Essential Italian Herbs
Whether you grow your own, buy them from a local farmers market, or keep your spice rack fully stocked, herbs are an important part of your journey to becoming an authentic Italian cook.
Basil
Adds a delicious hint of flavor to pesto, tomato sauces and soups. Sweet basil is the best known of the 12 varieties, and has a distinct fragrance. It has a sweet and slight licorice taste.
Marjoram
In the mint family, very similar to oregano, yet much more fragrant and sweet. A very common herb for meats and sauces, it can be used in any recipe that calls for oregano
Mint
Adds great flavor to pasta sauces as well as fish, lamb and soups.
Oregano
Offers a complementary flavor to basil, and is widely used in tomato-based dishes, with meat or fish, and in salads. It also provides a perfect complement to beans and eggplant, and in risottos.
Flat-leaf Italian Parsley
Much more flavorful than the curly variety used for garnishes, Italian parsley is used in soup stock and with vegetable dishes. It can also be used when marinating grilled meat or fish.
Rosemary
Makes a wonderful addition to roasted meats and vegetables, and is delicious with roasted potatoes. It can easily overpower your food, so use it sparingly.
Sage
Makes a perfect addition to stuffing for poultry, pork, veal, and lamb. It can also be added to salads and dressings.
Thyme
Has a pleasant mild flavor that goes well with almost everything. It is also very easy to grow.