Use Provence herbs. Provence herbs - composition, proportions, where to add

Food plays an important role not only for health, but also for the soul, so food should be enjoyable, balanced and tasty. And seasonings for dishes are most directly related to improving the taste and aroma of food. For the first time, a combination of fragrant plants was used by French chefs. For cooking, they began to use aromatic herbs grown in the province of Provence, hence the name appeared - Provencal herbs. I hope that you will be interested to know what is included in the composition, what are the proportions of herbs and for which dishes this seasoning is simply necessary.

Gourmets say that for the full spectrum of taste qualities, six flavors must be present: sweet, bitter, salty, pungent, sour, and astringent.

The seasoning that I will talk about is characterized by the fact that it has everything necessary components, it is this fact that expands the range of applications. Seasoning enriches the taste of many dishes, goes well with all kinds of meat, fish, beef, pork, lamb. It is added to stir-fry chopped meat, fried potatoes used for baking various vegetables and meat products.

Provence herbs are used as an additive in meat and vegetable salads, put in sauces, sprinkle omelettes, scrambled eggs. Seasoning perfectly improves the taste of first courses, it is added during the preparation of soups and broths, put in savory pastries, for example, when kneading dough for making bread, or sprinkled on pizza before baking.

What is included in Provence herbs and proportions

Provence herbs were first heard at the end of the 20th century as a result of culinary experiments French chefs. Mandatory components of this seasoning are basil, marjoram and rosemary, the rest can be added at will and preference. Let's consider in more detail what herbs are included in the composition:

Basil originated from India and Iran, grown for over a thousand years, leaves are used in the mixture. gives a little pleasant sharpness and of course saturates the dishes with wonderful feelings - love and devotion, like a medicine, helps with colds, cleanses the blood and mind;
Marjoram originated on the lands of North Africa two thousand years ago, in recipes leaves and dried buds are used. Attaches to dishes spicy aroma with notes of camphor, as medicinal product used for indigestion;
Rosemary appeared in the Mediterranean several thousand years ago. For seasoning, leaves are used, which give a bitter taste, perfectly complement meat and poultry dishes. Medicinal properties are that rosemary helps in the treatment of liver, asthma, colds;

thyme or appeared on tropical lands since time immemorial, leaflets are used in the mixture. They give dishes a sharp-bitter taste, as a medicine is used for nervous disorders;
Fennel- the closest relative of the well-known dill, otherwise it is called pharmacy dill. It has a sweet smell, reminiscent of the smell of anise. Good for work gastrointestinal tract;
Tarragon or tarragon increases appetite, has an unusual smell and taste, has a sharp, slightly spicy aroma. He came to us from the countries of Asia Minor;
Oregano or oregano about originated from England over 2,000 years ago. For the body, it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and helps to eliminate toxins;
laurel foxt has spicy taste and aroma. Read more about bay leaf.
lemon zest - this is the outer colored layer of the fruit, has a bitter-sweet fruity aroma, slightly sugary taste;
Sage appeared from southern Europe and the Mediterranean more than two hundred years ago. Perfectly complements dishes of fish, vegetables, as healing remedy used for pulmonary insufficiency, is an excellent anti-aging agent;
Peppermint originated in England around the 17th century as a result of pollination of wild herbs. For seasoning, leaves collected in the budding phase are used, it gives spiciness and astringency to dishes. As it helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dill came to us from Central Asia and North Africa, has a calming effect and has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. gives dishes a fresh warm-spicy aroma.;
lavender flowers have a slightly cooling effect and add spice to sauces, salads, meat and fish dishes. This plant appeared in the Mediterranean more than 2 thousand years ago. Lavender has a spectrum useful qualities and it helps to cure 167 diseases, a good antibiotic and antiseptic.

Medicinal properties and contraindications

Each herb individually has a large amount healing properties, collected together properties are only enhanced and complemented.

Some experts do not think cooking without seasonings and spices. As mentioned above, Provencal herbs originated from the distant province of Provence, however, these plants can be easily grown in our country. A mixture of these plants perfectly complements the dishes, and also improves the emotional state.

