The Perfect Pairing – How to Choose the Right Herbs and Greens for Your Favorite Dishes
7/17/2023
Picture this: a sizzling pan, the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly seasoned dish wafting through the air, and your taste buds preparing for a culinary adventure.
In the realm of cooking, there exists an often underappreciated secret to unlocking the full potential of flavors in our favorite dishes: the art of pairing herbs and greens. Just as a symphony requires each instrument to play its part, the right combination of herbs and greens can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Join us on a journey into the world of culinary pairings, exploring how to select superb herbs and greens for your favorite recipes. The perfect pairing awaits!
Herb Selection 101 - Popular Herbs and Their
Flavor Profiles
When it comes to culinary herbs, the world is an abundant garden waiting to be explored. Each herb brings its unique personality and flavor profile to the table, and understanding its characteristics is key to selecting the perfect herb for your dish.
Cilantro boasts a bright and citrusy flavor, making it a fantastic complement to Latin American and Asian cuisines. Sprinkle some cilantro over your tacos or stir it into a fragrant curry to experience its transformative power.
And let’s not forget about rosemary, known for its robust and earthy essence. This versatile herb is a perfect match for roasted meats, potatoes, and even bread, adding a touch of aromatic complexity to your dishes.
When it comes to refreshing and invigorating flavors, mint takes the crown. Known for its bright green leaves and its distinctively cool taste, mint adds a refreshing twist to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a staple herb in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, where it’s often used to enhance salads, yogurts, and sauces. In desserts, mint is a delicious companion to chocolate, infusing a burst of freshness into rich, indulgent treats.
Oregano, with its robust flavor and aromatic flare, is a prevailing herb in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Warm, earthy, and slightly bitter, with hints of sweetness and a peppery undertone, oregano has a distinctive fragrance that instantly transports you to the sun-soaked hills of the Mediterranean. In savory dishes, it partners well with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. Oregano adds a punch of flavor to Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, and it’s a key ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines, often used in chili, salsas, and enchilada sauces.
Greens Galore: Harnessing the Versatility of Leafy Greens in Salads, Sandwiches, and Cooked Dished
When it comes to incorporating leafy greens into your meals, there are a vast array of options to bring a burst of flavor, vibrant colors, and a nutritional punch to your salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes.
Crisp and refreshing, romaine lettuce is a classic choice for salads and sandwiches. Its sturdy leaves hold up well to dressings, toppings, and fillings, making it a reliable base for a variety of flavor combinations. Romaine lettuce is also ideal for grilling or to use as a wrap in place of tortillas.
With a peppery and slightly nutty flavor, arugula adds a distinctive kick to salads and sandwiches. It pairs well with fruits, cheeses, and nuts, making it a popular choice for creating vibrant and balanced flavor profiles. Arugula is best enjoyed raw but can be lightly wilted in cooking dishes to enhance the unique flavor.
Aurora lettuce, with its beautiful blend of vivid colors, is a feast for the eyes. Its leaves showcase a striking mix of green hues, making it a visually stunning addition to any salad or dish. Beyond its aesthetics, aurora offers a delicate, yet crisp texture with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It serves as an excellent base for salads, providing a refreshing crunch and complementing a variety of toppings and dressings.
As the name suggests, spring mix is a delightful medley of young, tender greens. Our Local Roots mix contains a blend of red leaf, green leaf, green oak, red romaine, and green romaine lettuce. This dynamic blend offers a range of flavors, from subtle sweetness to peppery notes. Spring mix adds a burst of freshness and complexity to salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes alike, elevating the overall taste and presentation.
Ultimately, the best leafy greens for salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes are a matter of personal preference. Put on your chef’s hat and experiment with different varieties and combinations to discover your favorites.
But, if you need some inspiration, we recommend trying out these dishes that combine the perfect pairings of herbs and greens!
A Dance of Flavors – Recipes with the Perfect Pairings of Herbs and Greens
Herbs and greens possess a remarkable ability to elevate the simplest of dishes, transforming ordinary meals into exceptional dishes. The thoughtful pairing of these ingredients can unlock a world of flavor, creating a balance that tantalizes the taste buds and delights the senses. Let the dance of flavors begin!
Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup Local Roots fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Lettuce leaves (such as Local Roots romaine or butterhead)
- Sliced avocado
- Salsa
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, marinate shrimp with fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili powder. Sauté the shrimp until cooked through. Take large lettuce leaves and fill them with cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Roll up the lettuce wraps and enjoy these flavorful and light tacos.
Roasted Rosemary Potatoes with Mixed Greens:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons of Local Roots fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of Local Roots arugula lettuce
- Lemon vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400℉. Toss halved baby potatoes with fresh rosemary leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until golden brown and crispy. In a large bowl, toss arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette. Serve the roasted rosemary potatoes on a bed of arugula for a tasty combination of textures and flavors.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Arugula Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of Local Roots fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups of Local Roots fresh arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat them well, letting them sit for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad by combining Local Roots arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle the salad with some olive oil and lemon juice, tossing gently to combine.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips and serve the grilled lemon herb chicken over the arugula salad. Enjoy the flavorful combination of juicy chicken and peppery arugula!
The Kitchen is Your Playground When Pairing
Herbs and Greens
If you’re looking for a simple way to add flavor, depth, and a wow factor to your meals, adding the right combination of herbs and greens is an easy solution. Each ingredient brings its unique characteristics to the table, creating a medley of tastes for your palate. With Local Roots’ wide range of herbs and locally grown lettuce, the possibilities are endless.