How to Pair Herbs with the Right Food Combinations

Herbs have a long, eventful history and have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. Herbs can also really enhance a meal if the right herbs are paired with the right foods. But if you or your spouse are the meat and potatoes kind of cook and season the food with salt and pepper and nothing else, you can still incorporate herbs into your cooking to rejuvenate meals. Here's how.

Basil and Oregano

Not long after I met my husband, I went round to his house with friends for dinner and he was cooking Italian food. He was busy in the kitchen, but I popped my head round the door and offered him some advice about using herbs. As he was making a pasta sauce, I suggested that he use basil to bring out the flavour of the tomatoes. Oregano is another herb that goes well with tomatoes. If your spouse is reluctant to make use of unfamiliar herbs, rub a small amount between your fingers, which will release the smell of the herbs and give your spouse an idea of what certain herbs smell like.

Protecting Herbs

Dried herbs last much longer than the fresh variety. However, that does not mean to say that they will last indefinitely. Dried herbs will lose much of their pungent smell and taste over time due to environmental factors such as direct sunlight and overexposure to moisture and air. Try to use dried herbs within a year of purchase for the best results.

Coriander

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is an integral part of Mexican cooking and tastes great sprinkled over homemade salsa or other Mexican specialties. Use fresh coriander, rather than dried, when adding it to salsa for the best results. Fresh coriander can also help to take the heat out of a fiery dish that contains jalapenos.

Mint

Fresh mint tastes great, not just in tea, but with a variety of meals, such as vegetarian lasagne, peas and potato salad. Experiment with mint to find other ways to use this aromatic, versatile herb.

Using fresh or dried herbs in cooking can really enhance your cooking or your spouse's cooking and bring out the natural flavour of ingredients more effectively. If you are in the habit of over seasoning food with herbs you should consider toning it down and using the right kind of herbs with foods. Herbs should add a delicate balance to a meal and act as a complement rather than mask the taste of the ingredients of a dish.

Source:

http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftapr03.htm