The ways herbs can elevate your cooking game are too many to count. We’ll try to give five anyhow. Lift your cooking game with these tips.
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Cut them finely
Some use calls for ground herb leaves, in a mortar. Exposing more of the herb leaf by cutting or grinding it allows absorption of its aromatic oil. Herbs such as cilantro and parsley are delicate. Chop them right before you use them.
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Use them moderately
They’re there for a flavor boost, not to overwhelm your dish. Experiment in small batches, or research which herbs meld well together. Some become bitter if you add them to hot butter or oil, such as:
- Chili
- Curry
- Garlic
- Paprika
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Add them at the right time
They’ll add a distinctive taste if they’re introduced in a recipe’s finishing stages. Ground spices unleash their flavors right away. In longer-duration recipes, wait until near the end of cooking time. This will keep the flavor from cooking away.
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Avoid mixing these herbs
It’s a basic guide to cooking with herbs and spices to stay away from including more than one of these in a dish:
- Basil
- Chives
- Garlic
- Fennel
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Rue, anise and dill
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Learn to love dried herbs
Herbs need not be fresh to be best. Restock dried herbs to keep them potent. Rub them between your fingertips before you add them, to release the oil that’s left in the leaves.
You don’t need to be an herbal cooking mastermind to spice up your dishes. You can also add FIREDISC® seasonings to your culinary arsenal. Or, buy the bundle of six, and save.
