Herb Recipes from A to Z

For many centuries, in both East and West cultures, herbs were heavily used in foods for their therapeutic properties and the fresh flavors that they add. Today, we tend to use herbs less often especially with the advent of chemical essences and flavoring agents in packaged foods. Herbs are actually very easy to use in foods; they can be chopped, bruised or even left whole. Read on to learn how to infuse delicious natural flavors in your food while keeping it simple.

Gluten-Free Herb Recipes

It can be quite hard for those with gluten allergies to stay away from all the foods they love. However, there are several ways to get around it, by using similar substitute products, such as gluten-free flour, or entirely substituting foods, such as using potatoes instead of bread. Below are a few suggestions for delicious meals that will have even the most allergic person relishing their meal!

  • Beef Stew with Apricots – This hearty beef stew pairs fresh thyme, parsley and bay leaves with the sweet, tangy flavors of apricot.
  • Lemony Quinoa – Hankering for a side dish? Try a light, crunchy quinoa recipe, bursting with fresh parsley.
  • Gluten-Free Savory Pancakes – Whip up a stack of chickpea flour pancakes infused with fresh rosemary.
  • Herb-Crusted Fish – Instead of the traditional flour or bread crumb batter, this recipe combines basil, thyme and parmesan for a succulent dining experience.
  • Herb Omelette Canapés – You don’t have to intentionally avoid gluten to enjoy these delightful little small eats full of watercress and parsley!
  • Herb Roast Pork Loin – The light peppery taste of sage really shines through when used as a rub for a dish of pork.
  • Herb and Garlic Breadsticks – This gluten-free take on traditional breadsticks features assorted herbs mixed directly into the dough.
  • Butternut Squash Herb Soup – Herbes de Provence features heavily in this thick squash soup; this herb mix can be bought ready mixed in stores, or it can be made at home by combining tarragon, marjoram, basil, savory, rosemary and a hint of lavender.
  • Lemon Herb Tilapia – A subtle fish filet is complimented with a delicious marinade of lemon, garlic, basil, tarragon, oregano and thyme.
  • Herb & Spinach Cannelloni – Enjoy a lovely Italian gluten-free pasta meal with traditional flavorings of oregano, basil and parsley.

Easy Herb Recipes

If you’re new to cooking with herbs, don’t worry – it’s actually quite easy! One of the easiest ways to release the flavor from herbs is bruise them by hitting the leaves with the blunt side of a knife. Dried herbs can also be used instead, but they often tend to have less flavor.

  • Herb-Infused Vinaigrette – The fresh basil and chives can easily be replaced with your other favorite herbs in this simple and healthy salad dressing.
  • Herb Butter Scallops – Try an easy recipe for succulent scallops cooked in fresh herbs and white wine for a dish that looks far more involved than it really is!
  • Turkey Dill Sandwiches – Skip the old lunchtime ham and cheese and instead go for much tastier sandwich filled with turkey, dill weed, and refreshing cucumber.
  • Citrus Slaw – Fresh cilantro plays a key role in this tangy, spicy coleslaw. Simply chop, season and serve.
  • Mint Chutney – Make a cooling mint and coriander (cilantro) chutney in the blender to go with spicy dishes on the menu.
  • Herb and Garlic Bread – Use a pre-baked sourdough loaf as a starting point and add a homemade cheese and herb mixture before toasting in the oven.
  • Herb Butter – Learn how to make different kinds of herb butter that can be used to flavor a variety of vegetable, meat or fish dishes.
  • Chicken Quesadilla Pie – Everyone will love this Mexican-inspired with plenty of cilantro injecting a burst of freshness into a filling meal.
  • Tomato Basil Focaccia – Guests will be wowed by the incredible flavor of this homemade Italian sauce, but only you will know that it simply involved a few minutes with a blender!
  • Gnocchi with Pesto – You’ll come back for extra helpings with the heavenly aroma of fresh basil in this gnocchi and pesto recipe.

Fresh Herb Recipes

When shopping for herbs at the store, look for loose bunches in the fresh produce section. Wrap them in paper towels at home and then in a paper bag before storing it in the fridge. This will help to keep them from wilting and going bad. An easier solution is to purchase young herb plants from the local farmer’s market or garden center to ensure a year-round supply of fresh herbs at home.

  • Lemon-Herb Chicken Meal – Cook up a whole meal with basil and oregano flavored chicken with roast potatoes tossed in rosemary and a fresh salad on the side.
  • Mushroom and Herb-Filled Tomatoes – A North Indian recipe brings the senses alive with tomatoes filled with a creamy herb and mushroom mixture.
  • Grilled Rosemary Salmon – In a twist on the traditional fish dishes, a filet of salmon is covered with lemon and fresh rosemary and then wrapped in foil before grilling for maximum flavor.
  • Italian Herb Roasted Chicken – Look no further for a classic roast chicken recipe! This version evokes the seaside tastes of the Mediterranean with coarse sea salt, olive oil, basil, oregano and rosemary.
  • Herb-Crusted Haddock – Smoked filets of haddock topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping are complimented by generous seasonings of fresh parsley and garlic.
  • Herb-Rubbed Turkey – For this year’s family turkey dinner, forget about dry herb rubs and go for fresh thyme, sage, parsley and rosemary for a completely different taste experience.
  • Bacon and Herb Potatoes – Although the recipe suggests using parsley with these garlicky fried potatoes, try adding chives as well for a subtle onion-like taste.
  • Spicy Shrimp Tostadas – Try a healthier version of the standard tostada snacks with this recipe where cilantro plays a key role.
  • Soupe au Pistou – A French-inspired take of pesto with a healthy vegetable soup packs a whopping four cups of fresh basil!
  • Herb-Crusted Roast Beef – Rethink the traditional roast beef with this version heavily coated in a mixture of parsley, tarragon and thyme.

Herb Infused Desserts

It might sound strange to mix herbs into desserts, but there are several plants and leaves that can impart a sweet, subtle and even spicy taste to the dish. Keep an open mind and experiment with a few. It helps to start with herbs that you already enjoy before moving onto others. To infuse herbs, try mixing them into butter, oil or milk for a while before baking.