Basil
Flavor notes: Sweet, barely peppery; finest added simply earlier than serving
Commonly utilized in: Pesto
Pair it with: Tomatoes (of course!), corn, eggplant, peaches, summer season squash, melons, and berries
Try it in: Zucchini-Basil Soup
Chives
Flavor notes: A combination between garlicky and oniony; contemporary and delicate; finest added simply earlier than serving
Commonly utilized in: Dips, candy potatoes
Pair them with: All greens, however particularly candy potatoes, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, and mushrooms
Try them in: Sweet Potato Turkey Patties
Cilantro
Flavor notes: Distinctive, shiny, and citrusy; finest added simply earlier than serving
Commonly utilized in: Salsas, Mexican and Thai dishes
Pair it with: Beets, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes
Try it in: Soba Noodles with Grilled Shrimp and Cilantro
Dill
Flavor notes: Evergreen with hints of celery
Commonly utilized in: Pickles, borscht
Pair it with: Asparagus, broccoli, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, spinach, and cabbage
Try it in: Brussels Sprout Slaw
Mint
Flavor notes: Pungent and refreshing when uncooked, mellow and oregano-like when heated
Commonly utilized in: Teas and Middle Eastern salads
Pair it with: Beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, leafy greens, squash, tomatoes, and all summer season fruits
Try it in: Watermelon Fruit Pizza
Oregano
Flavor notes: Pungent, peppery, spicy; good for grilling, roasting, and simmering
Commonly utilized in: Tomato sauces
Pair it with: Eggplant, bell peppers, leafy greens, squash, spinach, and citrus
Try it in: Zesty Lemon Pork Chop
Parsley
Flavor notes: Fresh with a trace of bitterness
Commonly utilized in: Sweet potato dishes, entire grain salads
Pair it with: All greens however particularly salad greens and tomatoes
Try it in: The BEST Pomegranate Village Salad
Sage
Flavor notes: Earthy with hints of pine; good for simmering and marinades
Commonly utilized in: Holiday stuffings
Pair it with: Apples, squash, tomatoes, candy potatoes, cauliflower
Try it in: Cauliflower Stuffing
Tarragon
Flavor notes: Pungent, grassy, and anise-flavored
Commonly utilized in: Sauces
Pair it with: Asparagus, tomatoes, squash, peaches, pears, melons, and salad greens
Try it in: Greek Goddess Vegetable Dip
Herb-and-Produce Pairings: Basic Rules
Cooking with contemporary herbs might be daunting at first. Here’s how to gain confidence within the approach whereas boosting the flavors of your meals.
Start small. Begin by sprinkling 1 to 2 Tbsp. of a chopped contemporary herb over a easy dish (for 4 people) or a large plate of steamed greens. This quantity provides you with an thought of the flavour an herb imparts with out overwhelming the recipe.
Go larger and bolder. Like what you style? Try rising the herb quantities. Big on taste, you received’t miss added salt, sugars or fat. Play round with sizes as nicely. Tear herb leaves as a substitute of chopping them or mud a dish with a fluffy chiffonade.
Switch issues up. Swapping out your herbs can fully rework a recipe. Try new herbs in place of previous favorites. Sub basil for mint in a tomato salad, attempt tarragon in place of dill, and add cilantro in place of parsley. Enjoy!