The Spice of Life - Cooking with spices

Spices DiagramThere are nearly as many culinary uses for as many spices as there are known! This is by no means an exhaustive list, but we hope that it will impart some information about where and how spices are grown, what they are used for and how we can best use them in our cooking. Some are adventurous, many are commonplace nowadays. There are recipes to click through to which, we hope, you will find useful.
 
Spices are used differently throughout continents, and indeed, throughout regions. This is why an Indian Curry from the South is different from a curry in the North of India. The spices used in food normally reflects what is grown on their land. This is true of almost all climates, however, with both trade and migration over the years making spices more readily accessible, authentic worldwide cuisine can now be enjoyed all over the world. In Spain recently, I was asked by my Spanish friend to send him some Indian Spices as he is really enjoying cooking Indian food!
 
 
 
 
GETTING THE BEST OUT OF SPICES
 
 
Whole spices and seeds can be roasted to develop their flavours. This simple but necessary procedure requires only a frying pan. The spices are chucked into a very hot frying pan (no oil required) and roasted for about 3-5 minutes until they become darker in colour. They are then crushed in a pestle and mortar.  If you’ve never done this before, you’ll be amazed at the difference in taste!
 
 
 
 
 
 

CORIANDER SEEDS

 

What is it?

The seeds taken from the coriander plant.

Where does it come from?

Europe, India, Americas

What does it taste like?

Mild with a sweet peppery taste and a slight aroma of orange peel.

What’s it used in?

It is in many curry pastes and blends. Marinades and to flavour sauces and stocks. They can be used whole or roasted and crushed.

What’s it good with?

Anything pretty much, but chicken, fish and pork curry is all fine

Want any recipes?

Merluzzo in Saor

 

JUNIPER BERRIES

 

What is it?

Berries from the juniper shrub. They are normally crushed gently before using.

Where does it come from?

Mainly from Eastern Europe

What does it taste like?

A bit like pine with a sweet and bitter note. Think of the taste of gin!

What’s it used in?

It is the flavouring of gin. It can be used in

marinades, added to stews and stuffings.

What’s it good with?

Extremely good with Venison and other slow cooked game.

Want any recipes?

 
 
SESAME SEEDS

 

What is it?

The sesame plant is grown for its seeds.

Where does it come from?

Normally found growing in Asia, Japan, China, Middle East and Greece.

What does it taste like?

A little nutty and a little earthy. They don’t really taste of much until they are either roasted or made into a paste.

How is it used?

Sesame seeds are used as a garnish in some cuisines, ie for rolling sushi, or it can be made into a paste called Tahini  which is used either as a dressing ingredient or in pates. It can also be used as an oil which is very popular in Thai cuisine.

What’s it good with?

Great with rice, as a garnish to prawn toast and Japanese sushi. It is one of the components of Japanese 7 Spice Powder

Want any recipes?

 
 

POPPY SEEDS

 

What is it?

Seeds from the head of the poppy plant

Where does it come from?

Asia

What does it taste like?

Slightly nutty and sweet

How is it used?

Used as a garnish on breads and cakes. They are often roasted, ground and added to Indian curries.

What’s it good with?

Vegetables, breads and pastries

Want any recipes?
 
 

CINNAMON

 

What is it?

The dried bark of a tree from the laurel family.

Where does it come from?

Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India

What does it taste like?

Sweet, woody, warming with a hint of clove.

How is it used?

In many sweet puddings, as a spice in mulled wine, to flavour sugar and a main ingredient in many curries. Can be used to flavour drinks, such as Spiced Coffee.

What’s it good with?

Apples, rice, chicken.

Want any recipes?

Pears in White Wine

VANILLA

 

What is it?

The fruit of a climbing orchid. Picked when they are yellow and then sun dried to turn them dark.

Where does it come from?

Central America

What does it taste like?

Rich, creamy, sweet flavour with a delicate aroma.

How is it used?

Vanilla pods can be used to flavour creams, custards and sugar 
Natural Vanilla Extract can also be used.

What’s it good with?

Cream, Strawberries, Milk, Pears, Coffee and Chocolate.

Want any recipes?

Shortbread Hearts

Banana and Baileys Crème Brulee

Caribbean After Dinner Coffee

PINK PEPPER

 

What is it?

The fruit of the Pepper Tree

Where does it come from?

Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay

What does it taste like?

Unlike black pepper it is not hot but fruity with a hint of pine.

