Elevate your dishes with our Homemade Herbs de Provence Seasoning Blend! A fragrant mix of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender, this versatile seasoning adds a touch of French countryside flair to your culinary creations. Sprinkle it on roasted veggies, grilled meats, or even use it to flavor soups and sauces. With this homemade blend, you’ll bring the flavors of Provence right to your kitchen!
Ah, Herbes de Provence! Let me tell you all about this delightful blend of herbs that adds a touch of French countryside magic to your dishes. Picture yourself strolling through the picturesque fields of Provence, breathing in the fragrant scents of lavender, thyme, rosemary, and more.
That’s the essence of Herbs de Provence and if you have never used these spices in your kitchen, you might want to. They’re an amazing mixture that elevates your cooking to the next level and are definitely worth keeping in your pantry!
So, where does this blend come from? Well, as the name suggests, Herbes de Provence originates from the Provence region in southeastern France. This area is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, which is perfect for growing a variety of aromatic herbs. The exact composition of Herbs de Provence can vary, but it typically includes a mix of thyme, savory, marjoram, rosemary, oregano, and sometimes lavender flowers.
It has an incredibly distinctive flavor that you are going to love!
What is Herbs de Province Used for?
But, how do you use this enchanting blend? The possibilities are endless! Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor, rub it onto roast chicken or fish before grilling, season rice with it, or add it to soups and stews for a taste of the French countryside. You can even use it to season homemade bread or sprinkle it over popcorn for a unique twist.
My favorite recipe to use it with is my garlic and herb chicken thighs recipe. I’m not big on chicken thighs, but this blend makes them delicious! Just as a personal tip, it’s also amazing with goat cheeses as a snack.
Why Make Your Own Seasoning Blend?
But why bother making your own Herbs de Provence when you can easily buy it at the store? Well, there are a few good reasons.
First and foremost, making your own blend allows you to customize it to your liking allowing the dominant flavors you prefer to shine through. Maybe you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor or want to skip the lavender altogether. When you make it yourself, you’re in control of what goes into the blend.
Plus, making your own Herbs de Provence can be more cost-effective in the long run. Sure, buying a pre-made blend might seem convenient, but those little packets can add up over time. By purchasing individual herbs in bulk and mixing them yourself, you can save money and reduce waste. In fact, with the amounts of seasoning you use, this Herbes de Province blend only costs around $1.00 give or take depending on your regional differences.
Not to mention, homemade Herbs de Provence tends to be fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions. When you buy pre-packaged blends, you never know how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf. By making it yourself, you can ensure that your herbs are at their peak freshness, resulting in a more vibrant and aromatic seasoning.
What is Herb de Provence Made Of?
Now, let’s talk about what actually goes into Herbs de Provence. As I mentioned earlier, the exact recipe can vary, but here’s a basic rundown of what you might find in a typical blend:
- Thyme: This herb is a staple in Herbs de Provence and adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Savory: Savory has a peppery taste with hints of mint and pine, adding depth to the blend.
- Marjoram: Similar to oregano but with a milder flavor, marjoram brings a sweet and citrusy note to the mix.
- Rosemary: Known for its strong, pine-like flavor, rosemary adds a bold and aromatic kick to the blend.
- Oregano: Oregano adds a slightly bitter, peppery flavor that complements the other herbs nicely.
- Lavender Flowers: These delicate flowers are what give Herbs de Provence its signature floral aroma. Just a hint of lavender can transport you straight to the lavender fields of Provence.
The lavender flowers in this blend can be left out. However, I highly recommend you add them. They add a flavor depth that just isn’t present without them.
Since you can customize your own blend, you may also want to consider adding basil, tarragon or even bay leaves to yours. Play around until you find a taste you love and there you go!
What Can Be Substituted for Herbes de Provence?
While Herbs de Provence is a French blend, here in America, the closest and most common blend used in its place would be Italian seasoning. So, if you absolutely do not want to make this blend or you’re out of one of the more important ingredients such as savory, you can substitute Italian seasoning in a pinch. It won’t have the same profile but it will come close. There is a different though and your taste buds will likely notice it.
So there you have it—Herbs de Provence in all its aromatic glory. Whether you sprinkle it on roasted potatoes or use it to season a hearty stew, this delightful blend is sure to elevate your dishes and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched hills of southern France. So why not give it a try? Your culinary creations will thank you!
Herbs de Province Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. Savory
- 1 Tbsp. Rosemary Leaves
- 1 Tbsp. Thyme Leaves
- 1 Tbsp. Oregano
- 1 Tbsp. Marjoram
- 1 Tbsp. Fennel Seed
- ½ Tbsp. Lavender Leaves Optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Combine your spices into a small mixing bowl and stir gently to mix well.1 Tbsp. Savory, 1 Tbsp. Rosemary Leaves, 1 Tbsp. Thyme Leaves, 1 Tbsp. Oregano, 1 Tbsp. Marjoram, 1 Tbsp. Fennel Seed, 1/2 Tbsp. Lavender Leaves
- Use immediately or store in an airtight spice container or spice jar.
Notes
- Nutrition information is auto-calculated and may not be correct. Please use discretion if you follow a special diet.
- Lavender leaves are optional in this seasoning recipe, however, I do recommend you add them for the extra addition to the flavor profile.
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