I would like to emphasize that Provence herbs contain a large number of vitamins and beneficial trace elements. It contains - mineral salts, aromatic oils, organic acids, enzymes, tannins, resins. Regular use has a healing effect:

Improving the functioning of the digestive system;
Weight loss;
Calming effect.

Provence herbs are ecologically pure product and tastes great for all dishes (sauce, salads, cold and hot).

The spice has no special contraindications, but still, the person using the mixture for cooking should know the composition and, if there is some incompatibility with the plants that make up the composition, one should stop using it. Experts recommend using the seasoning with caution for people with hypertension and thrombophlebitis. For women who are in an interesting position and breastfeeding, you should also not use Provence herbs.

It is worth noting that excessive use of this seasoning can lead to irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Follow the norm and enjoy the harmony of the taste of cooked dishes.

Provencal herbs - proportions for cooking at home

Let's immediately note that the name of the seasoning was formed as a result of the work of French chefs, but this does not mean at all that preparing this mixture will be problematic. All of the above herbs included in the composition can be grown independently and, accordingly, it will not be difficult to prepare a seasoning. Let's take a closer look at the technology of cooking at home:

Prepare herbs in dry form in accordance with the composition;
Grind the substrate;
Add components in equal parts. If you prefer some kind of taste, then it is possible to slightly increase the amount, about 2 times;
The prepared mixture should be poured into a dry container, covered with a lid and stored for about six months.

Provence herbs keep their healing qualities even in dry form, and storage for 6 months gives the seasoning refinement and unique taste.

The advantage of seasoning is that you yourself can create a mixture that is perfect for you, because it is not necessary to add all the plants, some can be excluded. Do not forget one thing - the basis is three herbs - rosemary, marjoram and thyme.

There are no certain proportions, it is enough to add all the herbs in equal amounts, you can keep the proportions in spoons or in grams, slightly increasing the rate of your favorite components.

Let's share a little advice use of seasoning: before adding to dishes, Provence herbs should be slightly warmed up in a pan, this will enhance taste qualities and emphasize sophistication.

Where Provencal herbs are added - recipes for use

To date, recipes with Provence herbs are gaining an army of fans.

Imagine a recipe olive oil with seasoning:

take one part of the crushed dry parts of oregano, rosemary and lavender flowers;
two parts each of basil, thyme, marjoram, peppermint and sage;
mix with 1 liter of olive oil.

The resulting product will perfectly complement your dishes and give a sharp - spicy shade.

The following recipe was borrowed from famous chefs french cuisine. We present a recipe for cooking potatoes with Provence herbs, the advantage of such a dish is the incomparable taste and speed of preparation.

Cream - 300 milliliters;
Lavrushka - three leaves;
Two cloves of garlic;
Butter - 50 grams;
Peeled potatoes, cut into circles - 1 kilogram;
Half a glass of grated parmesan;
Seasoning and salt to taste.

Cream, small garlic, heat bay leaves and herbs, grease a baking sheet with oil. Put the potatoes, pour over the heated mixture, mix, sprinkle with cheese, cover with foil and bake in the oven at a temperature of 205 degrees. It will take about 40 minutes to prepare.

Consider the recipe for cooking chicken with Provence herbs, this will require:

Chicken carcass, wings and fatty layers should be cut off;
Salt, black pepper;
Shallot head, cut into rings;
chopped lemon zest;
Three tablespoons of olive oil;
a tablespoon of honey;
Seasoning to taste.

Chicken meat is salted, peppered, herbs and zest are added, greased with oil. Anoint the carcass with honey and butter and bake for 40 minutes, until a crust appears. Periodically, the chicken should be watered with juice from the brazier.

The recipe for making buns, for this you should prepare the following ingredients:

Flour - 600 grams;
Warm water - 350 milliliters;
a teaspoon of dry yeast;
Sugar - 20 grams;
Olive oil - 8 table. spoons;
Three tablespoons of Provence herbs and a pinch of salt.