How is it used?

Whole berries are sold dried and then crushed and used as a flavouring in sauces. Particularly good with shellfish!

What’s it good with?

Shellfish, creamy sauces and poultry.

Want any recipes?

Marinated Brie and Goats Cheese

Escabeche

Breaded Turkey Goujons

Lamb Casserole with Potatoes and Chilli Sauce

GREEN PEPPER

 

What is it?

The dried fruit from the Pepper Tree

Where does it come from?

Indonesia, Malaysia and India

What does it taste like?

Slightly sweet with a fresh aroma

How is it used?

Whole or crushed in sauces, crushed and rubbed into meats and as a flavour enhancer with other spices.

What’s it good with?

Great with salmon and shellfish.

Want any recipes?

Sauteed Prawn and Crab Cakes

Salmon with Green Peppercorns and Orange

Fragrant Fish Curry

PAPRIKA

 

What is it?

The grounds from the dried capsicum pepper. The capsicum peppers are dried over oak fires which give paprika its smoky taste.

Where does it come from?

Originally from Spain and later on Hungary.

What does it taste like?

A light delicate aroma with a subtle heat. A little fruity and a little smoky.

How is it used?

Used as a flavouring and colouring in many Hungarian goulashes. It is used extensively in Spanish cuisine where a little smokiness is required.

What’s it good with?

Beef, Pork, Rice and Chicken

Want any recipes?

Indian Bean Stew

Cajun Strata

Lamb Steaks with Tequila and Chilli

Lamb with Peppers and Rioja

TAMARIND

 

What is it?

The pod of the Tamarind Tree.

Where does it come from?

Eastern Africa and India

What does it taste like?

Sweet but rather tart taste.

How is it used?

As a flavouring for marinades, in curries, preserves. It is used in Mexico to make a refreshing long cool drink. When added to hot curries, it can help calm the heat from hot chillies. It is the main ingredient in Worcester Sauce. Used in many Asian dishes.

What’s it good with?

Chicken, lamb, shellfish

Want any recipes?

Kalantan Chicken 

Beef and Mushrooms in a Spicy Coconut Curry

AMCHOOR

What is it?

The dried slices of the unripe green mango are ground to make amchoor

Where does it come from?

India

What does it taste like?

Sweet and tart

How is it used?

As a flavouring to stews or as a component to many spice blends like chat masala.

What’s it good with?

Vegetables such as okra, cauliflower

Want any recipes?

LEMONGRASS

 

What is it?

A tropical grass

Where does it come from?

Southeast Asia

What does it taste like?

Clean, fresh lemon taste

How is it used?

It is a key ingredient in Asian cooking. It is used in curry pastes or added directly to sauces.

What’s it good with?

Goes really well with galangal, chilli and coconut milk.

Want any recipes?

Kumara, Coconut and Prawn Soup

Fragrant Thai meatballs

Lentil Bites with Sweet and Sour Sauce

KAFFIR LIME LEAVES

 

What is it?

Kaffir Lime Leaves

Where does it come from?

Southeast Asia

What does it taste like?

Clean, fresh, citrus smell and taste

How is it used?

A key ingredient to Asian cuisine. Used in curries, stir fries, curry pastes and soups. Used alongside lemongrass.

What’s it good with?

Fish, shellfish, chicken, coconut milk and chilli dishes.

Want any recipes?

Tom Yum Soup

Thai Green Chicken Curry

GALANGAL

 

What is it?

A rhizome

Where does it come from?

Southeast Asia, Indonesia and India

What does it taste like?

A little like ginger but a bit fresher with a lemony edge

How is it used?

Used extensively in Thai curry powders and pastes, in stir fries and soups

What’s it good with?

Chicken and seafood

Want any recipes?

Tom Yum Soup

Fruity Lamb Curry

Lamb Dupiaza

STAR ANISE

What is it?

The 8 pointed fruit of a Chinese Magnolia Tree

Where does it come from?

China

What does it taste like?

Tastes of sweet warm aniseed

How is it used?

It is used as a flavouring to many Chinese dishes. The seeds and the pod can be used separately, but when used together the 8 pointed fruit looks very impressive. A staple component of Chinese 5 spice blend [link to 10131]

What’s it good with?

Chicken, seafood, fruits and vegetables.

Want any recipes?

ANISE SEEDS

 

What is it?

The seeds from the anise plant

Where does it come from?

