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When your herb garden is thriving and full of fresh growth, there are numerous creative and delicious ways to make use of your abundant herbs. Here are some ideas to help you fully enjoy your herb harvest.
HERB-INFUSED OILS AND VINEGARS:
Make aromatic herb-infused oils and vinegars by steeping fresh herbs in olive oil or vinegar. Use these infused oils and vinegars in salad dressings, marinades or as a flavorful drizzle over roasted vegetables.
HOMEMADE PESTO:
Whip up batches of homemade pesto using your favorite herbs like basil, parsley or cilantro. Pesto can be used as a pasta sauce, spread on sandwiches or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
HERB BUTTER:
Mix finely chopped herbs into softened butter to create herb-infused butter. Use this savory butter to spread on bread, melt over steamed vegetables or toss with cooked pasta.
HERB SALT OR SUGAR:
Combine fresh herbs with salt or sugar to make herb-infused seasoning blends. Herb salt can be sprinkled over grilled meats or roasted potatoes, while herb sugar can be used to sweeten tea or sprinkle over desserts.
HERB ICE CUBES:
Freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays filled with water or olive oil. Use these herb ice cubes to add flavor to soups, stews or sauces.
HERB SALSA OR CHIMICHURRI:
Create vibrant herb salsas or chimichurri sauces by blending herbs with garlic, olive oil, vinegar and spices. Serve these sauces with grilled meats, fish or roasted vegetables.
HERB TEA OR INFUSIONS:
Brew fresh herbs into herbal teas or infusions. Mint, chamomile and lemon balm make soothing and aromatic herbal teas. Enjoy them hot or chilled with a touch of honey.
HERB SALAD DRESSINGS:
Make homemade salad dressings using minced herbs combined with olive oil, vinegar, mustard and honey. Experiment with different herb combinations to create unique and flavorful dressings.
HERB RUBS FOR MEAT AND FISH:
Create herb rubs by mixing chopped herbs with spices, garlic and olive oil. Rub the mixture onto meats or fish before grilling or roasting for added flavor.
HERB GARNISHES:
Use fresh herb leaves as beautiful garnishes for dishes like soups, salads, omelets or pasta. They add freshness and visual appeal to your culinary creations.
HERB-INFUSED DESSERTS:
Incorporate herbs into desserts like lemon-herb shortbread cookies, lavender-infused ice cream or rosemary-infused lemon bars for a unique and delightful twist.
HERB COCKTAILS AND MOCKTAILS:
Create herb-infused cocktails or mocktails by muddling fresh herbs with fruits, syrups and spirits. Basil, mint and rosemary are excellent choices for herbaceous drinks.
Remember to harvest your herbs at their peak freshness for the best flavor and aroma. Store leftover herbs properly by drying, freezing or preserving them to enjoy their goodness throughout the year. With these ideas, your herb garden will continue to delight your taste buds and elevate your culinary adventures!
Freezing fresh herbs in ice cube trays is a convenient method for preserving their flavor and incorporating them into dishes later on. Here are step-by- step instructions for freezing herbs using ice cube trays with both water and oil.
Freezing Fresh Herbs in Ice Cube Trays with Water: use in soups and sauces when you have a water base dish that does not call for oil.
INGREDIENTS:
• Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, etc.)
• Ice cube tray
• Water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Wash the fresh herbs under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Decide whether you want to chop the herbs finely or leave them whole. For smaller ice cube compartments, chopping the herbs into smaller pieces will work best.
- Place the chopped or whole herbs into the compartments of an ice cube tray. Fill each compartment with the herbs, packing them in tightly but leaving a little space at the top.
- Carefully pour water into each compartment, covering the herbs completely. Ensure not to overfill the compartments to prevent spillage when freezing.
- Place the filled ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the herbs to freeze completely, typically for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Once the herb cubes are frozen solid, remove the ice cube tray from the freezer. Pop out the herb-filled cubes and transfer them into labeled freezer bags or containers.
- Label the freezer bags or containers with the herb name and date of freezing. Store the herb cubes in the freezer until ready to use.
- Drop a frozen herb cube directly into soups, stews, sauces or casseroles while cooking.
- Use the herb cubes to infuse water or beverages for a refreshing twist.
Freezing Fresh Herbs in Ice Cube Trays with Oil: use in sauces and dishes where oil is a base or use to sauté vegetables and meat.
INGREDIENTS:
• Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, etc.)
• Ice cube tray
• Olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Wash and dry the fresh herbs thoroughly. Remove any tough stems or woody parts.
- Finely chop the herbs to release their flavor and aroma. You can also leave some leaves whole for a decorative touch.
- Place the chopped herbs into the compartments of an ice cube tray, dividing them evenly.
- Pour olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) over the herbs, filling each compartment almost to the top. The oil helps preserve the herbs and enhances their flavor.
- Place the filled ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the herb cubes to freeze completely, usually for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Once frozen, remove the ice cube tray from the freezer. Pop out the herb-filled cubes and transfer them into labeled freezer bags or containers.
- Label the freezer bags or containers with the herb name and date of freezing. Store the herb cubes in the freezer until needed.
- Add a frozen herb cube directly to hot pasta or rice dishes for instant flavor.
- Use the herb-infused oil cubes to sauté vegetables or drizzle over roasted meats or fish.
By freezing fresh herbs in ice cube trays with water or oil, you can conveniently preserve their flavor and incorporate them into your cooking whenever you desire. These herb cubes are versatile additions to various dishes, ensuring that you always have flavorful herbs on hand!
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