Vegan food is delicious on its own. But you can elevate the taste and flavor even further by adding some dried or fresh herbs. Herbs are like that final touch that completes your dish and gives it a distinct taste. You might want only a small amount of herbs, but these powerful ingredients can completely change the game.
Besides, most herbs are rich sources of minerals and vitamins, making them a healing remedy for your wellness. So, what are the herbs that are the must-haves in your vegan kitchen? Here are the seven options for you to consider.
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Coriander
Coriander, also famous as cilantro or Chinese parsley, might look a lot like parsley, but the taste is entirely different. It is peppery and earthy in taste and has an intense aroma and flavor. You can use it in Indian, Mexican, and Spanish cuisines, and it goes well with cinnamon, dill, cumin, and chili powder.
Though most shops sell dried coriander, the taste comes out the best with fresh coriander. Add fresh coriander to chilies, sauces, soups, and curries to enhance the flavor. Try it with your favorite vegan pesto, guacamole, and salads. Coriander tastes great with avocado, chickpeas, lime, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes.
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Kratom
In the last couple of years, the popularity of Kratom has grown considerably. It is an herb that originated in Southeast Asia and was in use in native medicine of that region for years. Researchers associate several potential health benefits with Kratom, such as pain relief and mood enhancement, though it needs more research to confirm these factors.
You can use it for making healthy and delicious smoothies and beverages. Try your hand at making Kratom tea, Kratom and a chocolate milkshake, or a simple Kratom juice mix. So, buy kratom online from goldenmonk.com and start preparing these dishes using this herb.
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Parsley
Parsley originated from the Mediterranean region, and it has been around for more than 2,000 years. It is one of the commonly found herbs in a garden or supermarket. Parsley is an essential herb for French and Italian cuisine as it is excellent in soups and pasta. Moreover, the herb has a peppery and light flavor, with a bright and green color.
If you are planning to grow parsley at home, you will need partial shade or full sun. It also needs moist and well-drained soil to spread its long roots. Parsley offers several health benefits to improve thyroid, bladder, and digestive function and freshening breath.
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Basil
Basil is a popular herb in southern parts of Europe, especially in Italy and France. The aroma of basil is similar to chives and anise, which is strong and spicy. Try it with vegan mozzarella and tomatoes, and the taste is unforgettable. Basil is great for whipping up vegan pesto or putting whole leaves on a margarita pizza.
Are you a fan of the flavor that basil brings? Then you should try cultivating it in your kitchen garden. The tender basil can get killed by frosts, so if you live in a colder region, keep the seeds undercover in the pots. The pot has to stay in a warm and sunny location.
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Bay Leaves
Several folklores mention bay leaves as the herb that keeps evil away from your garden. Tiberius, the Roman emperor, wore a crown made of bay leaves, and even Olympic athletes did the same before participating. Bay is a highly aromatic and quite robust herb that has a type of astringent flavor. The aroma will remind you of cloves and mint.
Bay goes well with many other spicy and potent herbs like cumin. You can add some of it to stocks, stews, sauces, or soups. It’s great for putting in slow-cooked dishes as the bay flavor gets gradually released.
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Chives
Chives come from the onion family, and they have been around for more than five thousand years. Even in your garden, chives will help because the sulfur present in them keeps the unwanted insects away. The good thing is that those pretty mauve flowers draw bees. Chives come with long stems, and they are better to taste when they arrive fresh.
Apart from the flavor that will remind you of strong spring onions, you can also use them to decorate your dishes. The flavor might even seem a bit garlicky to some people, making them taste great with baked or roasted potatoes and vegan butter.
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Mint
Mint has remained a symbol of hospitality in the Middle East for a long time, and it’s still added to welcome drinks. And who doesn’t love a delicious and refreshing cocktail mojito? There are more than six hundred varieties of mint available in the market.
So, if you leave mint under the full shade and in rich, acidic soil, you will have a delicious herb to add to your dishes. Mint is an excellent add-on for many vegan desserts because of the fresh aroma and taste. Contrary to popular views, you can add mint to savory dishes, as well.
The Bottom Line
Who doesn’t love some extra bit of seasoning on their dishes? With various herbs in your kitchen, you will have a range of seasoning options for your favorite dishes. They not only have great taste but some excellent benefits too. So, give all these herbs mentioned above a try, and you will fall in love with your cooking even more after this.