How to cook with Homegrown Herbs

Nov 26 2024

Introduction

Hey there, herb enthusiasts! If you’ve been nurturing a lovely herb garden at home, you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like the flavor and aroma of fresh herbs to transform your meals from ordinary to extraordinary.

At Rooted Promise, we’re all about helping you make the most of your garden’s bounty. So today, let’s dive into some fun and delicious ways to incorporate those homegrown herbs into your cooking. Ready to spice up your culinary game? Let’s get started!

Table of Content

Herb-Infused Butter
Fresh Herb Pesto
Herb-Infused Olive Oil
Herb-Seasoned Roasted Vegetables
Herb-Infused Water
Herb-Enhanced Soups and Stews
Basic Herb-Enhanced Chicken Soup
Conclusion

Herb-Infused Butter: A Flavorful Spread

One of the simplest yet most delightful ways to use your homegrown herbs is by making herb-infused butter. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be used in so many ways—spread on bread, melted over vegetables, or even as a finishing touch for steaks and fish.

Basic Herb Butter Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs (such as parsley, chives, thyme, or rosemary)
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped herbs, and minced garlic (if using).
Mix until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper, and roll it into a log shape. Twist the ends to seal.
Refrigerate until firm, then slice and use as needed.

This herb butter can be customized with any combination of your favorite herbs. Try dill and lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor, or basil and oregano for an Italian twist.

Fresh Herb Pesto: A Versatile Sauce

Pesto isn’t just for basil! You can make delicious pesto with a variety of herbs from your garden. This versatile sauce can be tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip for veggies and bread.

Basic Herb Pesto Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, cilantro, or a mix)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a food processor, combine the fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, nuts, and garlic.
Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This fresh herb pesto is a fantastic way to use up large quantities of herbs and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. For a twist, try making a mint and parsley pesto to serve with lamb or a cilantro and lime pesto for a zesty taco topping.

Herb-Infused Olive Oil: A Gourmet Touch

Another wonderful way to incorporate herbs into your cooking is by making herb-infused olive oil. This gourmet touch can elevate simple dishes and add a burst of flavor to salads, pastas, and more.

Basic Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 sprigs of fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or basil)
1-2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed (optional)

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over low heat. Do not let it boil.
Add the fresh herb sprigs and garlic (if using) to the warm oil.
Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, then remove from heat.
Allow the oil to cool completely, then strain out the herbs and garlic.
Transfer the infused oil to a clean, airtight bottle or jar.
Herb-infused olive oil can be drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a dipping sauce for bread, or even as a marinade for meats. It makes a fantastic homemade gift too!

Herb-Seasoned Roasted Vegetables: Simple and Delicious

Roasting vegetables with fresh herbs is a simple and delicious way to bring out their natural sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor. You can use any combination of root vegetables, squashes, and even Brussels sprouts.

Basic Herb-Seasoned Roasted Vegetables Recipe:

Ingredients
4 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips), cut into bite-sized pieces
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown, stirring once or twice during cooking.
These herb-seasoned roasted vegetables make a perfect side dish for any meal. For a unique twist, try using a combination of mint and cilantro for a fresh, unexpected flavor.

Herb-Infused Water: Refreshing and Sophisticated

Don’t forget that herbs can also be used to elevate your beverages! Herb-infused water is refreshing, sophisticated, and perfect for any occasion.

Herb-Infused Water Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 liter of water
A handful of fresh herbs (such as mint, basil, or rosemary)
Slices of citrus fruits (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pitcher, combine the water, fresh herbs, and citrus slices (if using).
Let the mixture infuse in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

This herb-infused water is a great way to stay hydrated with a hint of natural flavor. For a fun twist, try adding cucumber slices and mint for a spa-like experience.

Herb-Enhanced Soups and Stews: Comfort Food at Its Best

Nothing beats the comforting flavors of a homemade soup or stew, especially when enhanced with fresh herbs from your garden. Herbs add depth and complexity to these dishes, making them even more satisfying.

Basic Herb-Enhanced Chicken Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken or chicken parts
8 cups chicken broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
A handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and dill)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the bones.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the fresh herbs.
Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This herb-enhanced chicken soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor that takes this comfort food classic to the next level.

Conclusion

There you have it—some fun and delicious ways to incorporate your homegrown herbs into your meals. Whether you’re making herb-infused butter, fresh pesto, or herb-seasoned roasted vegetables, these recipes are sure to bring the fresh, vibrant flavors of your garden to your table.

We hope these tips and recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the fruits (or in this case, the herbs) of your labor. If so, here are some of Rooted Promise’s products to help you on your gardening and culinary adventure!