Introduction

If you're looking to take your cooking to the next level, there's no better way than with fresh herbs. Not only do they add fresh flavor and aromas to any dish, but they also come with an array of health benefits. However, for many home cooks, cooking with fresh herbs can seem daunting. In this ultimate guide, we'll go through how to use fresh herbs in your cooking, including tips for storing them, the best herbs to choose, and some delicious recipes to incorporate them into your meals.

Getting started with Grow Herbs

The best way to have fresh herbs on hand is to grow them yourself. It's easier than you might think, regardless of your space or experience. You can grow herbs in your windowsill, on a balcony, or in your garden. Consider starting with herbs like parsley, basil, or chives, which are easy to grow and versatile in recipes.

Storing Herbs

It's essential to store fresh herbs properly to keep them fresh for longer. You can store herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint in a glass of water on your countertop. For heartier herbs like rosemary or thyme, store them in a resealable bag in your fridge's crisper drawer.

Herbs Pairings

The secret to cooking with herbs is to complement the other flavors in your dish. The best herbs to pair with chicken are parsley, sage, thyme, and rosemary. For pork, try using coriander, ginger, and sage. For fish, dill, fennel, and tarragon work well. Make sure not to overpower your dish with too many herbs.

Recipes Using Fresh Herbs

Here are three recipes that take full advantage of fresh herbs in cooking.

Tarragon Chicken Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• Salt
• Pepper

Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh tarragon in a bowl. Add chicken, celery, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve over a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich.

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• 2 lb baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.

Lemon Basil Grilled Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, deveined and peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Preheat a grill to medium heat. In a bowl, toss the shrimp, olive oil, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add lemon juice and toss again. Place the shrimp on skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Conclusion

Cooking with fresh herbs is a game-changer in the kitchen. By growing your own herbs, properly storing them, and choosing the right herbs for your dishes, you can take your meals to the next level. With these tips and recipe ideas, you'll be able to incorporate fresh herbs into your cooking and have your family and friends raving about your dishes. Cheers to cooking with fresh herbs!