Ultimate Guide to Herbs
Spring has almost sprung, so I have fresh herbs on the mind. But with dozens of herbs to choose from, things can get complicated. In this post, I describe the flavors and pairings for my favorite herbs.
Basil
Flavor: Strong, peppery, lightly sweet
Herb pairings: chives, cilantro, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme
Food pairings: balsamic vinegar, beans, eggplant, garlic, lemon, onion, pizza, tomatoes, white beans, zucchini
Bay Leaves
Flavor: minty, peppery, slightly bitter
Herb pairings: sage, rosemary
Food pairings: mushrooms, potatoes, lentils, soups and stews
Bergamot (aka bee balm)
Flavor: citrusy, minty, floral
Herb pairings: basil, parsley, thyme
Food pairings: citrus fruits, honey, leafy greens, warming spices, tea
Chamomile
Flavor: earthy, floral, apple-y
Herb pairings: mint, lemongrass
Food pairings: lemon, honey, leafy greens, tea
Chives
Flavor: onion-y, garlic-y
Herb pairings: basil, cilantro, fennel, parsley, tarragon
Food pairings: avocados, butter, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, corn, garlic, eggs, onions, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes
Cilantro (AKA coriander)
Flavor: citrus-y, warm, fresh
Herb pairings: basil, chives, dill, lemongrass, mint, parsley
Food pairings: avocados, black beans, carrots, corn, eggplants, hot peppers, lemon, lime, rice, tomatoes, zucchinis
Dill
Flavor: lemony, grassy, sweet
Herb pairings: basil, parsley
Food pairings: capers, cabbages, cucumbers, lemon, potatoes, red onions, tomatoes, yogurt
Fennel
Flavor: anise-like, licorice-y, sweet
Herb pairings: basil, cilantro, sage
Food pairings: Artichokes, cabbages, white beans, beets, cheeses, fruit, garlic, lentils, onions, tomatoes
Lavender
Flavor: floral, earthy, minty
Herb pairings: sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme,
Food pairings: fruit, honey, lemon, tea, vanilla, walnuts
Lemongrass
Flavor: lemony, minty
Herb pairings: basil, cilantro
Food pairings: citrus fruits, coconut milk, chili peppers, ginger, soups and stews, tea
Marjoram
Flavor: minty, sweet, oregano-like
Herb pairings: parsley, thyme, savory
Food pairings: cabbages, cauliflower, eggplants, potatoes, squash, tomatoes
Mint
Flavor: cool, aromatic, sweet
Herb pairings: basil, dill, oregano, parsley, thyme
Food pairings: carrots, chocolate, fruits, eggplants, lemon, nuts and seeds, peas, potatoes, rice, tea, yogurt
Oregano
Flavor: aromatic, bitter, earthy
Herb pairings: basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme
Food pairings: artichokes, beans, cabbages, cauliflower, eggplants, mushrooms, olive oil, pizza, potatoes, tomatoes
Parsley
Flavor: light, lemony, grassy
Herb pairings: basil, chives, garlic, mint, oregano, rosemary, tarragon
Food pairings: beans, carrots, eggplants, garlic, lemon, lentils, mushrooms, onions, rice, tomatoes
Rosemary
Flavor: lemony, piney, woody
Herb pairings: bay leaves, chives, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme
Food pairings: white beans, cauliflower, fruit, garlic, lemon, lentils, root vegetables, soups and stews, squash, tomatoes
Sage
Flavor: aromatic, piney, peppery
Herb pairings: bay leaves, parsley, thyme
Food pairings: asparagus, capers, celery, citrus fruit, garlic, onions, soups and stews, tomatoes
Savory
Flavor: peppery, thyme-like, pine-y
Herb pairings: basil, bay leaves, marjoram, thyme, rosemary
Food pairings: beans, garlic, lemon, lentils, potatoes, stuffing, sauces, stews, tomatoes
Tarragon
Flavor: anise-y, aromatic, fresh
Herb pairings: basil, chives, dill, parsley
Food pairings: artichokes, asparagus, fruit, lemon, potatoes, tomatoes, white wine, yogurt
Thyme
Flavor: earthy, sweet, minty
Herb pairings: basil, lavender, oregano, parsley, rosemary
Food pairings: beans, cabbages, carrots, garlic, lemon, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, root vegetables, soups and chowders, stuffing, tomatoes