Italian cuisine is famous for its flavorful, aromatic herbs that add a touch of sophistication to any dish. These herbs are a staple in Italian cooking and can elevate a simple recipe to a gourmet meal. In this article, we will share a delicious Italian herbs recipe that you can easily make at home. Not only will you learn how to make a fragrant blend of herbs, but you will also discover the history and health benefits of these Italian herbs. So let's dive into the world of Italian herbs and add some Italian flair to our meals!
Rustic Pasta Sauce with Italian Sausage, Zucchini, and...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Sweet Onion, Minced
Looking for a hearty and delicious meal to make with your beer can chicken? This rustic pasta sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your roasted bird. With the addition of Italian sausage, zucchini, and flavorful Italian herbs, it's a dish that will have your taste buds singing.
Making your own pasta sauce from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and some help from your trusty beer can chicken, you'll have a sauce that rivals any store-bought variety.
Start by cooking your Italian sausage in a large skillet until browned and cooked through. Then, add in some diced zucchini and cook until tender. While the veggies are cooking, use a fork to shred the meat from your beer can chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the zucchini is cooked, add in your shredded chicken and a jar of your favorite marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let all the flavors come together. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
2of 20
Crispy Baked Tofu with Italian Herbs
Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Tamari, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar
For all the vegetarians out there, this recipe is for you. Using tofu instead of chicken gives this dish a unique twist and adds a boost of protein to your meal. Start by pressing your tofu to remove any excess water. Then, cut it into cubes and toss with a mixture of Italian herbs, olive oil, and salt. Bake in the oven until crispy, stirring occasionally. While the tofu is baking, use the leftover beer can chicken to make a simple tomato and herb sauce. Serve the crispy tofu over the sauce and top with some fresh herbs for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
3of 20
Dukkah with Italian Herbs over Polenta Fries
Main Ingredients: Dukkah, Walnuts, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Garlic Powder
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to use your beer can chicken, try making Dukkah with Italian herbs. Dukkah is an Egyptian spice blend made from nuts and seeds, and it adds a delicious crunch and flavor to dishes. To make it, simply toast almonds, pistachios, sesame seeds, and spices in a skillet until fragrant. While the Dukkah is toasting, cut your leftover beer can chicken into strips and use it to top crispy polenta fries. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and sprinkle the Dukkah on top for a tasty and unexpected twist on a classic appetizer.
4of 20
Pasta with Pan-Roasted Cauliflower and Italian Herbs
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Olive Oil, Garlic, Anchovy Fillets, Flake
Pasta lovers, rejoice! This recipe combines tender pan-roasted cauliflower with the flavorful herbs and spices from your leftover beer can chicken to create a delicious and easy weeknight meal. Start by roasting your cauliflower in the oven until it's golden and tender. While the cauliflower is roasting, cook your favorite pasta and toss it with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs like oregano and thyme. Once the cauliflower is done, add it to the pasta mixture and top with shredded beer can chicken. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
5of 20
Baked Brie With Sun Dried Tomatoes and Italian Herbs
Main Ingredients: Wheel Of Brie, Fresh Oregano, Sun Dried Tomatoes
Looking for a tasty appetizer to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this baked brie dish topped with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. Start by placing a wheel of brie on a baking sheet and baking until softened. While the brie is in the oven, mix together chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs like basil and rosemary, and some olive oil. Once the brie is done, top it with the tomato mixture and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is gooey and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer.
6of 20
Creamy Chicken Skillet with Sun Dried Tomatoes and...
Main Ingredients: Long Pasta, Chicken Breasts, Flour, Dried Parsley
If you're in the mood for a creamy and indulgent meal, this is the recipe for you. Using the leftover beer can chicken as the base of this dish adds a depth of flavor and makes it a breeze to put together. Start by cooking some diced onions and garlic in a skillet until softened. Then, add in some sliced sun-dried tomatoes and the shredded beer can chicken. Let it cook for a few minutes before adding in some heavy cream and Italian herbs like thyme and parsley. Serve over your favorite pasta or with some crusty bread for a rich and satisfying meal.
7of 20
Authentic Italian Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour, Eggs, Olive Oil
Chicken Parmesan, or Parmigiana, is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please a crowd. Using your beer can chicken as the main ingredient makes this dish quick and easy to prepare. Start by pounding out some chicken breasts and coating them in breadcrumbs and Italian herbs. Cook in a skillet until golden and crispy on both sides. While the chicken is cooking, make a simple marinara sauce using the leftover beer can chicken, diced tomatoes, and more Italian herbs. Once the chicken is done, top it with the sauce and some mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of pasta for a delicious and comforting meal.
8of 20
Focaccia with red onion, sundried tomatoes, kalamata...
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Bread Flour, Sea Salt
If you're a fan of homemade bread, you'll love this recipe for focaccia topped with red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Start by making your dough and letting it rise before shaping it into a large rectangle. Before baking, top the dough with sliced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives, along with a sprinkling of Italian herbs like basil and thyme. Bake until golden and then let it cool slightly before slicing and serving alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and hearty meal.
Looking for a fun and portable way to enjoy your beer can chicken? These Italian herbs and cheese subway rolls are the answer. Start by making your own pizza dough and letting it rise. Before baking, top the dough with shredded beer can chicken, mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs like oregano and parsley. Roll it up and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your delicious homemade "subway" sandwich.
