Herb

N/A (General term) Culinary Generic

Herb Culinary Generic

At a Glance

  • Category Culinary Generic

The Forktionary Angle

"The Green Heart of Cuisine: Mastering the art of herb usage."

Definition

A plant whose leaves, flowers, or stems are used for flavoring food, medicine, or perfume, distinguished from spices which are typically bark, roots, seeds, or fruits.

Essential Oils: Flavor comes from volatile essential oils within the plant.
Fresh vs. Dried Ratio: Use 1 tablespoon fresh herbs for 1 teaspoon dried.
Global Diversity: Thousands of plant species are classified as culinary herbs.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Herb are:

Aromatic fresh pungent earthy bright (varies widely)

Chef’s Secret

For hardier herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), add them early in cooking to allow their flavors to infuse. For tender herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley), add them at the very end or as a garnish to preserve their delicate aroma and color.

Best Substitutes

Dried version of the same herb

ratio, dried to fresh
Ratio 1:3

Buying Guide

Look for vibrant color, fresh aroma, and no wilting or blemishes. Store fresh herbs like flowers: stems in water, covered, in the fridge.

Recipes Using Herb

Course Time To Make Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Stuffed Polenta Reduced And Lightened

This lightened-up take on classic baked stuffed polenta is surprisingly easy and delivers incredible flavor! While it requires a little overnight chill time, the result is well worth the wait. Imagine creamy polenta layered with savory salami, sun-dried tomatoes, and peppers, then baked to perfection. Serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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3 Steps Or Less Weeknight 3 Steps Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less

Best Chicken Salad Ever

Elevate your lunch game with this incredible herb and lemon chicken salad! Our homemade mayonnaise recipe takes this classic to the next level, creating a creamy, flavorful base that's far superior to store-bought options. Save time and money by making this from scratch – it's quicker than you think! Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or enjoyed on its own. Get ready for the best chicken salad you'll ever taste!

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Main Ingredient Vegetarian Course For 1 Or 2

Balsamic Roast Mushrooms

These irresistible Balsamic Roast Mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser! Perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, they're unbelievably delicious as a side dish with meat, a vegetarian main course, or even enjoyed on their own. The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is simply addictive. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, 40-minute recipe!

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Chicken Chicken Course Preparation

Another Chicken Recipe

Short on time? This 'Another Chicken Recipe' is a lifesaver! A simple, adaptable recipe born from improvisation, this dish lets you use whatever ingredients you have on hand to create a delicious stuffed chicken breast. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it's surprisingly flavorful and satisfying.

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Poultry Number Of Servings Meat Low In Something

Grilled Salmon

This recipe unlocks the secrets to perfectly grilled, juicy salmon—without the added fat! It's a healthy and delicious weeknight meal that's ready in under 20 minutes. This versatile method also works wonders for chicken and pork chops, so get ready to expand your grilling repertoire!

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Vegetables Time To Make Preparation Easy

Asiago Cheese Sauce

Indulge in this unbelievably creamy and dreamy Asiago cheese sauce! Ready in just 15 minutes, this simple recipe from Cooking Light is perfect for elevating pasta, vegetables, or even your favorite grilled chicken. The rich, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese creates a decadent sauce that's surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality cheese sauce!

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Chicken Breasts To Go Poultry Chicken

Amazing Lemon Ginger Chicken

Unlock the secret to unbelievably tender and flavorful chicken with our Amazing Lemon Ginger Chicken recipe! Marinated for 3 hours in zesty ginger ale and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is a symphony of sweet and savory. The ginger ale creates an incredibly juicy and tender chicken, while the spices add a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve this masterpiece with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or crispy potatoes for a complete and unforgettable meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Food Processor Blender Free Of Something Weeknight Stove Top

Cream Of Cauliflower Soup Vegan

Indulge in this luxuriously creamy vegan cauliflower soup! This dairy-free delight is packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated vegan gathering. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Main Ingredient Equipment Healthy 2 Preparation

