Category: Seasoning
Herbs are plants that are used for flavoring, garnishing, or adding aroma to food. They are typically the leaves, stems, or flowers of plants and are used fresh or dried. Common herbs include basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, and rosemary. Herbs can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, sauces, and marinades, to add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Flavor Profiles:
- Earthy
- Pungent
- Herbal
- Aromatic
- Peppery
- Bitter
What goes with Herbs:
- Cheese – Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme complement cheese by adding a fresh, aromatic quality that complements the cheese’s creamy texture.
- Poultry – Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage complement poultry by adding depth of flavor and helping to keep the meat moist.
- Dark Chocolate – The bitter taste of dark chocolate pairs well with aromatic herbs like mint, basil, and lavender, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.
- Goat Cheese – Goat cheese has a tangy flavor that complements the earthy and aromatic notes of many herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Fish – Herbs like tarragon, dill, and fennel pair well with fish by adding a subtle anise or citrus flavor, which complements the fish’s delicate taste.
- Garlic – Garlic pairs well with herbs because its pungent flavor enhances and complements the aromatic qualities of various herbs.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil pairs well with herbs because it helps to enhance and bring out the flavors of the herbs, creating a harmonious and balanced combination.
- Butter – Butter pairs well with herbs because it enhances their flavors and helps to balance out any bitterness or sharpness.
- Pasta – Herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley bring a burst of freshness to pasta dishes and help to elevate the sauce’s flavor.
- Bacon – Bacon pairs well with herbs because the smoky, salty flavor of the bacon complements the fresh, aromatic notes of the herbs.
- Rice – Herbs like saffron, turmeric, and parsley complement rice by adding a vibrant color and a distinct, aromatic flavor.
- Tomatoes – Herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme complement tomatoes by adding a savory, aromatic quality that enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Lemon – Lemon pairs well with herbs because its bright, citrusy flavor enhances and complements the earthy, aromatic notes of fresh herbs.
- Potatoes – Herbs like dill, chives, and parsley enhance the potato’s earthy flavor and add a fresh touch.
- Eggs – Herbs like chives, dill, and parsley complement eggs by adding a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the egg’s richness.
- Vegetables – Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano complement vegetables by adding a woody, earthy flavor that enhances the vegetable’s natural taste.
- Salt – Salt enhances the natural flavors of herbs and helps to balance out their sometimes overpowering intensity.
- Pepper – Pepper pairs well with herbs because it enhances and complements their flavors, adding depth and complexity to dishes.
- Cream – Cream pairs well with herbs because the richness of the cream helps to balance out the strong flavors of the herbs, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
- White Wine – White wine pairs well with herbs because the light and delicate flavors of white wine complement the fresh and aromatic qualities of herbs.
- Red Meat – Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic complement red meat by adding a strong, savory flavor that enhances the meat’s richness.
- Quince – Quince’s subtle sweetness and firm texture, when cooked with herbs like sage, marjoram, or bay leaves, create a harmonious balance between the savory and sweet elements.