Cooking with fresh herbs is a great way to add flavor, aroma, and color to your dishes. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, using fresh herbs can literally take your cooking to a whole new level.
Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro are easy to grow in the garden or they can be found at a local market or supermarket. It is one of the best options to go for when you want a meal with a unique flavor.
Some of the benefits of cooking with fresh herbs include:
· Added flavor and aroma
· Increased nutritional value
· Colorful garnishes for your dishes
· Easy to grow and find
Some popular fresh herbs and their uses include:
- Basil
This adds flavor to pasta sauces and pepper soup. It also pairs well with Suya chicken or beef. Feel free to explore the other usefulness of Basil leaves.
- Mint Leaves
This is great for salads, drinks, meat, and vegetable dishes. It is also a refreshing addition to Chapman or Zobo and in pepper soup or Egusi soup.
- Cilantro
It is used in Mexican and Asian dishes, as well as in salads and sauces. It adds flavor to the suya spice blend, grilled meats, or plantain dishes amongst others.
Incorporating fresh herbs into your cooking is easy and fun. You can also try adding a bit of rosemary to your roasted chicken or a handful of parsley to your favorite salad. Be sure to experiment with different herbs and dishes to find your favorite combinations.
Some other Nigerian dishes that herbs can be used in are:
· Suya (grilled meat skewers) with a sprinkle of cilantro or parsley.
· Egusi soup with a hint of basil or mint.
· Jollof Rice with a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro.
· Akara (fried bean cakes) with a side of fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
What makes cooking so good is the beauty of experimenting and finding your own favorite combinations. So, go ahead and get creative with some fresh herbs in your kitchen. I am sure your taste buds will thank you.
Article by
Damilola Yvonne Oderinde
Writer & Content Manager (Nigeria)