When it comes to flavor and health with cooking, herbs can make all the difference. The right blend of herbs can take a dish from bland to mouth-watering, and the best chefs know how to use them to create unique unforgettable flavors.
The good thing is- we don’t need to be chefs to use herbs in our cooking.
In this blog, we are going to talk about different cuisines, how to make your dishes taste more authentic and enjoyable, and then some of the best herbs you can use to add flavor to your cooking.
Then, to make it easy and accessible for you to have herbs on hand, consider growing herbs and spices at home. Not only are these plants relatively low maintenance, but they can also be grown on a window sill or balcony with minimal effort. I’ll show you some simple herb growing tips to get your own herb garden growing.
Let’s start with some common herbs to use in your cooking. There are many different herbs and spices that can be used to add flavor to your food. When choosing herbs for your next meal, consider what cuisine you're making and choose accordingly.
herbs and spices that can be used to add flavor to your food:
Italian Food: Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme
Basil is a fragrant herb that's often used in Italian tomato sauces. It's also great on pizzas and in pesto dishes. Oregano is another popular herb in Italian cuisine. It's often used in tomato-based dishes as well as in pizza sauce. Rosemary is a woody herb that's frequently used to flavor roast meats. Finally, thyme is a versatile herb that goes well with almost anything. It's especially common in pasta dishes.
Chinese Food: Cilantro, Ginger, Green onion, and Szechuan pepper
Cilantro is a leafy green herb that's popular in Chinese stir-fries. It has a slightly citrusy flavor that pairs well with ginger. Green onion is another common ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It has a milder flavor than regular onions and can be used both raw and cooked. Szechuan pepper is a spice that's common in Chinese food. It has a unique flavor that some people describe as "numbing."
Indian Food: Cardamom, Cumin, Fenugreek, and Turmeric
Cardamom is a spice that's commonly used in Indian curries. It has a sweet and minty flavor that goes well with cumin. Fenugreek is another popular spice in Indian cuisine. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used to make curry powder. Turmeric is a spice that gives Indian food its characteristic yellow color. It has a slightly earthy flavor and is often used in curry dishes.
Mexican Food: Cilantro, chili pepper, garlic, and lime juice
Cilantro is also popular in Mexican cuisine. It's often used as a garnish on tacos or enchiladas. Chili peppers are another common ingredient in Mexican food and can be used to make salsa or to flavor your favorite dishes. Garlic is often used to flavor Mexican dishes such as guacamole or refried beans. Lime juice is frequently used as a topping for Mexican food, such as fish tacos or chicken enchiladas.
If you are ready to start growing your own, here’s some tips to start your own herb garden.
Tools You Will Need
Before you start growing herbs on your windowsill, you'll need to make sure you have the right tools. You will need pots at least 6-8 inches deep with good drainage holes at the bottom. The best soil for herb growth is a light potting mix that contains compost or fertilizer. A watering can with a long spout is also essential for gently watering plants. Finally, make sure you have access to plenty of sunshine. To thrive, herbs need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Here are 4 of the most yummy and easy herbs to start growing:
Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. It has a sweet, spicy flavor that pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and other Italian-style dishes. When growing basil indoors, keep it in a warm spot with plenty of sunlight. You should also keep the soil moist by watering it regularly.
Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb used fresh or dried in salads, sauces, and soups. The plant grows best in direct sunlight and needs to be watered frequently, so the soil stays moist but not soggy. To keep parsley from getting too leggy or "woody," pinch off the leaves regularly, encouraging new growth.
Oregano
Oregano is another popular herb used in Mediterranean cuisine. Its flavor is slightly peppery with hints of balsam and lemon zest, which makes it great for adding depth to pasta dishes, marinades, and salads. Oregano likes sun-filled spaces with well-draining soil so make sure it's planted in an area with plenty of room for its roots to spread out without getting waterlogged.
Chili Peppers
Depending on what kind of chili pepper you want to grow—jalapeño, habanero, etc.—you'll need lots of light (at least 6 hours per day) and nutrient-rich soils containing organic materials for optimal growth. Make sure not to over-water them since this can lead to root rot.
It’s time to get creative in your kitchen! Start trying out some new herbs, find some new recipes, and get growing your favorites at home for an even fresher taste.
Looking for some recipes that will incorporate these spices? Check out my Nutrition and Wellness Library. Inside you will find meal plans, healthy recipes and so much more. Sign up now - it’s free!