AT warm water dissolve salt, yeast and sugar, add flour passed through a sieve. Pour in the oil and knead the dough, it should turn out elastic. Lubricate the surface of the dough with oil, let stand for 3 hours. Roll out the dough with a layer of 0.5 centimeters, grease with oil, sprinkle with seasoning, roll up the roll. Divide the roll into buns, put on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Enjoy your meal!

Dear readers, today we learned how extensive the range of application of this wonderful and most importantly healthy seasoning. We hope that the advice will be useful, listen to your body, please and take care. Be healthy!

A mixture of Provence herbs can be bought at any supermarket. Many people love these seasonings, they are in demand in cooking. Improving the aroma and taste of dishes, provencal spices make them special, spicy and unusual. The mixture is easy to prepare and do it yourself. About what Provencal herbs are - composition, proportions, what is included in them and in what dishes they are most appropriate - further on this page "Popular about health" in the article.

What is in Provence herbs?

For the first time, seasoning began to be used in South-East France, namely in Provence, from there the name came from. Initially, the composition of Provence herbs looked like this:

Basil
thyme or thyme
Sage
Rosemary
oregano
Marjoram
Mint

From this list, the main and mandatory components are thyme, marjoram and rosemary. It is they who create a unique bouquet of flavors when using seasonings in dishes. In exclusively provence recipe there is also lavender, due to its aroma is so enriched that it is impossible to repeat it with any other spice. It is due to lavender that dishes acquire the aroma of the sea and the southern coast of France.

The stores sell ready-made mixtures of Provencal spices. Each of the herbs that make up their composition has unique beneficial properties and is considered medicinal. Therefore, they are used in cooking not only to improve the taste, but also for health.

Rosemary is an aromatic spice with a bitter taste and a resinous aroma. Ideally, use the fresh leaves of the plant, but this is a very strong spice. Add small amount when preparing a Provence mixture, otherwise the dishes will be bitter. Rosemary improves appetite and the digestive process. It is a natural disinfectant and tonic.

Marjoram - has a burning taste. It has long been considered a medicinal plant and is considered an assistant to the digestive system.

Thyme is a spice with a fragrant aroma, an essential component of French cuisine. The addition of thyme has a tonic and warming effect. The use of this herb helps to strengthen hair, calm down after stress, restore strength and energy. And it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Basil is a spice that contains vitamins PP and C, strengthens the immune system, helps fight respiratory infections and. Getting into oral cavity, basil renders disinfectant action and kill bacteria.

Oregano is in our nature. It has a choleretic effect, so it is added carefully if there are contraindications and. Oregano is very soothing. nervous system serves as a preventative respiratory diseases.

Mint - as for this plant, it is known for both aroma and calming effect. Adding it to dishes will relieve headaches, eliminate stomach upset, and cure insomnia.

Sage - it is believed that it has a unique rejuvenating property. It cures frigidity,. It soothes with, prevents the formation of fungal diseases.

Provence herbs do not combine with all products in a row. They are good to use with lamb and pork meat, fatty fish and poultry. Provencal spices are added to potatoes when baking, as well as to vegetable or legume stews. Baking and even bread are also distinguished by an amazing aroma, in the dough of which a small pinch of these spices is added.

If you want to give your lunch menu a touch of sophistication and Mediterranean piquancy, be sure to use Provence herbs.

Provencal herbs - proportions for cooking at home

It is not necessary to use absolutely all herbs from the proposed list. If you don't like a plant, its smell or taste, you can not add it at all. As for the proportions, according to the recipe, all herbs are taken in equal proportions. If you want to emphasize some note, you can add more of one or another component. In any case, the base is a marjoram-rosemary-thyme mixture.

The mixture also includes edible salt. Its quantity should not exceed a third of the total weight of all prepared and chopped herbs.

We grind all the herbs, using both dry and freshly picked. Mix evenly with salt. Pour the resulting composition into a dry container and close the lid so that the aroma does not disappear. Store no more than six months.

