Easy ways to use homegrown herbs in your cooking
What's the story
Urban rooftops are turning into a green oasis amidst the concrete jungle, providing a fresh supply of herbs for food lovers. This article presents five creative ways to use these rooftop-grown herbs in vegan dishes, adding a burst of flavor while supporting sustainable living. From thirst-quenching drinks to hearty mains, these suggestions will surely spark your culinary creativity, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook.
Beverages
Herbal infusions for refreshing beverages
Herbal infusions are a simple and refreshing way to utilize rooftop herbs. For teas, steep mint, basil, and lemon balm in boiling water for five to ten minutes. For a refreshing cold beverage, chill these infusions and mix with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon. This not only maximizes the use of fresh herbs but also provides a healthy substitute for sugary beverages.
Pesto
Elevating vegan pesto variations
Vegan pesto is a game changer! Just replace the cheese with nutritional yeast and pick your favorite herbs (basil, cilantro, or parsley). Blended with garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, olive oil, and nutritional yeast, it transforms into a creamy sauce for pasta or a flavorful spread for sandwiches. Experiment with different herb combinations for a fun twist on this classic that will take your meals to the next level.
Oils
Aromatic herb-infused oils
Making herb-infused oils is another great way to capture the flavor of rooftop herbs. By simmering olive oil with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano on low heat for around two hours and then straining it, you get a fragrant oil. This oil can be drizzled over salads, roasted veggies, or bread dips for extra flavor. And, they make for a perfect homemade gift for your foodie friends!
Soups
Flavor-packed vegan soups
Soups provide a comforting canvas for highlighting the bright flavors of fresh herbs. Generously adding chopped dill, parsley, or cilantro at the end of cooking infuses soups with a refreshing taste while enhancing their nutritional value. Think creamy potato soup with a hint of rosemary or a hearty lentil soup with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves - the options are truly limitless.
Desserts
Herbaceous vegan desserts
Adding herbs to vegan desserts is a game changer! It turns ordinary treats into something truly special. Infuse lavender or mint into syrups for fruit salads or to drizzle over cakes. Finely chopped basil is a revelation with strawberry desserts like sorbets or compotes. It adds a surprising pop of flavor that works beautifully with the sweetness.