Beer And Scallop Kebabs

Fire up the grill for these incredible Beer & Scallop Kebabs! This quick and easy recipe delivers juicy, succulent scallops with a delightful beer-infused flavor. The marinade, featuring a hint of chili (adjust to your spice preference!), creates a unique steamed texture that's simply irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next BBQ bash! (Marinating time: 1 hour)

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Soups Stews Soups Stews Seafood 60 Minutes Or Less

Atlantic Seafood Chowder

Dive into a taste of the Atlantic with this decadent seafood chowder! Bursting with fresh lobster, halibut, salmon, scallops, mussels, and clams, this creamy and flavorful chowder is a true culinary masterpiece. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready for a seafood extravaganza!

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Small Appliance Occasion Cuisine Preparation

Aromatic Herbed Bread Filled With Prosciutto

Experience pure bread bliss with this Aromatic Herbed Prosciutto-Filled Bread! This recipe, made easy with your bread machine, results in a savory masterpiece. The fragrant herb topping (recipe #206538) elevates this bread to unforgettable levels. Imagine the crispy crust, the savory prosciutto, and the explosion of aromatic herbs in every bite. Prepare to be amazed!

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Preparation Preparation Eggs Dairy Appetizers

Herb Garlic Marinated Feta

Elevate your appetizers with this incredibly flavorful Herb Garlic Marinated Feta! Perfect for spreading on crusty bread, topping bruschetta, or adding a zesty kick to salads. This recipe infuses creamy feta cheese with fragrant herbs and garlic, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make treat. The marinated oil is also amazing in dressings! Made with light olive oil for a lighter, brighter flavor.

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Fish Equipment Seafood Grilling

Bbq Salmon Filet

Experience succulent, juicy BBQ salmon cooked to perfection! This recipe features tender salmon filets infused with fresh herbs and a delicate wine glaze, then grilled to perfection. Served alongside roasted baby potatoes, vibrant carrots, and sweet peas, this dish is a delightful summer meal, perfect served hot or at room temperature. Easy to customize and adaptable for oven baking (350°F for 25-30 minutes, depending on thickness).

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Dietary Tomatoes Course Main Ingredient

Monterey Cream Baked Tomatoes

Indulge in these decadent Monterey Cream Baked Tomatoes! Whole tomatoes are expertly stuffed with a savory herb and breadcrumb topping, then baked to perfection in a creamy, dreamy sauce. This rich and satisfying dish, adapted from the classic "California the Beautiful Cookbook," pairs wonderfully with robust meats like garlicky lamb or chicken. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Irish Oven Valentines Day Pork

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Fish

Transform ordinary fish fillets into an irresistible gourmet dish! This Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Fish recipe is surprisingly easy, even for fin-fish skeptics. Juicy fish is perfectly complemented by savory stuffing and crispy bacon, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant yet simple recipe.

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Easy Holiday Event High Protein Heirloom Historical

8 Hour Beef Roast

Tender, juicy, and flavorful beef roast, slow-cooked to perfection in just 8 hours! This easy recipe uses a simple blend of herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering masterpiece perfect for a crowd. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or serving alongside your favorite sides.

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Vegetarian Vegetables Appetizers Beginner Cook

Beanless Hummus

Craving hummus but need a chickpea-free option? This vibrant, raw recipe delivers incredible flavor without the legumes! Perfect for those with chickpea allergies or sensitivities, this creamy dip tastes remarkably similar to traditional hummus and is ready in minutes. A delightful and healthy appetizer or snack!

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Stuffings Dressings Side Dishes Course Time To Make

Bacon Stuffing

Indulge in this Thanksgiving classic: a mouthwatering bacon stuffing recipe! Perfectly seasoned with crispy bacon, savory herbs, and fluffy bread, this stuffing is guaranteed to be a holiday favorite. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

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