What Are Herbs De Provence

Herbs de Provence is a mixture of herbs originating from Provence, in southern France. It was unknown, even to the people of that region, until the phrase was coined by spice companies in the 1970s when they began formulating their own blends for commercial sale.

While usually found as a dried blend, it can also be mixed and used fresh. The traditional blend consists of a mixture of rosemary, marjoram, basil, bay leaf, thyme, and sometimes Orange zest and lavender flowers but this may vary by manufacturer or personal taste for those that make their own herbs de Provence. Every experienced cook has a different recipe for herbs de Provence.

Herbs de Provence - Flavorful Uses

Herbs de Provence is often used as a marinade to flavor grilled foods or as a rub on fish and meat. The mixture is a good addition to any Mediterranean dish can be added to soups and stews or used to flavor oils for cooking or to coat chicken or a tomatoes. It also makes a great flavoring on pizza and in sauces.

There are some great recipes for using herbs de Provence in every day cooking. Try rubbing herbs de Provence on chicken, beef or lamb. Just rub with olive oil, salt and pepper, and then rub the herb mixture onto the surface of the chicken or meat. When grilling, try sprinkling herbs de Provence to the hot coals.

Herbs de Provence - From Ordinary to Sensational

Potatoes Provence is a nice change to a rather boring staple in our diet. Wash and scrub three large potatoes and cut into thin wedges. Coat potatoes with olive oil and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with the herb blend and bake in a 450 degree oven for 25 minutes until crispy and golden.

If you enjoy baking your own bread and love the aroma and flavor of herb bread, you might like to try baking some herbs de Provence bread. Start with your favorite French bread recipe for a double loaf and simply add two tablespoons of herbs de Provence to the dry ingredients. Bake in a preheated, 400 degree oven for 10 minutes and the reduce heat to350 and bake 20 minutes longer. Remove from pan to cool.

Herbs de Provence is a versatile blend of herbs that that can be varied to suit you taste and specific recipes but it will always bring a bit of old world taste to all your favorite dishes.

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