What Herbs Go Together in Cooking

Introduction

Combining herbs in cooking can elevate the flavor of your dishes, adding complexity and depth. Knowing which herbs complement each other can help you create delicious and harmonious meals. In this post, we’ll explore the best herb combinations for cooking, their culinary uses, and some classic pairings that you can experiment with in your kitchen.

1. Basil and Oregano

Culinary Uses: Basil and oregano are a classic combination in Italian cuisine. They pair beautifully in tomato-based dishes like pasta sauces, pizza, and bruschetta.

Classic Pairing: Margherita Pizza

Ingredients: Fresh basil leaves, dried oregano, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. Rosemary and Thyme

Culinary Uses: Rosemary and thyme are robust herbs that work well together in roasted meats, especially lamb and chicken. They also enhance the flavor of roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Classic Pairing: Roasted Chicken

Ingredients: Fresh rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, garlic, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Parsley and Chives

Culinary Uses: Parsley and chives offer a fresh, mild flavor that complements each other in salads, soups, and potato dishes. They are also great in herb butter and dressings.

Classic Pairing: Herb Butter

Ingredients: Fresh parsley, chives, butter, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Mint and Cilantro

Culinary Uses: Mint and cilantro add a fresh, vibrant flavor to Middle Eastern, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes. They are perfect for salads, salsas, and chutneys.

Classic Pairing: Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients: Fresh mint, cilantro, parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5. Dill and Tarragon

Culinary Uses: Dill and tarragon are delicate herbs that pair well with seafood, eggs, and creamy sauces. They are often used in French cuisine for their unique, anise-like flavors.

Classic Pairing: Salmon with Dill and Tarragon Cream Sauce

Ingredients: Fresh dill, tarragon, salmon fillets, heavy cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

6. Sage and Thyme

Culinary Uses: Sage and thyme are hearty herbs that complement each other in stuffing, sausages, and roasted meats. They add a warm, earthy flavor to savory dishes.

Classic Pairing: Stuffing

Ingredients: Fresh sage, thyme, bread cubes, onions, celery, chicken broth, butter, salt, and pepper.

7. Basil and Mint

Culinary Uses: Basil and mint create a fresh, aromatic combination that works well in salads, drinks, and desserts. They are particularly popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Classic Pairing: Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Ingredients: Fresh basil, mint, rice paper, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Understanding which herbs go together in cooking can help you create delicious, balanced dishes. From the classic Italian pairing of basil and oregano to the vibrant combination of mint and cilantro, these herb pairings will enhance your culinary creations. Experiment with these combinations to discover new flavors and elevate your cooking.

Herb Pairing Table

Herb Combination	Culinary Uses	Classic Dish	Ingredients
Basil and Oregano	Tomato-based dishes, pizza, bruschetta	Margherita Pizza	Basil, oregano, tomato sauce, mozzarella, olive oil
Rosemary and Thyme	Roasted meats, potatoes, vegetables	Roasted Chicken	Rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon, olive oil
Parsley and Chives	Salads, soups, potato dishes, herb butter	Herb Butter	Parsley, chives, butter, lemon zest, garlic
Mint and Cilantro	Middle Eastern, Indian, Southeast Asian	Tabbouleh Salad	Mint, cilantro, parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon
Dill and Tarragon	Seafood, eggs, creamy sauces	Salmon with Dill and Tarragon Sauce	Dill, tarragon, salmon, cream, lemon, garlic
Sage and Thyme	Stuffing, sausages, roasted meats	Stuffing	Sage, thyme, bread cubes, onions, celery, broth
Basil and Mint	Salads, drinks, desserts, Asian cuisine	Vietnamese Spring Rolls	Basil, mint, rice paper, shrimp, vermicelli noodles