A person can have a kitchen cabinet full of aromatic herbs and aromatic spices, but they are of little value when the cook does not know where to use them. What tastes good in one dish can literally ruin another. Consult this usage guide when wondering how specific herbs are used in cooking, and experiment with your favorite combinations. The sign of a really good cook is one that does not always consult a recipe for complete instructions.
Cooking with Basil Herbs
Basil is one of the most popular herbs added to tomato-based dishes. It is often used to enhance the flavor of Italian food, but it also adds tremendous flavor to egg dishes and salads. When cooking with basil, it is best to use the fresh variety whenever possible.
Using Fresh Chives
Chives are very easy to grow in an indoor or outdoor garden, and they add an onion-like flavor to all sorts of dishes. (Here are some great onion choppers for you!)
They are one of the most commonly grown herbs in the outdoor garden since they are easy to care for, and they develop beautiful clover-like blooms. Use chives to top potato dishes, cold soups, salads, and more. They also make beautiful garnishes. The article entitled Ways to Use Fresh Chives provides many more ways to use this flavorful herb.
Cooking with Dill Herbs
Dill is most often associated with pickles, but when cooking with this aromatic, flavorful herb, use it to add flavor to salads, fish, and veggies. The seeds are used to flavor pickles, but the foliage is most often used in cooking. This is also one of the most desirable garden herbs since it is easy to grow and adds fragrant beauty to the landscape.
Marjoram for Added Flavor
Use marjoram to enhance stewed or raw tomatoes, cabbage dishes, green beans, poultry, egg dishes, and creamy cold salads. The flavor is similar to oregano, but it is not nearly as strong.
Fresh Mint Herbs in Desserts, Beverages, and More
Not many herbs are used in desserts or sweet beverages, but the leaves of mint are often used in tea, hot chocolate, and other warm and cold beverages. It also has a number of uses when cooking. It can be used to make mint jelly to enhance the flavor of lamb, and it tastes great with stewed fruit. Mint leaves are highly aromatic herbs that can also be used as garnishes for desserts. The leaves can be dipped in chocolate and used to make impressive toppings for sweet treats of many kinds. The article entitled Ways to Use Fresh Mint Leaves offers additional ideas on ways to use an abundance of mint.
Cooking with Oregano
When people think of oregano they generally think of Italian food. This is one of the main herbs that is used in Italian tomato-based dishes, but it is also used when cooking poultry dishes, soups, and in salads. Use oregano sparingly. A little goes a long way!
Cooking with Parsley Herbs
Parsley is often used as a garnish, but it adds unique flavor to many different foods. Enjoy it in hot or cold soups, with potatoes, stews, salads, and cooked veggies. Not many herbs are used to freshen the breath. On the contrary, some herbs contribute to halitosis, but parsley is a great breath freshener.
Rosemary Enhances Many Delicious Dishes
This is one of the stronger herbs used in cooking, and it adds tremendous flavor to potatoes, lamb, pork, poultry, and peas. Try it over boiled red potatoes along with melted butter, or sprinkle it on baked skinless chicken. The flavor is intense, and it should be used in moderation.
Flavorful Sage Herbs
Meatloaf would not be the same without sage. Simply mix in a teaspoon for every pound of meat when preparing a favorite meatloaf recipe. Sausage infused with sage is also delectable, and it is a popular choice at the breakfast table. Another well-liked dish is sage stuffing. Add about ½ teaspoon to ordinary stuffing seasoning mix to give it far more flavor.
Savory in Cooking
Savory is sometimes added to poultry stuffing, and it is used to season salads and beans. It can be used in place of herbs including sage for a delightfully different flavor. Choose winter savory when a little sharpness is desired. Otherwise, select summer savory, and try it on grilled meats instead of the usual seasoned salt.
Tarragon Herbs
When eggs could use a flavor kick from herbs and spices, add a little tarragon. This flavorful herb also enhances the flavor of fish and chicken. Vinegar marinades and dressings are also sometimes infused with tarragon. The flavor is one-of-a-kind.
Note: you can use a vacuum marinator! They work like a vacuum sealer, but are meant to better marinade your food!
Cooking with Thyme for Added Flavor
When looking for tasty ways to use thyme, add it to homemade sausage, hot veggies, stew, soup, and stuffing. Like oregano and other strong herbs, use it sparingly to avoid over-seasoning dishes. Add it a little at a time until achieving the perfect level of flavor enhancement.
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