Dried herbs add flavor to a dish and they also supply the body with antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against free radicals, which may prevent cancer and other long-term conditions, according to a 2010 study published in Nutrition Journal. Herbs have even more antioxidants than many foods known for their antioxidant power, including berries. Oregano tops the list in antioxidants, followed by thyme, sage and rosemary. Many dried herbs, including oregano, thyme, basil and parsley, contain more antioxidants than their fresh counterparts, according to the study. Herbs also add flavor. Although you can experiment with herbs, international cuisine often features specific varieties, according to the Epicurious website. Cilantro pairs well with Mexican and Indian dishes, Italian cooking utilizes rosemary, oregano and basil, French cuisine features thyme and parsley, and Middle Eastern food makes use of mint.
Stovetop Cooking
Step 1
Add the ingredients of your meal to a pot or pan on the stove. Stir fries, meat, omelets, soups and sauces are all entrees or sides that work well with dried herbs.
Step 2
Sprinkle dried herbs onto your dish.
Step 3
Rub the herbs into a piece of meat or mix them with a spoon into other dishes to blend the flavor of the herbs with the ingredients of the dish.
Step 4
Cook the dish according to its recipe.
Baking
Step 1
Put meat, vegetables or homemade breads into a baking dish. Brush with olive oil.
Step 2
Sprinkle herbs over the dish, distributing evenly.
Step 3
Bake the dish according to its recipe.
Tips and Warnings
- Add herbs to no-cook recipes and other methods of cooking as well. Parsley and mint add excitement to tabbouleh and cilantro gives salsa an added dimension. Simply add herbs while mixing the no-cook dish. The Epicurious website suggests using herbs conservatively in the beginning. It says an excess of herbs is overwhelming, whereas not enough will create a boring meal. It suggests beginning small and increasing the amount for the flavor you desire. Epicurious also says that 1 tsp. of dried herbs is the equivalent to 1 tbsp. of fresh, chopped herbs. If you are unsure of the amount of herbs to use, research various recipes for guidance.
Things You'll Need
- Herbs
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