Ultimate Guide to Herbs

Ultimate Guide to Herbs - Sustained Kitchen

Spring has almost sprung, so I have fresh herbs on the mind. But with dozens of herbs to choose from, things can get complicated. In this post, I describe the flavors and pairings for my favorite herbs.

Basil

Flavor: Strong, peppery, lightly sweet

Herb pairings: chives, cilantro, oregano, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme 

Food pairings: balsamic vinegar, beans, eggplant, garlic, lemon, onion, pizza, tomatoes, white beans, zucchini

Bay Leaves

Flavor: minty, peppery, slightly bitter

Herb pairings: sage, rosemary

Food pairings: mushrooms, potatoes, lentils, soups and stews

Bergamot (aka bee balm)

Flavor: citrusy, minty, floral

Herb pairings: basil, parsley, thyme

Food pairings: citrus fruits, honey, leafy greens, warming spices, tea

Chamomile

Flavor: earthy, floral, apple-y

Herb pairings: mint, lemongrass

Food pairings: lemon, honey, leafy greens, tea

Chives

Flavor: onion-y, garlic-y

Herb pairings: basil, cilantro, fennel, parsley, tarragon 

Food pairings: avocados, butter, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, corn, garlic, eggs, onions, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes

Cilantro (AKA coriander)

Flavor: citrus-y, warm, fresh

Herb pairings: basil, chives, dill, lemongrass, mint, parsley 

Food pairings: avocados, black beans, carrots, corn, eggplants, hot peppers, lemon, lime, rice, tomatoes, zucchinis

Dill

Flavor: lemony, grassy, sweet

Herb pairings: basil, parsley 

Food pairings: capers, cabbages, cucumbers, lemon, potatoes, red onions, tomatoes, yogurt

Fennel

Flavor: anise-like, licorice-y, sweet

Herb pairings: basil, cilantro, sage

Food pairings: Artichokes, cabbages, white beans, beets, cheeses, fruit, garlic, lentils, onions, tomatoes

Lavender

Flavor: floral, earthy, minty

Herb pairings: sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, 

Food pairings: fruit, honey, lemon, tea, vanilla, walnuts

Lemongrass

Flavor: lemony, minty

Herb pairings: basil, cilantro

Food pairings: citrus fruits, coconut milk, chili peppers, ginger, soups and stews, tea

Marjoram

Flavor: minty, sweet, oregano-like

Herb pairings: parsley, thyme, savory

Food pairings: cabbages, cauliflower, eggplants, potatoes, squash, tomatoes

Mint

Flavor: cool, aromatic, sweet

Herb pairings: basil, dill, oregano, parsley, thyme 

Food pairings: carrots, chocolate, fruits, eggplants, lemon, nuts and seeds, peas, potatoes, rice, tea, yogurt

Oregano

Flavor: aromatic, bitter, earthy

Herb pairings: basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme 

Food pairings: artichokes, beans, cabbages, cauliflower, eggplants, mushrooms, olive oil, pizza, potatoes, tomatoes

Parsley

Flavor: light, lemony, grassy

Herb pairings: basil, chives, garlic, mint, oregano, rosemary, tarragon 

Food pairings: beans, carrots, eggplants, garlic, lemon, lentils, mushrooms, onions, rice, tomatoes

Rosemary

Flavor: lemony, piney, woody

Herb pairings: bay leaves, chives, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, thyme 

Food pairings: white beans, cauliflower, fruit, garlic, lemon, lentils, root vegetables, soups and stews, squash, tomatoes 

Sage

Flavor: aromatic, piney, peppery

Herb pairings: bay leaves, parsley, thyme 

Food pairings: asparagus, capers, celery, citrus fruit, garlic, onions, soups and stews, tomatoes

Savory

Flavor: peppery, thyme-like, pine-y

Herb pairings: basil, bay leaves, marjoram, thyme, rosemary

Food pairings: beans, garlic, lemon, lentils, potatoes, stuffing, sauces, stews, tomatoes

Tarragon

Flavor: anise-y, aromatic, fresh

Herb pairings: basil, chives, dill, parsley 

Food pairings: artichokes, asparagus, fruit, lemon, potatoes, tomatoes, white wine, yogurt

Thyme

Flavor: earthy, sweet, minty

Herb pairings: basil, lavender, oregano, parsley, rosemary 

Food pairings: beans, cabbages, carrots, garlic, lemon, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, root vegetables, soups and chowders, stuffing, tomatoes

Did I leave out your favorite herb? Let me know in the comments!