Europe, Asia

What does it taste like?

Sweet, warm, fruity aniseed

How is it used?

As a flavouring for cakes and biscuits, in stews and sauces. It is used to flavour liqueurs such as Pastis and Ouzo. The seeds can be dry roasted and added to many vegetable curries.

What’s it good with?

Vegetables, fish, shellfish

Want any recipes?

Mole Poblano

Seared Tuna with Chipotle Cream Sauce

SAFFRON

 

What is it?

The dried stigma of the saffron crocus

Where does it come from?

Mainly from Spain

What does it taste like?

A delicate flavour which is slightly bitter and musky. Too much can overpower food and give it a slightly medicinal flavour.

How is it used?

Mainly as a colouring to foods, particularly rice dishes such as paella, risotto Milanese and Indian aromatic rice accompaniments. The threads can be used as an infusion or it can be used ground.

What’s it good with?

Rice, chicken, fish and shellfish

Want any recipes?

Oregano and Lemon Chicken Kebabs

Yellow Rice

Seabass with an Almond Crust

Paella

Prawns with Romensco Sauce

Fruit and Nut Spiced Saffron Rice

CARDAMOM PODS

 

What is it?

A dried fruit from Southern India

Where does it come from?

Originally from Southern India

What does it taste like?

Light, flowery with a sweet lemon fresh edge

How is it used?

Can be used in sweet pastries and coffees but is also used to flavour rice dishes, curries and spice blends. The pods can be crushed or added whole and removed from the dish before serving.

What’s it good with?

Rice, chicken, fruit, kumara

Want any recipes?

Afelia

Baklava

Salmon and Haddock Loveknots

Lamb Biriyani

Pork Vindaloo Curry

Pilau Rice

CUMIN SEEDS

 

What is it?

Dried seeds from plants

Where does it come from?

Originally from Egypt but now worldwide.

What does it taste like?

Spicy, warm and fragrant with a rich sweet edge.

How is it used?

Sparingly! In most cuisines to add flavour, depth and warmth.

What’s it good with?

Chicken, vegetables, curries, lentils

Want any recipes?

Fruity Lamb Curry

Vegetable Pakoras

Saag Aloo

Spicy Slow Cooked Beef with Coconut Cream

NUTMEG

 

What is it?

The fruit of the nutmeg tree

Where does it come from?

Asia, Sri Lanka, Caribbean, Europe

What does it taste like?

Sweet with a slightly bitter aftertaste

How is it used?

In curries and vegetable dishes. It is also widely used in desserts and cheese dishes. A major ingredient of mulled wine! Can be used grated whole or bought already ground

What’s it good with?

Lamb, cheese, milk based desserts

Want any recipes?

Vegetarian Stuffed Filo Pastry Hearts

Clafoutis Aus Cerise

Wild Mushroom and Walnut Risotto

MACE

What is it?

The outer covering of the nutmeg kernel

Where does it come from?

The nutmeg tree

What does it taste like?

Flowery with a warm citrus flavour but a bitter aftertaste

How is it used?

Used for flavouring soups and stews, milk based puddings and cheese quiches

What’s it good with?

Cheese, chicken, eggs, seafood

Want any recipes?

TURMERIC

 

What is it?

Rhizome

Where does it come from?

India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China

What does it taste like?

Light gingery lemony flavours

How is it used?

Extensively in spice blends and is used in India to colour rice as it’s much cheaper than saffron!

What’s it good with?

Rice, chicken, vegetables, curries

Want any recipes?

Fruity Lamb Curry
Pork Vindaloo Curry
Chicken Tikka Masala
Cod in Spicy Tomato Sauce

ANNATTO SEEDS

 

What is it?

Seeds from the Annatto Tree

Where does it come from?

South America, Caribbean, Asia

What does it taste like?

Slightly sweet spearmint flavour with a peppery aftertaste.

How is it used?

Used as a food colouring in many cuisines – Caribbean and Mexican

What’s it good with?

Salt cod, okra, kumara, fish and shellfish

Want any recipes?

CAPERS

 

What is it?

The bud of the caper bush

Where does it come from?

Worldwide, but is mostly associated with the Mediterranean

What does it taste like?

Sharp with a fresh but salty citrus edge.

How is it used?

As a flavouring to many Italian sauces, fish dishes. It is the main ingredient in tartare sauce and is used extensively in tomato based pasta sauces. They should be added toward the end of cooking.

