It shouldn’t be so easy, but it is. Fresh herbs, whether picked from your garden or brought home from the store, will serve you well when it comes to mealtime. By adding these ingredients to salt, butter, or even a simple sauce, clean eating becomes easier and more flavorful. Garlic herb butter, herb salt, and chimichurri all appeal to a variety of tastes and make the case for incorporating herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro, basil, oregano, or thyme into your recipe repertoire.
This year, let healthy ingredients do the work!
Garlic Herb Butter
This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn or veggies, as a sandwich spread, and more!
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. herb of choice, such as dill, basil or oregano
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
Cracked pepper to taste
Process
Add all ingredients in a food processor or mix by hand in a bowl. Transfer butter mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm.
Herbed Popcorn
Add a little kick to your traditional popcorn by incorporating the garlic herb butter. You won't be disappointed with this buttery and savory combination.
Ingredients
3 tbsp. coconut oil (may substitute olive oil)
3/4 cup popcorn kernels
5 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tsp. garlic salt
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. thyme
Process
Add oil to the bottom of a pot and melt over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on top of the pot, heating over medium heat until kernels are popped, shaking pan occasionally. Melt butter in a separate dish and add seasonings. Pour on top, and enjoy!
Herb Salt
Herb salts have become popular thanks to the endless combination of flavors they can add to a variety of dishes. They are handy to have as a staple in the kitchen for yourself, but also make great gifts for family and friends. All you need is a blender or food processor and minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
1 cup salt of your choice (for example, Himalayan pink salt)
1/4 – 1/2 cup parsley (add more if using fresh herbs)
2 tbsp. dried basil (or 1/4 cup if using fresh)
1 tbsp. oregano
1 tbsp. lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
Optional: Any additional herbs you prefer
Process
Add fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest and a little bit of salt to the blender or food processor. Mix for 10 seconds. Add additional ingredients and blend again. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and pour salt mixture on sheet, evening the spread. Set in a cool oven overnight to dry. Pour salt into a container of choice and enjoy!
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a condiment that can be used in endless recipes and can also be enjoyed as a sauce or dip. Serve it over fish, chicken, vegetables—even with crackers!
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil (or flax oil for added omega 3 nutrition)
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar (or lemon juice as an alternative)
1/2 – 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil or fresh cilantro
3 – 4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red chile or 1 tbsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. dried oregano or Italian seasonings
1 tsp. salt
Pepper to taste
Process
Chop fresh herbs finely and add to a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix. Chill for 1 – 2 hours. Enjoy!