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Jacqueline Nester Labatch RD, CNSC, LDN

Add something new to your everyday meals by using herbs. These seasonings can enhance the flavor of canned soups, meats, vegetables and/or salsa.  Herbs also go great on top of prepackaged rice or pasta.

Here are some ideas to spice up common dishes with herbs:

Basil:

Basil is commonly used in Italian dishes to add a fresh, earthy flavor. Simply rinse and chop the leaves.

• Sprinkle basil on top of pizza, salad, pasta or spaghetti sauce

• Add extra flavor to condiments such as mayonnaise, butter or oil

• Toss basil and vinegar with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese

• Put basil in marinades for chicken or pork

Chives:

Chives give a mild, onion-like flavor to various dishes.  Rinse the blades and chop, then add to food.

• Top a baked potato or scrambled eggs with chopped chives

• Toss into salads, soups and stews

• Mix into veggie dip: blend sour cream/mayonnaise with chives and other seasonings such as onion, garlic powder, pepper and celery seed

Oregano:

Oregano adds warm, spice flavors to food.  Rinse and chop the leaves prior to adding.

• Zest up a seafood dish.  Try adding to shrimp

• Tastes great on top of pizza, salad or pasta

• Add to rice and bean dishes or other Mexican cuisine

Thyme:

Thyme adds zest to savory dishes. Be sure to pull the leaves from the stem before adding to food.

• Use thyme to season roast meats or vegetables. Try with roast chicken or potatoes.

• Stir whole stocks into stews and soups. While the leaves provide the flavoring, the stems help withstand the cooking process and can be easily removed prior to serving.

• Include thyme in fish dishes such as baked halibut, salmon or tilapia