What’s it good with?

Tomatoes, fish and shellfish, anchovies

Want any recipes?

Smoked Mackerel Fish Cakes

CAPERBERRIES

 

What is it?

The small fruit of the caper bush

Where does it come from?

Worldwide, but is mostly associated with the Mediterranean

What does it taste like?

Sharp with a fresh but salty citrus edge more dilute than the caper

How is it used?

Eaten on their own as part of an antipasti presentation.

What’s it good with?

Cheese, tomato salsas, shellfish, olives.

Want any recipes?

FENUGREEK

 

What is it?

The fenugreek plant

Where does it come from?

Asia originally

What does it taste like?

Quite a bitter taste on their own but very often blended in curry powders and its’ aroma is recognisable.

How is it used?

The fresh leaves are used in curries and the seeds are used in pickles and chutneys.

What’s it good with?

Vegetables, fish – most curries

Want any recipes?

Pork Vindaloo Curry

GINGER

 

What is it?

Rhizome

Where does it come from?

China, Asia and India

What does it taste like?

When fresh, it has a lemony, fresh, clean taste. When dried and then bruised, the flavours open up. It can be bought ground also, which is better for using in cakes, breads and pastries.

How is it used?

The fresh or dried whole rhizome is used in many Asian, Indian and Chinese dishes. The ground type is used in cakes and pastries. It is also very useful as a digestif when soaked in water and drunk.

What’s it good with?

Chicken, fish, soups, pickles.

Want any recipes?

Chicken Tikka Bites
Mixed Vegetable Curry
Lamb Biriyani
Lamb Koftas

ALLSPICE

 

What is it?

Berries from cultivated trees

Where does it come from?

West Indies and Central America

What does it taste like?

Warm, peppery with a floral aroma.

How is it used?

Used in Caribbean meat rubs and marinades. It can be crushed and added to stews and can liven up tropical fruit like pineapple and mango. It is used in many authentic Caribbean condiments and sauces.

What’s it good with?

Vegetables, fruit, meat and poultry – essential for Caribbean Jerk Rub

Want any recipes?

Merluzzo en Saor
Apple Coffee

CLOVES

 

What is it?

The unopened flower buds from the clove tree

Where does it come from?

Tanzania and Indonesia

What does it taste like?

Warm, peppery, fruity with an almost medicinal edge.

How is it used?

They have many uses, both sweet and savoury. They can be pushed into meats as a flavour enhancer, added to onions, used in sweet desserts and added to curry powders. They are also used extensively in the winter season and are synonymous with Christmas and mulled wine! Used in Chinese 5 Spice Powder

What’s it good with?

Apples, Oranges, Gammon, Onion Sauce, Sweet Potatoes, Red wine

Want any recipes?

Pears in White Wine
Lamb Casserole with Potatoes and Chilli Sauce
Spiced Pork and Tortilla Layer
Piquant Prawns with Tomato and Almond Sauce
Figs in Red Wine with Liqueur Cream
 

MUSTARD SEEDS

 

What is it?

The seeds from the mustard plant

Where does it come from?

Southern Europe

What does it taste like?

Pungent and sharp, generally

How is it used?

The seeds are ground and used in pickles and marinades. Whole seeds are dry roasted and used whole in many Indian dishes.

What’s it good with?

Beef, Cheese, fish, rabbit and sausages. Good with curries.

Want any recipes?

Marinated Brie and Goats Cheese Cod in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Pork Vindaloo Curry
Saag Aloo

FENNEL SEEDS

What is it?

The seeds from the fennel plant

Where does it come from?

Mediterranean

What does it taste like?

Liquorice flavoured, with a light sweet aroma

How is it used?

The seeds are dry roasted to bring out their flavours and aromas. They are then crushed and added to meats, seafood, vegetables and breads. One of the ingredients of Chinese 5 Spice Blend.

What’s it good with?

Chicken, Vegetables, Seafood

Want any recipes?

Marinated Brie and Goats Cheese
Fragrant Fish Curry

SASSAFRAS

 

What is it?

The dried leaves of the Sassafras Tree

Where does it come from?

Eastern America

What does it taste like?

Lemony smell with a sour citrus edge

How is it used?

It is commonly know an File Powder which is used extensively in Creole cuisine, like File Gumbo, the famous Cajun Spicy thick soup.

What’s it good with?