No list of Italian recipes is complete without meatballs. Using the leftover beer can chicken as the base of these meatballs adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic dish. Start by mixing together ground beef and shredded chicken along with breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian herbs like rosemary and sage. Form into balls and bake until cooked through. Serve over your favorite pasta with a homemade marinara sauce for a hearty and flavorful meal.
11of 20
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough with Italian Herbs
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Yeast, Water, Sugar, Salt, Italian
For all the pizza lovers out there, this recipe is for you. Using whole wheat flour in your pizza dough adds a healthy twist to this indulgent meal. Start by making your dough and letting it rise. Before baking, top with your favorite pizza toppings, including shredded beer can chicken and a variety of Italian herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil. Bake until the crust is golden and crispy and then slice and serve for a delicious and healthier version of your favorite pizza.
12of 20
Bread Machine Pizza Dough (with Italian Herbs)
Main Ingredients: Water, Olive Oil, Flour, White Granulated Sugar
If you have a bread machine, this recipe for pizza dough is a game changer. Simply add all the ingredients to your bread machine and let it do the work for you. Before baking, top with shredded beer can chicken, your favorite pizza toppings, and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Bake until the crust is golden and crispy and then slice and serve for a delicious and easy homemade pizza.
13of 20
Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For those days when you're craving a big, hearty meal, these great big Italian meatballs are just the ticket. Using the leftover beer can chicken as the base of these meatballs adds a boost of flavor and makes them extra juicy and tender. Mix together ground beef and shredded chicken along with breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian herbs like parsley and garlic powder. Form into large meatballs and bake until cooked through. Serve with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a satisfying and comforting meal.
14of 20
Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
If you're following a keto diet, these stuffed peppers are the perfect way to enjoy your beer can chicken. Using the shredded chicken as the filling for these peppers adds a protein boost and keeps them low carb. Simply stuff bell peppers with a mixture of chicken, cream cheese, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Serve with a side salad for a delicious and keto-friendly meal.
Braciole, or Italian-style stuffed meat rolls, are a delicious and impressive dish to make with your beer can chicken. Using the shredded chicken as the filling for these rolls adds a unique and flavorful twist. Start by pounding out some thin slices of beef and topping with a mixture of shredded chicken, breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs like thyme and rosemary. Roll up and secure with toothpicks before cooking in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Serve with a side of pasta for a delicious and authentic Italian meal.
16of 20
Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you prefer your meatballs on the smaller side, this recipe is for you. Using the shredded beer can chicken as the base of these meatballs adds a depth of flavor and makes them extra moist and tender. Mix together ground beef and chicken along with breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Form into small meatballs and bake until cooked through. Serve with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a classic and delicious meal.
For a refreshing and easy side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken, try this Italian pasta salad. Simply cook your favorite pasta and toss with a mixture of Italian herbs like thyme, basil, and parsley, along with some diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with some olive oil and red wine vinegar for a flavorful and colorful salad that pairs perfectly with your roasted chicken.
If you're looking for a fun and portable way to enjoy your beer can chicken, try making stromboli. Using the shredded chicken as the filling adds a unique and delicious flavor to this Italian-inspired dish. Simply roll out pizza dough and top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs like oregano and garlic powder. Roll up and bake until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your tasty and easy meal.
19of 20
Roasted Vegetables With Italian Herbs
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Cremini Mushrooms, Grape Tomatoes, Garlic
To round out your meal, try making these roasted vegetables with Italian herbs as a side dish to your beer can chicken. Using a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant adds a pop of color and flavor to this dish. Simply toss the veggies with some olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Italian herbs like rosemary and thyme. Roast in the oven until tender and serve alongside your chicken for a healthy and delicious meal.
20of 20
Gnocchi with Tomato and Italian Herbs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Onion, Chopped Tomatoes, Red Wine
Gnocchi is a delicious and comforting Italian dish that is perfect for using up your leftover beer can chicken. Start by cooking your gnocchi according to package instructions. While the gnocchi is cooking, make a simple tomato sauce using the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Toss the gnocchi with the sauce and top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and easy meal.
The History of Italian Herbs
The use of herbs in Italian cuisine dates back to ancient times. The Romans were the first to introduce a variety of herbs to Italy, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. These herbs were not only used for cooking, but also for medicinal purposes. As time went on, Italian cuisine evolved and so did the use of herbs. In the Middle Ages, Italian monks began cultivating herbs in their gardens, and by the Renaissance era, herbs were an essential part of Italian cooking. Today, Italian herbs are not only popular in Italy, but they are also widely used in cuisines all over the world.
The Health Benefits of Italian Herbs
Apart from adding flavor to dishes, Italian herbs also offer a range of health benefits. These herbs are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and boost the immune system. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal. For example, basil contains high levels of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, while parsley is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
Making Your Own Italian Herb Blend
Now that we know the history and health benefits of Italian herbs, let's move on to the fun part – making our own herb blend! The traditional Italian herb blend, also known as herbes de Provence, consists of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram. You can easily make this blend at home by mixing equal parts of these herbs. You can also add other herbs like sage, parsley, or basil to customize your blend according to your taste preferences. Once you have your herb blend, store it in an airtight container and use it to add a touch of Italian flavor to your dishes.
In conclusion, Italian herbs are not only delicious but also have a rich history and numerous health benefits. By making your own herb blend, you can bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen and elevate your cooking to the next level. So next time you're making a pasta dish or a pizza, don't forget to add a sprinkle of Italian herbs for that authentic Italian touch.
![[Homemade] Italian cold cut stromboli : r/food](https://i.redd.it/y0bi8mn4r1q11.jpg)
.jpg)