The composition of herbs for the Provence mixture cannot be called strict and unambiguous. Each cook or hostess is guided by his taste preferences, as well as the wishes of those for whom the dishes are prepared. Do not rush to say that you do not like the Provence mixture. Perhaps by removing any component, you will achieve an optimal and pleasant combination for yourself.

Its name is a mixture fragrant herbs received thanks to Provence - French region located between the Alps and the Cote d'Azur. But (French herbs) are known far beyond the borders of France - Mediterranean, Italian and others European cuisine widely use this generous gift of nature.

Composition of provencal herbs :

rosemary
thyme
sage
basil
peppermint
savory garden
oregano (oregano)
marjoram

The proportions of seasoning, and sometimes composition of provencal herbs not subject to strict rules.

Culinary Application

Excellent in both first and second courses. Lungs vegetable soups and sauces, the taste of meat and poultry will be revealed in a completely new way if you add a pinch of Provence herbs. With the addition of these herbs, you can bake or steam fish. This mixture of spices also goes well with vegetables: roasting in the oven or on the grill is perhaps the most delicate way to cook vegetables without excess fat. they will reveal the taste of tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, sweet peppers, onions in a completely new way ... Potatoes baked with this mixture of fragrant and fragrant herbs. Unsweetened pastries from yeast dough, incomparable pizza, pies - the aroma of Provencal meadows is appropriate everywhere.

Using a mixture of Provence herbs is as easy as shelling pears - just sprinkle the dish in the process, about 10 minutes before cooking. Before adding to salads, you can slightly heat the herbs in a dry frying pan to enhance the flavor of the spice. With this mixture, even your usual, favorite dishes will sparkle with new colors of taste! pairs well with garlic and lemon peel. If you decide to add spicy herbs to the marinade, remember that they will give off flavor to the product after 2-3 hours, and it will finally open during heat treatment. What not to do is to add this mixture of herbs to the breading: since the frying oil has a very high temperature, they are likely to burn.

Benefits of Provence herbs

They not only improve the taste of dishes: thanks to the content essential oils, tannins, resins and organic acids, vitamins and minerals, they have a beneficial effect on the human body.

Basil boosts immunity and is often used for colds and various types of respiratory problems. Few people know that basil is considered a real thunderstorm for bacteria that cause cavities and plaque.

Provencal herbs is a fragrant mixture of herbs named after the region of France where the seasoning was invented. Provence is a region of South-East France, which is famous for its lavender fields and a whole palette of fragrant herbs. The mixture was widely used in the 17th century among the nobility of France. It was customary for her to season dishes for wedding table, as the seasoning was considered a strong aphrodisiac. It wasn't until 1970 that the herbal blend entered the global spice market.

Part classic seasoning"Provencal herbs" includes 8 main ingredients (see photo):

sage.
savory garden;
thyme;
rosemary;
peppermint;
marjoram;
oregano (oregano);
basil;

In some countries North America Lavender leaves are added to the mixture. This gives the seasoning the flavor of maritime France.

Application in cooking

Provence herbs were used in cooking almost 400 years ago and are still widely used in the cuisines of many countries. The combination of such herbs adds to everyday meals new flavors, and therefore helps to make them more appetizing. Herbs go well with onions and garlic, which are widely used around the world.

Where to add? The mixture is added in the preparation of many dishes:

meat;
fish;
soups;
vegetables;
sauces;
salads;
casseroles.

If you want to give fried meat or fish flavor of France, then before frying, rub them with Provence herbs and salt. Leave for 10 minutes and then fry. You will be surprised at the result. Herbs give off their flavor and aroma well when heated, so if you decide to add them to a soup, sauce or salad, fry them in a skillet first. Sauce with Provence herbs will complement any dish, both cold and hot.

For those who are on a salt-free diet, Provence herbs seasoning will be a godsend. Unleavened dishes with such a spicy set, they will taste brighter, and the time of the diet will not be so painful.

One of the frequently asked questions: "What is the difference between Provencal herbs and French ones?". Provencal herbs are already ready mix certain herbs, and French ones are a common palette of plants that are used in French cuisine.

