Avoid the diet blahs this spring. Check out these 10 tasty herbs and spices that can help give your dishes a healthy dose of flavor without calories or fat.
TIP #1
Basil
Fresh basil has a pungent flavor that could be described as a cross between licorice and cloves. It’s most recognizable as a main ingredient in pesto sauce, but also pairs beautifully with tomatoes, onions, garlic and olives. Next time you make tomato sauce, lay whole or sliced basil leaves atop the sauce when it’s done cooking and stir together at the last possible moment to preserve the wonderful flavor.
TIP #2
Cilantro
Cilantro has a fragrant flavor of parsley and citrus, perfect for giving Mexican dishes a little extra zing. To prepare it for use, rinse and chop the entire bunch starting at the leafy end until you have the desired amount. Add cilantro to salsas and fat-free sour cream or sprinkle it on tacos and enchiladas.
TIP #3
Dill
Fresh dill has a crisp, clean, tangy taste. It’s a natural complement to potatoes, salad dressing and fish dishes. It can also be blended with plain yogurt and chopped cucumber for a delicious, cooling dip.
TIP #4
Ginger
Ginger has a slightly biting and spicy flavor that can add a little heat to your dishes. It’s also known to be an ancient remedy for digestive problems and is great for soothing an upset stomach. Add freshly minced ginger to give zest to Asian stir-fries and sautéed vegetables.
TIP #5
Marjoram
Marjoram has a delicate, sweet flavor with a slightly bitter undertone that pairs well with a wide variety of foods. It’s said to be a natural for meat dishes as it complements all varieties – especially turkey. It also works wonders when mixed in salads and other vegetable dishes.
TIP #6
Oregano
Oregano’s aromatic, spicy flavor makes it a perfect match for Mediterranean foods. It retains its flavor well in both fresh and dried form. Try it in tomato-based sauces, eggplant, seafood and grilled meats. It’s also great tossed in a salad for a delicate herbal flavor.
TIP #7
Parsley
Parsley is way more than a decorative garnish. It’s actually a great source of nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin A, and features a delicious green and vibrant taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley on salads, vegetable sautés and grilled fish. Or mix it with garlic and lemon zest as a rub for turkey and other meats.
TIP #8
Rosemary
Rosemary features an assertive piney aroma and flavor that enlivens dishes. It’s wonderful for seasoning turkey dishes, stews, tomato sauces and vegetables. To make a dipping sauce for bread that’s better than butter, puree fresh rosemary leaves with olive oil.
TIP #9
Thyme
Thyme has a penetrating fragrance and a taste that gives depth to all types of foods, not to mention it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Use it to flavor meats, soups and stews. Blend it into turkey stuffing and spaghetti sauce with some of the other herbs listed here like marjoram, basil and rosemary. It’s particularly great in omelets and scrambled eggs.
TIP #10
Turmeric
Turmeric offers mild scents of orange or ginger with a warm, peppery, bitter flavor. Use turmeric to add a little Eastern flair to new favorites as well as in traditional curries, rice and turkey dishes. Try it sprinkled on sautéed apples, steamed cauliflower and green beans.