Monday, July 30, 2018

Italian herbs

The use of herbs in cooking dates back thousands of years. During that time, it was thought that herbs and spices had properties that were beneficial to human health, but it wasn’t until recent years that scientists established just how good herbs are for one’s health.

Basil: Sweet, warm, and aromatic. Belonging to the mint family this herb is one of the most widely used. Although sweet basil (or Italian basil) is more common, Thai basil also has a distinct flavor. Use with meats, seafood, and vegetables. Great for tomato sauces, pesto, and vinaigrettes. Sweet basil complements the flavor of tomatoes very well. Basil has a strong and delicious flavor, especially in sauces like pesto.

Oregano: Savory and earthy. Use in Italian dishes, soups or sauces, meat stews, and in bean dishes. Oregano is a basic ingredient in Italian and Mexican cooking. It complements the flavor of tomatoes in pizza and soups.

Rosemary: Strong and fragrant. This herb belongs to the mint family. Uses: Stuffings, roasted dishes such as lamb, pork, beef, poultry, and wild game. Place a few leaves on top of roasts or baked chicken and potatoes.

Thyme: Fragrant and fresh tasting. Thyme complements other herbs, such as rosemary and oregano. Use with chicken, meat, seafood and hearty vegetable stews/soups. It is a key herb used to make Cajun gumbo.

Recipe one 
These fresh herbs mixed will add traditional Italian flavor to pasta sauces, stir-fried veggies and soups. It will make a tasty dip by adding to mashed chickpeas or Greek yogurt.
•1/2 cup oregano
•1/2 cup basil
•1/4 cup marjoram
•1/4 cup thyme
•1/4 cup rosemary

Recipe two 
Italian Seasoning—makes about1½ cups
½ cup dried oregano
½ cup dried basil
¼ cup dried parsley
1 tablespoon fennel seeds, crushed
2 tablespoons dried sage
1 tablespoon hot red pepper flakes
Italian herbs

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