As a home chef, I’m always looking for simple and inexpensive ways to add flavor to my dishes.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just walk out to your porch or in your fridge and have a flavor booster right there for you to use?!
If you’re getting excited about that possibility, then I’ve got two words for you: fresh herbs!
From salads to main dishes to cocktails, there’s so much you can do with a good herb. Fresh, complex and unique, each herb can add something so great.
And all you have to do to get started during this Fresh Herb Week is:
Buy some at the grocery
I love purchasing cilantro and parsley (and other hard to grow herbs) at the grocery. Ensure you’re buying herbs that are bright in color and look healthy. When I get home with my herbs, I like to put them in my herb keeper to stay fresh for 1-2 weeks.
Buy a plant
Try out that green thumb by purchasing a plant to grow. I like to get mine from a farm stand, Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. You’ll also want to buy some potting soil, a big pot and go to town. Most of my herbs (basil, rosemary and mint) need watering every few days in the summer. Just check the soil with your finger (or if the leaves look droopy) to see if it’s dry and needs watering.
Even if you’re not a green thumb (I’m not naturally), you can totally do this!
Here are some of my favorite ways to use sh freherbs:
- Finishing: Basil on pasta, cilantro on tacos, topper for salads
- Cocktails: Mint in mojitos or iced tea, rosemary in homemade simple syrup
Go here for more ideas!
My favorite fresh herbs are basil, cilantro, rosemary and mint. But I do also love using parsley and dill.
What herbs have been making it into your kitchen and recipes lately? Use the hashtag #freshherbweek on social media if you would like, and we can all get ideas from each other!
Stay tuned for more herb ideas and mouth-watering recipes.
Happy Fresh Herb Week!