As a thickener for stews, vegetable soups and meat dishes. It can also be used as a condiment to Creole cooking.

Want any recipes?

OREGANO

What is it?

The leaves of plants that are related to mint

Where does it come from?

Mediterranean and Asia

What does it taste like?

Warm with a bitter edge, slightly peppery.

How is it used?

As a seasoning to many Mediterranean dishes, meat stews, chillies, and salads.

What’s it good with?

Vegetables, salads, meats, poultry

Want any recipes?

Olive Herby Bread
Braised Beef in Red Wine
Truffle Linguine with Vodka and Caviar Boozy Chicken
Chorizo Braised in Red Wine
Pork Fillet with Prunes

BAY LEAVES

What is it?

The leaves of the Bay Tree

Where does it come from?

Eastern Mediterranean, America

What does it taste like?

Sweet with a hint of nutmeg.

How is it used?

Excellent as a slow flavour infuser in casseroles, stews and marinades.

What’s it good with?

Good with chicken, meats and most slow cooked dishes.

Want any recipes?

Boeuf Bourguignon
Venison Casserole with Juniper Berries Coq Au Vin
Baked Seabass with Tahini and Herbs Kleftiko
Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
DILL SEEDS
 

What is it?

The seeds from the dill plant

Where does it come from?

Russia, Asia and Meditarranean

What does it taste like?

Sweet smelling – a bit like aniseed

How is it used?

The seeds are roasted and crushed and are very often added to curries

What’s it good with?

Good with root vegetables and also as a curry flavouring with coriander and cumin seeds.

Want any recipes?
 

PASILLA CHILLIES

What is it?

A Mexican Chilli

Where does it come from?

Mexico

What does it taste like?

A moderately hot chilli that adds a long lasting flavour to many dishes

How is it used?

Very often roasted and crushed. Used in many Mexican dishes and in table condiments

What’s it good with?

Lamb, Fish and Sauce Accompaniments

Want any recipes?

Lamb Steaks with Chilli and Tequila Black Eyed Bean Salsa
Lamb Casserole with Potatoes and Chilli Sauce
Mole Poblano

SAGE LEAVES

What is it?

The leaves from the Salvia shrubs

Where does it come from?

Meditarranean

What does it taste like?

Strong, warm, slightly spicy with a hint of camphor

How is it used?

Used as a flavour enhancer for most meats, added to marinades or as a stuffing

What’s it good with?

Chicken, Pork, Cheese and Game

Want any recipes?

Spiced Pork and Tortilla Layer
Roast Loin of Pork with Figs Almonds and Olives
 

SAVORY LEAVES

 
 

What is it?

Leaves from a herbaceous plant

Where does it come from?

Europe and the Meditarranean

What does it taste like?

Light, fresh flavours with a hint of sweet pine.

How is it used?

Used in same way as Sage or Oregano

What’s it good with?

Fish and Lamb, Stews and cheese

Want any recipes?

Seabass with an Almond Crust
 

THYME LEAVES

 
 

What is it?

The leaves of the thymus shrub

Where does it come from?

Meditarranean

What does it taste like?

Peppery taste with a fresh aftertaste

How is it used?

As with Oregano or Savory, used in slow cooked dishes

What’s it good with?

Root vegetables, Lamb and Fish

Want any recipes?

Lamb with Peppers and Rioja
Carnitas
 
 
 

ANCHO CHILLIES

 
 

What is it?

Dried Poblano Chilli

Where does it come from?

Mexico

What does it taste like?

Sweet flavoured with a hint of tobacco smokiness

How is it used?

Roasted and crushed, used in many Mexican dishes as it has a very mild heat

What’s it good with?

Fish, Pork and Pulses

Want any recipes?

Poached Salmon with Tomatillo Sauce
Black Eyed Bean Salsa
Salmon Fillets with Tequila and Crème Fraiche Sauce
Mole Poblano
Spicy Pork Casserole with Mexican Tomatilloes
 

FIVE SPICE BLEND

 

What is it?

A blend of 5 Chinese Spices – Star Anise, Sichuan Pepper, Fennel Seeds, Cloves and Cinnamon

Where does it come from?

China

What does it taste like?

Sweet and Sour with a fresh edge

How is it used?

As a flavour to many slow cooked Asian dishes, meat rubs and marinades

What’s it good with?

Meat, Poultry and Fish

Want any recipes?

GUAJILLO CHILLIES

 

What is it?

