10 Ways to Cook with Herbs
I
married into a pretty great family if I do say so myself. This was confirmed
this past week for two key reasons. The first being that after attending a
family wedding in Colorado and breaking out my dance moves, they still claimed
me. The other reason is I always get a call when Grandma Jan’s herbs need a
haircut.
Last year I came back from lunch to the largest bucket of herbs that I
have ever seen. This year she sent me home with a grocery sack full of herbs,
oregano, rosemary, and more! To repay her for green gifts, all she asked was
for an article for new ways to use herbs – so Grandma Jan this one is for you.
It is that time of year when herb gardens are peaking and it
is hard to always know how to use herbs. Nutritionally herbs are a great way to
infuse flavor without fat and calories, so here are 10 new ways to cook with
herbs.
1. Sandwich or Salad
2. Compound Butter
Compound butter is simply another name for a flavored or
infused butter. Soften butter slightly and add a mixture of herbs, refrigerate
until solid and enjoy. My favorite addition is chopped rosemary and then using
that butter to spread on toasted bread or all over a roast chicken.
3. Marinades
We are in the middle of grilling season and herbs play a
crucial role in the development of flavor through marinades. One of my
favorites is a cilantro lime marinate that is made using an entire bunch of
chopped cilantro, the juice of 3 limes, salt and vegetable oil. It makes for a
delicious marinate for skirt steak or chicken.
4. Potato Salad
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| Spinach and Basil Pesto |
One of my favorite ways to use herbs is to brighten and lighten
up a typically heavy recipe like potato salad. Instead of mayo, I like to toss
my boiled potatoes in a light dressing made of olive oil, lemon, chives, and
dill.
5. Pesto
Probably my favorite way to use up a large amount of herbs
is by making a pesto. Many associate pesto with basil, but you can use a
variety of herbs to make unique pesto recipes. A combination of herbs including
basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint then paired with parmesan, lemon, garlic,
and some toasted nuts makes for delicious pesto. I love adding pesto to pastas,
sandwiches, and to eggs!
6. Veggie Dip
If you have some plain Greek yogurt in your fridge and some
herbs in you garden ready for trimming, make a delicious dip! Basil, dill, and
chives with Greek yogurt, lemon, salt, and pepper make for a light nutritious
vegetable dip.
7. Salad Dressing
Once you make your own salad dressing, I swear you’ll never
go back. 3 parts olive oil to 1 part acid such as citrus juice or vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper and add fresh chopped herbs. Shake to combine and
enjoy a homemade salad dressing!
8. Fruit Salad
I love making fruit salads in the summer and my favorite
secret ingredient is herbs. For a tropical fruit salad, I love the addition of
mint. For a watermelon and feta salad, basil takes it to the next level.
9. Infused Water
With temperatures rising, hydration is so important. For
many of us consuming plain water can be a challenge, but herbs can help!
Combine herbs with lemon, lime, or orange slices into a large pitcher of water
and enjoy delicious infused water with added flavor and no added sugar.
10. Any Recipe is Better with Fresh Herbs
OK. Maybe this last one is a little bit of a cop out, but
it’s true. It’s easy to rely on salt and pepper for the main source of flavor
in your recipes, but don’t forget about herbs. Next time you are in the kitchen
just ask yourself, could I add an herb to that? You might be surprised to find
that herbs can provide fresh flavor in almost every recipe from mint in
smoothies, to cilantro in salad, to basil in bread.
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