How to replace Provencal herbs?

"How to replace Provencal herbs?" - such a question is asked by some lovers of spices. If this mixture is not found in the nearest stores, it can be replaced with a mixture French herbs, which includes almost all the main ingredients of the Provencal set with the addition of several other herbs of French cuisine, or cook it yourself at home.

How to cook at home?

It is easy to prepare a mixture of Provence herbs at home. The recipe is very simple and will not take much time. Take dried thyme, marjoram, basil, peppermint, savory (do not confuse with thyme), sage, rosemary and oregano in equal proportions. All of these herbs you can buy or grow in your garden and then dry. Add some salt and grind in a coffee grinder or blender. The mixture is ready. Store herbs de Provence in an airtight bag or jar.

Useful properties and contraindications

Beneficial features provencal herbs are in their composition. They contain:

enzymes;
many vitamins;
minerals;
tannins;
essential oils and resins;
organic acids.

Many of the herbs included in the seasoning have antibacterial properties and help improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Some substances contained in the mixture help in the functioning of the nervous system, for example, increase stress resistance and improve sleep rhythm.

Contraindications include hypertension and thrombophlebitis. Pregnant women and people with sensitive stomachs should also carefully add this seasoning to their diet. Abuse of this mixture can lead to irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive system, which can then develop into gastritis or an ulcer. People who have allergic reactions on the individual components of Provence herbs, you should not add them to the list of seasonings used in your kitchen.

If you want to diversify your dishes with new flavors and aromas, try using Provencal herbs in your daily menu. You will be satisfied!

By visiting any store, you can buy Provence herbs. Not everyone knows what it is, although the product presented is one of the most sought after in the field of cooking. Seasoning improves not only the taste, but also the aroma of the dish being prepared. Even gourmets are able to appreciate the savory and refined taste food to which it has been added.

Such a combination of herbs is not necessary to purchase, it can be prepared independently. In order for the mixture to turn out to be of better quality, it is necessary to clearly maintain the composition and proportions of the seasoning. Inexperienced cooks do not quite understand which dishes should be best added to such a product.

Composition, proportions, description

This concept first appeared in France. Motherland savory seasoning became the town of Provence. Initially, the mixture consisted of the following types of herbs:

basil is an important component of the mixture, strengthening immune system and normalizing the work of the respiratory organs;
thyme or thyme - has a tonic and warming effect, strengthens hair, restores strength and energy;
sage - has a rejuvenating effect, eliminates problems with potency, eradicates fungal diseases;
rosemary - favorably affects the digestive system, improves appetite;
oregano - strengthens the nervous system, acts as a prevention of acute respiratory infections;
marjoram - normalizes the functioning of the digestive system;
mint - eliminates headache, indigestion, insomnia.

What is included in Provencal herbs as mandatory components? Mandatory today, from the list presented are thyme, marjoram and rosemary. Thanks to this combination, the dish has an unusual aroma. In some cases, lavender is added to this bouquet of plants. This spice adds a marine flavor to the food.

Important! To obtain a pleasant-tasting herb, it is recommended to add to this mixture additional ingredients. They can serve Bay leaf, dill, tarragon, sage, mint, chervil.

When preparing the mixture at home, it is recommended to observe certain proportions. All herbs are recommended to be taken in equal amounts. In order for the mixture to have a special flavor, you need to take one of the ingredients in more than the rest. Salt can be added to the prepared seasoning, and then mixed with herbs. Pour the mixture into a dry container and store it for no more than six months.

Benefit and harm

This mixture has not only certain positive features, but also negative ones.

Provencal herbs not only act as an excellent seasoning that stimulates taste buds, but also as a means of favorably affecting human body. Regular use of herbs can help improve a person's condition. Benefits of this type of herb:

memory improvement;
elimination of muscle pain;
strengthening the immune system;
relieves swelling;
rejuvenating effect;
has a wound healing effect;
eliminates headaches;
eradicates cough.

There are practically no negative sides to these plants. They don't call side effects in case of overdose. The only negative side can be considered only individual intolerance to the components, which can lead to an allergic reaction.

