Let’s talk about cooking with herbs. Fresh herbs are a great way to add lots of flavor to your food and pull a recipe together. You can infuse your dishes with flavors and aromas. Herbs are also an excellent way to season your meal without adding, you guessed it – a lot of salt, which can affect your blood pressure.
We will discuss three common herbs and ways you can use them when cooking.
Let’s jump right in!
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most important culinary herbs. Sweet basil, the most common type, is reminiscent of licorice and cloves. You will see basil in things like pesto, sauces, sandwiches, soups, and salads. You can pair it with lemon for a lemon-basil marinade or use it as a topping with your chicken, fish, or shrimp. Basil is also excellent when paired with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil.
2. Mint
You probably have seen mint as a garnish on your dessert plate, but mint is so versatile, it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Spearmint is preferred for cooking, though. You can add it to dishes and drinks like —lamb, peas, carrots, ice cream, tea, and for my Happy Hour crowd, it is found in mint juleps and mojitos! The leaves of Spearmint are bright and fuzzy, they differ from the darker, round leaves of peppermint. Peppermint, on the other hand, is usually used in teas and other beverages.
3. Rosemary
I’m going to get a little fancy now… In Latin, rosemary means “dew of the sea”— which is appropriate since it comes from the Mediterranean. Rosemary is one of the most aromatic and pungent of all the herbs. It has needle-like leaves that have a pronounced lemon-pine flavor that pairs well with roasted lamb and chicken, fish, and potatoes. Rosemary is also a perfect addition to Italian foods such as focaccia, tomato sauce, pizza, and pork. The flavor is strong though, so definitely use a light hand.
Using herbs is a great way to flavor food, minimizing salt without sacrificing taste! Which herb will you try this month? Check out these recipes that incorporate herbs!
Best of Health!
Dr. K Lev
