Cilantro
Pairs well with any two of the following: Chives, Fennel seeds, Parsley, Thyme, Nutmeg, Basil, Rosemary
There is a slight citrusy taste to cilantro. It goes well in salsas and guacamole. Using in salads and as a topping.
Use it with lemon or lime in marinades, and in dressings or vinaigrette’s.
Recipes Using Cilantro: 1. Roasted Yams with Cilantro and Lime Juice – 2. Red Kale Beets and Sweet Cilantro Vinaigrette
Coriander Seeds
Pairs well with any two of the following: Chives, Fennel seeds, Parsley, Nutmeg, Paprika, Mint, Mustard, Dill, Allspice
Coriander seeds are actually seeds of cilantro. As the leaves have their distinct flavor and uses in cooking, so do their seeds.
History attests that coriander was cultivated for the manufacture of perfumes, and was used in two ways – as a spice for its seeds and as a herb for the flavor of its leaves (The Mycenaean World).
Add these seeds to soups and fish. It also goes well on smoked meats like turkey. Use this with spices like cumin, as they blend well together.
Recipe Using Ground Coriander Seeds: Indian Spiced Salmon
Rosemary
Pairs well with any two of the following: Sage, Thyme, Curry, Savory, Oregano, Basil, Mint, Dill
Rosemary, a member of the mint family and a popular seasoning on its own, has a woodsy flavor, and also has benefits as a cancer prevention agent.
Use it with ground hamburger meat, beef steaks, pot roasts, and it breaks up carcinogens which have the potential to be cancer-causing compounds that can form when the meat is being cooked (Science Daily).
The herb flavors very well with roasted meats, beef (already mentioned) pork, chicken, and even salmon.
If you want a more subtle taste, add it to sauces and marinades. It blends well with mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach.
The Beetles were right to sing together – Rosemary Sage and Thyme, as they are three spices that go well together.
These three spices can also be considered the foundation of the popular “Italian Spices Mix,” that is called for in some culinary dishes.
Recipe Using Rosemary: Rosemary and Thyme Oven-Roasted Chicken
Sage
Pairs well with any two of the following: Thyme, Rosemary, Allspice, Chili, Ginger, Mustard, Paprika
Sage is a aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves, and is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
There is a slight peppery flavor to sage, and it goes well with sweet fruits and vegetables like apples and squash.
But it can also help kick things like sausage up a notch. Sage can be added to slow cooking, such as stews and sauces.
This herb is the exception, that is you can add it fresh at the beginning of food preparation without worrying about it losing its flavor. It’s a powerful spice and will hold up to long cooking times.
Recipe Using Sage: Gluten Free Rigate with Roasted Butternut Squash and Smoked Bacon
Thyme
Pairs well with any two of the following: Sage, Rosemary, Paprika, Coriander, Nutmeg, Mint, Dill
Thyme is an evergreen herb with culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses.
Thyme is related to the mint family, as well as is a relative to the oregano family.
The ancient Greeks used thyme in their public bath houses, and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage.
The introduction of thyme throughout all of Europe is thought to be due to the Romans, as they used the herb to purify their dwellings and to give an aromatic flavor to cheese and liqueurs.
Thyme can be purchased both fresh and dried. Summer-seasonal thyme grown in greenhouses is available year round.
Fresh thyme though, is more flavorful. Storing fresh thyme can be inconvenient as storage life is rarely more than 7-14 days under refrigeration. It can also last many months if carefully frozen.
Try it out in bean dishes, vegetable dishes, or with eggs.
Recipe Using Thyme: Stuffed And Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin Chops With Brown Sugar And Spice Glazed Carrots
Turmeric
Pairs well with any two of the following: Chives, Black pepper, Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Allspice, Cinnamon, Cloves
This orange to yellowish colored spice is always used in curries. It can also be added to stir-fries and rice to enhance their flavor.
Turmeric combined with black pepper is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory.
Recipe Using Turmeric also known as curry: 1. Green Curry Chicken 2. Chicken Curry Soup
Parsley
Pairs well with any two of the following: Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Savory, Curry, Tarragon, Dill, Mint
This is most often added to pasta dishes. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle it over chicken or fish.
Add a little parsley for not only color but also flavor at the end of cooking mashed potatoes.
You can also garnish your plates with parsley to eat after you have finished your lunch or dinner.
It aids digestion and freshens your breath.
Recipe Using Parsley: Cast Iron Seared and Broiled Salmon With Fruit And Herb Salsa
It’s important to taste your food throughout cooking to determine if it needs more of something.
But remember that you’re not trying to mask flavors with spices and herbs – you are most definitely looking to enhance the flavors.
Don’t start adding every spice in your spice cupboard just because you think it’s going to make it taste better.
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