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Herbes de Provence

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence, a fragrant blend hailing from the sun-drenched hills of southern France, captures the essence of Mediterranean summers. Traditionally, this aromatic medley is a staple in Provençal kitchens, where it finds its way onto everything from roast chicken to grilled lamb and roasted vegetables. Each herb contributes its own unique note, creating a harmonious chorus that sings of warm days and leisurely meals.

The blend's flavor is a gentle dance of earthy thyme, piney rosemary, and peppery savory, with a whisper of oregano and the floral touch of lavender. These herbs, dried and mingled, infuse dishes with a rustic elegance. Rub them generously on roast chicken, lamb chops, or potatoes before roasting to envelop your meal in a fragrant embrace, bringing the taste of Provence to your table.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspdried thyme
  • 2 tbspdried rosemary
  • 2 tbspdried savory
  • 1 tbspdried oregano
  • 1 tspdried lavender buds — optional

Method

  1. Begin by gathering 2 tablespoons of dried thyme, 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary, 2 tablespoons of dried savory, and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. Place these herbs into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use your fingers to gently crush any large rosemary needles, which will help release their essential oils and enhance the blend's aroma.
  2. Once the rosemary is adequately crushed, use a spoon to stir the herbs together. Stir until the mixture appears uniform in color and texture, ensuring that the herbs are evenly distributed. If you prefer a floral note in your blend, add 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds at this stage and stir again until well combined.
  3. Transfer the blended herbs into a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will protect the herbs from moisture and preserve their flavors. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  4. Use this Herbes de Provence blend generously on roast poultry, lamb, and ratatouille to impart a classic Provençal flavor. The herbs will infuse the dishes with a fragrant and aromatic quality that is characteristic of southern French cuisine.
  5. To maintain the freshness and potency of your Herbes de Provence, refresh the jar every few months. Discard any herbs that have lost their vibrant color or strong aroma, as these are signs that the herbs have become stale. Replenish with freshly dried herbs to ensure your blend remains fragrant and flavorful.
Cover of Authentic French Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic French Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic French Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the French volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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