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, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.)
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
cracked pepper to taste
Process
Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!
Herbed Popcorn
Add a little kick to your traditional popcorn by incorporating herbs in with the butter. You won't be disappointed with this buttery and savory combination.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons coconut oil (or olive oil if you prefer)
3/4 cup popcorn kernels
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons parsley (dried)
1 teaspoon 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 and heat 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 are becoming so popular and can add flavor to a variety of dishes. There are endless flavor combinations, and these salts are so handy to have as a staple in the kitchen. Plus, these 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 (I prefer Himalayan pink salt, but any salt will do
1/4- 1/2 cup parsley (add more if using fresh herbs)
2 Tablespoons dried basil (or 1/4 cup if using fresh)
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon 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 and evening 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 on endless things, and can be enjoyed as a sauce or dip. Serve over fish, chicken, vegetables or with crackers.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil (or flax oil for added omega 3 nutrition)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice as an alternative)
1/2 cup-1 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
1/4 cup fresh basil or fresh cilantro
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red chilies or 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or italian seasonings
1 teaspoon 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!