Jacqueline Nester Labatch RD, CNSC, LDN
Add something new to your everyday meals by using herbs. These seasonings can enhance the flavor of canned soups, meats, vegetables and/or salsa. Herbs also go great on top of prepackaged rice or pasta.
Here are some ideas to spice up common dishes with herbs:
Basil:
Basil is commonly used in Italian dishes to add a fresh, earthy flavor. Simply rinse and chop the leaves.
- Sprinkle basil on top of pizza, salad, pasta or spaghetti sauce
- Add extra flavor to condiments such as mayonnaise, butter or oil
- Toss basil and vinegar with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
- Put basil in marinades for chicken or pork
Chives:
Chives give a mild, onion-like flavor to various dishes. Rinse the blades and chop, then add to food.
- Top a baked potato or scrambled eggs with chopped chives
- Toss into salads, soups and stews
- Mix into veggie dip: blend sour cream/mayonnaise with chives and other seasonings such as onion, garlic powder, pepper and celery seed
Oregano:
Oregano adds warm, spice flavors to food. Rinse and chop the leaves prior to adding.
- Zest up a seafood dish. Try adding to shrimp
- Tastes great on top of pizza, salad or pasta
- Add to rice and bean dishes or other Mexican cuisine
Thyme:
Thyme adds zest to savory dishes. Be sure to pull the leaves from the stem before adding to food.
- Use thyme to season roast meats or vegetables. Try with roast chicken or potatoes.
- Stir whole stocks into stews and soups. While the leaves provide the flavoring, the stems help withstand the cooking process and can be easily removed prior to serving.
- Include thyme in fish dishes such as baked halibut, salmon or tilapia
