half cup of water to balance out the consistency of the sauce. Mix and taste your sauce.
You can also discard 50% of the original batch and combine a newly cooked half-batch to divide the flavour of Italian seasoning strictly in half.
Add fresh slices of green pepper
Dice a fresh green pepper into vertical slices. Add the green pepper to your dish. Add a sprinkle of grounded red pepper to add some spiciness to counteract the Italian seasoning flavour.
You can also add grated cheese depending upon what you are cooking, for instance, Parmesan, Romano or pecorino to counterbalance the pungent flavour of too much Italian seasoning.
Add cooked meat
Add cooked meat like meatballs, chicken, Braciola or Italian sausages or the natural fluids of the meat to your dish. Mix well. Simmer the dish for 30-45 mins on low flame to even out the flavours.
You can also add strong meaty flavours, such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and fish sauce, to the dish which can help to counteract Italian seasoning and also divert our tastebuds from the pungent taste that come from adding too much Italian seasoning.
Add something sour
Acidic flavour can help to counteract overly strong Italian seasoning flavour. Among the acidic ingredients, lemon and lime juice can work really well. Other options include a dollop of yoghurt and sour cream that may give what is required.
Add sweetness
Sweet and sugary flavours can also counteract the excess bitterness of Italian seasoning in some dishes. You can add wine which is particularly effective in warm soups, or carrots and caramelized onions, which may also work for counteracting the pungent taste of too much Italian seasoning.
We hope these approaches will help you save your dish. Still, if nothing goes well, forget it. Learn your lesson and you may start again.
Other FAQs about Seasoning that you may be interested in.
What can I substitute for garam masala?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have provided an answer to the question, “How to counteract too much Italian seasoning?”. We have further elaborated on the different approaches that will help you counteract too much Italian seasoning in a recipe.
References
https://oureverydaylife.com/fix-much-italian-seasoning-spaghetti-sauce-39540.html
https://www.chowhound.com/post/tone-italian-seasoning-beef-wild-rice-soup-1066249
