IN SEASON herbs How to use
In the kitchen, the fl avour of fresh herbs just can’t be beaten
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magine a bruschetta with no basil, or a fi ery salsa without coriander. While buying fresh herbs may seem like too much of an eff ort (aſt er all, they spoil so quickly and we never use the whole lot, agreed?), there’s no denying that – in many dishes – they’re far superior to the dried alternatives, whose fl avours
are oſt en far less pronounced. We’re inundated with recipes that use herbs – either raw or cooked – to add extra fl avour and depth to dishes, with the herbs that we use oſt en dictated by the part of the world from which a recipe originates, or by the ingredients that they’re paired with. Read on to fi nd out how to get the most from your fresh herbs…
BASIL Flavour: Subtly peppery and sweet Pairs well with: Chicken, fi sh, beef, tomatoes, aubergine, courgettes, peppers, balsamic vinegar, strawberries Use in: Pesto, tomato sauces, stews, soups, stir fries, salads How to store: Snip the base off the stems, add to a jar with an inch of water at room temperature
BAY LEAVES Flavour: Bittersweet and spicy Pairs well with: Beans, beef, potatoes, seafood, tomatoes, poultry, lentils, mushrooms, garlic Use in: Pickles and marinades, stews, poached dishes, soups, stocks, risottos, vinegars, pâtés
How to store: Mostly found in their dried form – store in a cool
dark place 22 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
DILL Flavour: A slightly bitter combination of anise, celery and fennel Pairs well with: Beetroot, beef, peas, lamb, seafood, potatoes, smoked fi sh, eggs Use in: Pickling, dips, breads, grilled and boiled fi sh, cured fi sh, soups How to store: Refrigerated
CORIANDER Flavour: Fresh and citrusy Pairs well with: Avocado, coconut, seafood, poultry, tomatoes, curry, sausage, chillies, peppers Use in: Garnishes, dips, curries, pickles, sauces, chutneys, soups How to store: Trim the stems, store in a jar with a little water in the fridge
CHIVES Flavour: Mild oniony fl avour Pairs well with: Seafood, green vegetables, dairy produce, mushrooms, pasta Use in: Salads, garnishes, stocks, soups, omelettes, potato dishes, creamy sauces How to store: In the fridge, for up to 3 days
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