How to Cook with Herbs

Herbs in Cooking: A Flavor Adventure

Hey there! Let's talk about herbs. Think of them as the secret weapons of any cook. A little fresh basil can make a simple tomato sauce sing, and rosemary can add a wow factor to roasted chicken. This guide will show you how to use herbs to make your food amazing.

Why Use Herbs?

Herbs are more than just pretty green things. They're superstars!

• Flavor Boost: They add depth and zing to dishes. It's like magic! Imagine plain pasta versus pasta with basil – huge difference.
• Health Kick: Many herbs are packed with vitamins and good stuff. It's like sneaking extra veggies into your meal.
• So Versatile!: Use them fresh, dried, in sauces, soups… you name it! They're like the Swiss Army knife of cooking.
• Pretty Pictures: Fresh herbs make your food look gorgeous! It's like adding a final flourish to a painting.

Choosing and Storing Herbs

Picking good herbs is key. Think of it like picking the perfect tomatoes for your salad – you want the best!

Choosing Fresh Herbs:

• Look for vibrant colors: Avoid anything that looks sad and droopy. Think bright, happy herbs.
• Smell them!: If they smell amazing, they probably are! It's a simple test, but it works.
• Pick the right ones: Some herbs go better with certain foods. Rosemary with lamb? Perfect! Basil with chocolate cake? Maybe not so much…

Storing Fresh Herbs:

• Damp paper towel wrap: Keep them moist to prevent them from wilting. Think of it like giving them a little hug.
• Plastic bag in the fridge: Don't wash them first; that speeds up spoilage. It’s like leaving your bread uncovered.
• Freeze them!: Chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with oil or water. They'll last much longer.

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Timing is everything when using fresh herbs.

• Add delicate herbs at the end: Basil and cilantro are best added at the end of cooking. Adding them too early will make them lose their flavour.
• Add heartier herbs early: Rosemary and thyme can handle more heat. They're tougher herbs, like the older brother of the basil.
• Infuse oils and vinegars: This is an easy way to add tons of flavor. Think about infusing olive oil with rosemary—delicious!
• Herb butter is amazing: Mix softened butter with chopped herbs. It's great on bread or veggies! Once you try it, you'll be hooked.
• Garnish!: A sprinkle of herbs makes any dish look fancier. It's like putting a cherry on top of a sundae.

Cooking with Dried Herbs

Dried herbs are a great option, but remember they're more concentrated.

• Use less: A little goes a long way. Think of it as a concentrated burst of flavour.
• Add them early: This lets the flavor develop slowly. It's like letting a good wine breathe.
• Store them properly: Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Herb Combinations and Recipes

Experimenting is half the fun! Here are a couple of classic blends and recipes to get you started.

Italian Herb Blend:

This classic blend usually includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. It’s perfect for pasta sauces and pizza!

Herbes de Provence:

This French blend typically includes rosemary, thyme, lavender, oregano, marjoram, and savory. Great for roasted chicken or lamb.

Recipe: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Ingredients: One whole chicken, 1 lemon (sliced), 2 sprigs rosemary, 4 sprigs thyme, 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt, pepper, olive oil.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff lemon slices and herbs inside the chicken.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Recipe: Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup pine nuts, 2 cloves garlic, ½ cup olive oil, salt, pepper, pasta.

1. Cook pasta.
2. Blend basil, cheese, nuts, garlic, and oil until smooth.
3. Season and toss with pasta.

More Cooking Tips

• Don't overcook!: Overcooked herbs taste bitter. It's like burning your toast.
• Add at the right time: Delicate herbs at the end, heartier herbs earlier.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the amount of herbs to your preference.
• Experiment!: Try new combinations. Have fun with it!
• Consider the overall flavour: Choose herbs that complement the other ingredients.

There you have it! Now go forth and create some delicious herb-infused masterpieces. Your taste buds will thank you!