A sharp tasting chilli

Where does it come from?

Mexico

What does it taste like?

Quite sharp but mellow heat with a slight tangy edge

How is it used?

Used in many Mexican sauces or with stews.

What’s it good with?

Lamb, Root Vegetables, Poultry, Beef

Want any recipes?

Lamb Casserole with Potatoes and Chilli Sauce

Vegetarian Stuffed Filo Pastry Hearts

CAYENNE CHILLIES

 

What is it?

A rounded chilli

Where does it come from?

Mexico

What does it taste like?

Explosive with a rounded edge

How is it used?

Many hot Mexican dishes when heat is required

What’s it good with?

Fish, Lamb, Stews

Want any recipes?

Prawn Creole

Prawns with Remoulade Sauce

Cucumber Raita

Cod in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Papaya Raita

Onion Bhajis

Saag Aloo

Lamb Koftas

TRASI SHRIMP PASTE

 

What is it?

A blended paste

Where does it come from?

Asia

What does it taste like?

Extremely pungent, quite salty with a bitter aftertaste

How is it used?

Used sparingly to enhance the flavour of many Thai and Indonesian dishes

What’s it good with?

Great with Fish, Pork and Seafood dishes

Want any recipes?

CAJUN SPICE BLEND

 

What is it?

A blend of Chillies and Spices

Where does it come from?

Caribbean

What does it taste like?

Sweet with a gentle heat

How is it used?

As a flavouring to many Caribbean foods, stews, gumbos and slow cooked dishes

What’s it good with?

Fish, Seafood, Pork and Beef

Want any recipes?

CHIPOTLE CHILLIES

 

What is it?

A smoked jalapeno chilli

Where does it come from?

Mexico

What does it taste like?

Smoky flavour with a warm heat

How is it used?

As a flavouring to many sauces, pickles, slow cooked meats and salsas

What’s it good with?

Fish, Shellfish, Pork and Tomatoes

Want any recipes?

Seared Tuna with Chipotle Cream Sauce

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

HABERNERO CHILLIES

 

What is it?

The madly explosive Mexican chilli. The hottest chilli in the World!

Where does it come from?

Mexico

What does it taste like?

Explosive heat – a little goes a long way!

How is it used?

To flavour sauces, stews and marinades

What’s it good with?

Fish, Stews, Curries and Salsas

Want any recipes?

Carnitas

  • BOUQUET GARNI

 

What is it?

A mix of Mediterranean herbs

Where does it come from?

Mediterranean

What does it taste like?

Depends on the mix of herbs used

How is it used?

As a flavouring to many French slow cooked dishes, such as cassoulets and stews

What’s it good with?

Pork, Beef, Lamb, Game and Poultry

Want any recipes?

Coq au Vin

CHERVIL

 

What is it?

Leaves from the plant Anthriscus Cerefolium

Where does it come from?

Southern Russia and Northern Europe

What does it taste like?

Slight liquorice flavour with a peppery aftertaste

How is it used?

As a garnish or as a delicate flavour enhancer when used in stews or light soups

What’s it good with?

Fresh summer vegetables, fish and seafood, chicken and cheese

Want any recipes?

Salmon and Haddock Loveknots

Peppers stuffed with Couscous

Crispy Fish Balls

Smoked Mackerel Fish Cakes

MARJORAM

 

What is it?

The leaves from a bush related to the mint family

Where does it come from?

Meditarranean

What does it taste like?

Sharp with a sweet spicy after note

How is it used?

As a flavouring to many meditarranean sauces, stews, marinades and condiments

What’s it good with?

Meats, Tomatoes, Aubergines, Fish

Want any recipes?

Baked Seabass with Tahini and Herbs

Vegetarian Stuffed Filo Pastry Hearts

Wild Mushroom Soup

TARRAGON

 

What is it?

The leaves from the Artermisia Dracunculus plant

Where does it come from?

Originally from Russia, but now mainly from France

What does it taste like?

Sweet and fragrant with fresh notes of liquorice and pine – big tastes of summer

How is it used?

Used in many French dishes, either in marinades or in butters and vinegars

What’s it good with?

Fish, Seafood, Summer Vegetables, Chicken

Want any recipes?

Crispy Fish Balls

Trout Braised with Onions and Red Wine

Salmon with Green Peppercorns and Orange

Sirloin Steak with Anchovy Sauce

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Kievs