Provence herbs what is it, where to add

Provence herbs are considered to be a versatile seasoning that is suitable for any food. They are most successful when added to fatty meals. insipid diet meals this product gives special taste and aroma. Especially often presented dish is used for making soups, various sauces and salads. spice is excellent seasoning for butter, fish, minced meat, pie fillings. Often aromatic additive used for the manufacture of butter: butter, vegetable and olive.

Recipes with Provence herbs

Oil

Aromatic oil with Provence herbs amazing taste. The herbs included in the seasoning have an unforgettable aroma, due to the abundance of essential substances. Sunflower oil most quickly absorbs such a seasoning, and retains its unusual smell and taste, in ready-made it is used as a marinade for vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, salads. This oil can be purchased at the store, or you can make your own.

The proportions that must be followed when creating a product:

oregano, rosemary, lavender - 1 part;
basil, thyme, marjoram, mint, sage -2 parts.

Such a seasoning can give a light dish sharpness, unsurpassed taste.

Ask the chef!

Failed to cook a meal? Feel free to ask me personally.

Potato

Can add piquancy to potatoes cream sauce, garlic and Provence herbs. This dish takes about 1 hour in its preparation, refers to simple dishes.

Ingredients needed for the dish:

heavy cream - 1.5 cups;
bay leaf - 3 pieces;
garlic - 2 cloves;
butter;
potatoes -900 grams;
parmesan cheese - 0.5 cups;
Provencal herbs;
salt.

Dish sequence:

We heat the oven to 205 degrees Celsius, heat the cream, bay leaf, garlic and the main component.

Lubricate the form prepared for baking.

Pour the cream into a container with potatoes and mix thoroughly, sprinkle the workpiece with parmesan, add salt to it.

Pour some cream into the bottom of the mold and spread the potatoes in a thin layer.

Pour the rest of the cream over the potatoes, sprinkle the workpiece with parmesan, cover the dish with foil, send it to bake in the oven for 40 minutes.

A mixture of Provence herbs: how to cook yourself

fragrant seasoning of these herbs is very difficult to find in the store. It is easy and simple to create an exquisite supplement at home.

There are a huge number of options for preparing the mixture. The following option is considered traditional, for the preparation of which a number of ingredients are required:

thyme - 5 tablespoons;
marjoram -4 large spoons;
basil - 3 tablespoons;
3 tablespoons of rosemary;
3 tablespoons of tarragon and thyme;
2 spoons of lavender;
1 spoon of fennel.

All ingredients are recommended to be sent to a food processor or blender and chopped. It will take from 5 to 7 seconds to cut them. It is not recommended to crush them very much so that they turn into dust. From the number of herbs presented, you will get one large bowl of seasoning.

How to store

Provence herbs should be stored for 6 months. After this period, it is not recommended to add them to dishes. The storage location should be a cool area. Seasoning should be tightly covered with a lid, and be in a strictly sealed container. This will allow the mixture to optimally retain its taste. Only such a product will favorably affect the human body.

calories

The total calorie content of the product is 259.3 kilocalories. Provence herbs have a certain energy value. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates contained in the product:

proteins -49.4 kilocalories (19%);
fats -58.5 kilocalories (22%);
carbohydrates -103.9 kilocalories (40%).

Proportions of the product, how many grams

When creating a dish according to a recipe, it is recommended to follow all the tips and instructions attached to it. The most important thing to be sure to consider are the proportions of the ingredients. Product content of the most commonly used measuring instruments:

1 teaspoon used in the mixture recipe contains 5 grams of the product;
In 1 tablespoon, there are 11 grams of grass;
1 package contains 250 grams.

Outcome

This seasoning can be used to prepare most various dishes, it will seem attractive even to true connoisseurs culinary delights. Its versatility will allow the plant to be used as the main food supplement. Most hostesses are often interested in: what is provencal herbs such? it fragrant spices improving taste characteristics any dish. By adding them to one of the culinary creations, a person not only does not spoil it, but rather decorates it.