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Anyone have some nice, dietetic fresh herb recipes?

Hello, All, Well, this is my current situation, culinarily speaking. About 3 weeks ago, we bought my kidlets some plants to plant in the back yard, and I bought an herb garden kit for fun. Then, for my birthday, my wife bought me an AeroGarden (a really, really, neat device, probable will kill my electric bill, but it seems really cool so far) :-), with an herb seed packet. So now I have growing fresh: basil mint oregano chives thyme dill parsley. I haven't got a whole lot of experience working with fresh herbs, but am actually pretty excited about the prospects. I plan on getting some more seeds, and potting a bunch of different herbs next spring. But my question is, does anyone have some really yummy, but light (fighting the battle of the bulge, y'know) recipes or meal ideas utilizing these herbs? I'd rather use them fresh, but have no problem with the concept of drying them. There are the obvious, salad dressings, some sauces, use the mint to make mint julips, etc., but I figured that there are enough people here that I may get some truly awesome ideas! So I put my palette in your capable hands! I look forward to hearing some of your ideas. And, also, what are some other fresh herbs you'd recommend growing in the future? What are some "must have" plants for the budding at-home cook? Again, thank you in advance for your responses! Peace

Public Comments

1. I have a ton of rosemary in my garden, and put fresh sprigs into (or on top) of just about everything! I also put it into the garbage disposal and trash cans:) .... Dill is especially good on BBQ salmon, or crab cakes ... Basil makes great pesto sauce (or salad dressing) and is wonderful chopped on Salad Caprese (sliced tomatoes, alternating with slices of fresh mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil & balsamic vinegar) ... I use basil, oregano, thyme & rosemary in all pasta sauces, stews, soups, and even in burgers, meatballs & meatloaf. Any chicken recipe is good with those too (and a sprig or 2 of rosemary) ..... Mint is great in Greek dishes. You can get a package of Tabboleh (sp?) and add more fresh parsley & mint to it (and chopped tomatoes). I also like mint in lemonade & iced tea, and to garnish fruit salads ...... Chives on great on potatoes and anything else you like a slight onion taste on (it's more of a garnish)
2. I would add my all-time favorite, cilantro. Try this site for some ideas. http://lowfatlifestyle.com.
3. basil--Orzo Salad--process 2 cups basil with some garlic, olive oil and lemon juice, add to cooked orzo pasta along with chopped black olives--I don't have the proportions. Wait, here's almost the same recipe I use and I make it all summer, it's so good. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1943,142183-229200,00.html mint--iced tea, hot mint tea, chopped or slivered and added with lime juice to watermelon, general snacking, mojitos cocktail chives--cut with scissors and preserve in a container in your freezer. Just take a spoonful out to add to eggs, soups, sandwiches, as a garnish, etc. thyme and oregano--wonderful on grilled veggies, fish dill--add to drained plain yogurt or Greek yogurt along with garlic and cucumber that is chopped and use as a dip or sauce for grilled meat, chicken, veggies, bread parsley--make chimichurri sauce(it's my absolute favorite sauce--I marinate seafood and meats and also make a great black bean and rice dish with it) 1/2 cup Italian parsley 1/2 cup cleaned cilantro 6 garlic cloves Pinch dried chile flakes Salt & pepper 1/4 cup red wine vinegar(or combo of vinegar and lemon juice) 1 cup olive oil In a food processor, combine parsley, garlic, chile flakes, and salt & pepper. Completely pulse until fine. Pour in vinegar and oil till smooth. Store in airtight container in fridge or freeze. Herbs to consider: sage cilantro rosemary various different mints(I had a chocolate mint that was wonderful!) Lemon balm lavender Herbs are just so good for many things. I think my favorite use is just general sniffing-lol and munching. I love to go outside and lightly rub my rosemary or basil or mint and then breathe deeply. It's like a mini vacation. Enjoy!