Dishes with rosemary have an Italian flair. Rosemary is a wonderful Mediterranean spice. Not only is it used in cooking, but this plant also has many
beneficial properties
and is used in
medicine
.
Rosemary has a flavor similar to pine needles, but sweeter with hints of mint and wormwood. A similar aroma is found in thyme, basil, and marjoram. It should be added to dishes in small quantities because the plant’s high essential oil content can make it bitter and overpower the taste of other ingredients.
Rosemary with Vegetables
Rosemary pairs well with baked potatoes with olive oil and garlic, stewed cabbage, and casseroles with zucchini. It’s the perfect spice for vegetable pizza. Rosemary enhances the flavor of baked vegetables with cream: cut kohlrabi, cauliflower, and broccoli into large pieces, quarter tomatoes, slice celery into thin strips, bell pepper, carrots, and pour a small amount of cream over them. Add salt and a pinch of dried rosemary, or finely chop 2-3 fresh leaves. Cover with foil or place in a cooking bag. This makes a delicious side dish for meat or a warm salad for grain dishes.
Rosemary in Soups
Add rosemary to vegetable and meat broths instead of bay leaves. Use no more than one rosemary leaf per liter of liquid. The best option for a soup with rosemary is chicken broth with rice or peas.
Rosemary with Meat
When roasting a piece of meat, place a sprig of rosemary on top or add a little to the marinade. Rosemary can mask the specific taste of lamb and game. Here’s a steak marinade you can make: vegetable oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Place a sprig of rosemary on the meat and marinate for a day, removing the rosemary before frying. You can also add lemon juice to the marinade.
Sauces with Rosemary
Rosemary doesn’t pair well with red vegetables like tomatoes. Therefore, it is rarely added to tomato sauces. Instead, add rosemary to white, creamy sauces like béchamel or mayonnaise.
Pairing Rosemary with Other Spices
Rosemary pairs well with traditional herbs like parsley, dill, and cilantro. It also complements pepper, thyme, and marjoram. Rosemary is a key ingredient in the Provencal herb blend, which includes rosemary, basil, thyme, sage, mint, oregano, and marjoram.
Rosemary retains its aroma and properties during heat treatment. In one of my articles, I wrote about how to grow rosemary from seeds .
