Aromatics: Your Secret Weapon
Aromatics. What do you know about them?Aromatics are substances or plants that have a distinctive but pleasant smell. Today, we're going to talk about aromatic herbs.Aromatic herbs offer a lovely way to finish soups, rice, or pasta dishes. Just sprinkle chopped aromatic herbs generously on top of the plate before serving, or set out dishes of chopped herbs with your meal. When you set out dishes of aromatics, people can choose the flavors and scents that work best for them.
What kinds of aromatic herbs will make their way onto your table this summer? Some of my favorites include…
- Basil
- Chinese hot mint
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Green onion
- Lemongrass
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Thai basil
These herbs are often easy to grow and can get very cheap during the summer. Plus, a little bit goes a long way — one bunch can be used all week to make meals come alive!
Try topping the following dishes with a mix of fresh aromatic herbs…
- Rice
- Soups
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Stir fries
- Salads
- Tacos or burritos
- Omelettes
Spotlight on Mint:In addition to boosting the flavor of grilled foods and soups, mint is also a wonderful part of my favorite summer drink: agua fresca. This is a cool and refreshing beverage that is mostly water, with delicious fruit, vegetable, and herb flavors. Try combining water with…
- Cucumbers and lime
- Mint
- Green tea and mint
- Citrus and strawberry
- Cinnamon and apples
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Orange
A dear friend from Vietnam inspired me to write this post. You see, she always serves lots of aromatic herbs with her meals. A dinner with her is fragrant with the sharp spice of green onion and the mellow scent of cilantro. The herbs on her table elevate her already extraordinary cooking and make everything taste so bright and fresh.So, where will you start?
Thanks for scrolling! Here’s a free PDF handout all about aromatic herbs.
Food and Health members also have exclusive access to another new handout — Using Aromatic Herbs: A Guide. Check it out today!
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