Rosemary is easy to grow year-round, thanks to its high tolerance for cold.
With its strong aroma and piney flavor, rosemary is an excellent herb to pair with bold flavors. It works as well with substantial dishes that feature beef and lamb as it does with lighter foods like fish and bread. Thanks to its tolerance for cold weather, rosemary is readily available year-round and frequently used in winter cooking. Stews and casseroles, roasted and grilled foods, pitas and pizzas -- all are enhanced with the addition of this aromatic herb.
Instructions
1. Look for fresh sprigs of rosemary that have green, pliable leaves. Those with brittle or blackened leaves should not be used. Rinse rosemary under running water, and pat dry. Most recipes will require you to remove the needle-like leaves prior to chopping. If so, save those stems to use in stews or with grilled foods.
2. Use a bouquet garni to add depth to any dish.
Tie together a bundle of bay leaves and whole sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme and parsley. Use as a bouquet garni for your favorite stew, soup or casserole recipe. Add the bouquet garni near the start of cooking and remove prior to serving the dish.
3. A fresh sprig of rosemary makes an elegant garnish.
Rub beef, lamb, pork or chicken with chopped fresh rosemary leaves prior to roasting or grilling. Rosemary is a strong enough herb to stand on its own, but can be paired with lemon, garlic, wine, and red vinegars to bring out the complexity in many dishes.
4. Rosemary makes any flat bread stand out.
Use fresh rosemary to enhance your favorite bread recipe. Knead finely chopped rosemary into the dough before allowing to rise. Right before baking, brush the dough with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with whole rosemary leaves. This works especially well with pita, pizza crust, breadsticks and focaccia.
5. Freshly made herb butter elevates a meal and is incredibly easy to make.
Make an herb butter to accompany a special meal. Combine unsalted butter, rosemary leaves, parsley, thyme and sea salt in a food processor. Pulse until blended and serve.
Tags: bouquet garni, fresh rosemary, rosemary leaves, beef lamb, grilled foods, herb butter