Herbs in the Kitchen

Spice Up Your Cooking With Fresh Herbs

Any experienced chef will tell you that the secret to upgrading a dish is quite simple: throw in some fresh herbs! Whether added by the pinch or by the bunch, herbs are sure to infuse your favorite recipes with unparalleled flavors and aromas. Here, we’re sharing how you can put some of summer’s freshest (and most fragrant) ingredients to use.

By Mary Beth Wallace

Eight Common Herbs for Home Cooks

1. Basil – Aromatic and bright, basil is beloved for a reason. While basil comes in many varieties, the most widely seen in the United States is sweet, or Italian, basil. It is a prevalent herb in Mediterranean cooking, but it’s also commonly used in Asian and Indian cuisine.

2. Chives – A relative to both onions and garlic, but with a more mild flavor, chives are a fantastic herb for any cook’s arsenal. Plus, all parts of the chive plant –including the bulbs, foliage, and flowers – are edible.

3. Cilantro – This invigorating herb, also called coriander leaf, adds refreshing flavor to many Asian and Latin American dishes. It can also be quite polarizing – some people think that cilantro tastes like soap!

4. Mint – Making itself at home in sweet as well as savory dishes, mint is a cool, bright herb that packs a powerful flavor punch. Use it sparingly to garnish fresh fruits, salads, and dessert.

5. Oregano – Both professional and at-home chefs are drawn to the strong aroma and bold, earthy flavor of oregano. It’s most frequently incorporated into Italian cuisine, especially pizza and pasta sauces.

6. Parsley – One of the most versatile herbs around, parsley can be used in everything from soups and salads to stocks and sauces. It has a mild flavor that gives vibrancy to any dish you add it to.

7. Rosemary – Rosemary stalks are best described as tough, woody, and pungent with a pine-like flavor. This herb is often used in hearty meals (think: pork tenderloin, lamb chops, and roasted potatoes) but can also be used to season lighter fare – even smoothies and lemonade!

8. Thyme – Essential in French cooking, thyme is another woody, pungent herb with a pronounced herbal flavor. For the best results, remove the small leaves from the stems and chop before incorporating in breads, chicken dishes, soups, and cocktails.

Incorporating Fresh Herbs in Your Cooking

1. Toss them in salads. Mint, basil, and oregano will instantly brighten your green salads. Fresh herbs are also a great addition to summer staples like potato and tuna salads.

2. Blend them into pesto. Fresh basil is traditionally associated with pesto, but other herbs like chives, mint, and parsley can also be blended into this savory sauce for some unexpected flavor.

3. Use them as a pizza topping. Elevate your pizza night with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme. In fact, basil is a key ingredient in pizza margherita – a classic pie made from tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkling of basil leaves.

4. Add them to pasta dishes. From spaghetti and bucatini to pasta salads of all shapes and sizes, pasta makes the perfect vehicle for any number of fresh herbs. Mint and lemon will always play well together in a pasta dish, as do oregano and tomato.

5. Stir them in soups. Chicken soups get a punch of flavor from the addition of fresh cilantro, and fresh thyme is the perfect complement to creamy mushroom soups. Top potato soup with chives for a burst of color and flavor.

6. Rub them on meat and fish before grilling. Rosemary and thyme are two of the most popular herbs for grilling – they’re robust and can hold up to the rigors of the grill. More tender herbs, like basil and cilantro, are ideal for marinades or garnishes to your meat.