Adding these essential herbs to your garden will elevate your home cooking

Gerry Cupido|Published 5 months ago

Fresh herbs add depth, flavour, and aroma to dishes. Picture: Suzy Hazelwood / Pexels

We all understand the importance of adding herbs to our food but most people stock dried herbs in their pantries at home.

However, having fresh herbs at hand can be a game-changer for your home cooking.

Fresh herbs add depth, flavour, and aroma to dishes, transforming ordinary meals into culinary masterpieces.

Having fresh herbs doesn’t mean you have to have an entire garden of herbs either.

Just a few pot plants of the most essential herbs will do.

Here are some must-have versatile herbs that you can use every day.

This aromatic herb is a staple in Italian cuisine, but it complements a wide range of dishes, from pasta sauces to pesto and grilled vegetables.

A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano adds a savoury and slightly bitter flavour to pizza, pasta, and grilled meats.

This versatile herb is used in countless dishes. It adds a fresh, herbaceous flavour and is a great garnish.

Thyme is a versatile herb with a slightly minty flavour. It pairs well with poultry, meat, and vegetables.

With its pine-like aroma, rosemary is a great addition to roasted meats, potatoes, and bread.

If you are keen on experimenting with different cuisines, here’s a list of herbs you could add to your list.

A key ingredient in Indian, Mexican and Thai cuisine, coriander adds a bright, citrusy flavour to salsas, curries, and marinades.

Dill is a classic herb in Scandinavian and Russian cuisine. It pairs well with fish, potatoes, and pickles.

Sage is a versatile herb with a slightly bitter and earthy flavour. It is commonly used in stuffing, poultry, and pork.

Marjoram is a close relative of oregano but has a milder flavour. It is often used in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

IOL Lifestyle