Herbs are an essential part of cooking that adds flavors, aroma, and color to any dish. Cooking with fresh herbs is the art of infusing dishes with a spectrum of flavors that showcase nature’s bounty. If you’ve ever tasted the difference between fresh parsley and the dried version from a jar, you know how essential fresh herbs are to any culinary experience. Here are some tips and ideas for cooking with fresh herbs that will help you elevate your cooking game.
Choose the Right Herbs
The first step in cooking with fresh herbs is to choose the right ones. While many herbs can be used in a wide range of dishes, some work better than others for specific foods. For example, basil pairs nicely with tomatoes and is often used in Italian cuisine, while thyme is a staple in French cuisine.
Some other popular herbs and their flavor profiles include:
– Parsley – earthy and slightly bitter; perfect for salads, soups, and stews
– Rosemary – piney and slightly floral; perfect for poultry and meats
– Sage – slightly minty and bitter; perfect for turkey dishes and stuffing
– Oregano – slightly bitter and pungent; perfect for Italian and Mexican cuisine
– Dill – tangy and sweet; perfect for fish dishes and pickling
– Mint – cool and refreshing; perfect for cocktails and desserts
Store Herbs Properly
To keep herbs fresh for as long as possible, it’s essential to store them properly. One of the best ways to do this is to wrap the herbs in moist paper towels and store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge. This will keep them hydrated and fresh for up to a week.
Another way to store herbs is to freeze them. Simply chop the herbs and place them in an ice cube tray with water or oil. Once frozen, they can be stored in a plastic bag in the freezer for up to six months.
Use Herbs as a Garnish
One of the simplest ways to use fresh herbs is as a garnish. Sprinkling chopped herbs onto a dish just before serving can add an extra burst of flavor and color. For example, a sprinkle of chopped chives on a baked potato can take it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Make Herb Butter or Oil
Herb butter or oil is a fantastic way to infuse herbs into a dish without overpowering it. Simply soften some butter or heat some oil and mix in your favorite herbs. Herb butter is great for spreading onto bread or melting over vegetables, while herb oil can be used as a marinade or to sauté vegetables.
Mix Herbs into Dishes
Finally, mixing fresh herbs into dishes is a great way to take your cooking to the next level. Add chopped herbs to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades to give them new and exciting flavors. For example, adding a few sprigs of thyme to a pot of chicken soup can elevate the dish from bland to delicious.
In conclusion, the art of cooking with fresh herbs is a simple and rewarding way to add depth and complexity to any dish. With these tips and ideas, you can begin to experiment with different herbs and find new and exciting ways to incorporate them into your cooking. Happy cooking!
