Herbs Jazz Up the Culinary Landscape

(Page 5 of 7)

Article Tools
Bookmark and Share

SPICY CHARMOULA SAUCE

RELATED CONTENT

Makes about 3/4 cup
This North African pungent sauce is a versatile condiment for fried fish or potatoes, and can be used as a seasoning marinade for whole fish or fillets.

1 cup firmly packed cilantro leaves
1 cup firmly packed flat parsley leaves
6 to 8 cloves garlic, sliced
2 cups fruity olive oil
2 cups mild cider vinegar, wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cumin seed
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 to 1 teaspoon red chile, ground, or flakes, to taste

Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender; chop evenly. Taste and adjust salt and hot pepper. Store covered in refrigerator. Prepare at least one day before use. Bring to room temperature for use as dipping sauce. Variation: With addition of chopped tomatoes and onions, Charmoula doubles as a braising liquid for fish and shellfish.

RUSSIAN SALSA VERDE

Makes 4 to 5 cups
Many variations of this mixture are popular throughout Russia. This version from the Republic of Georgia is our favorite.

6 to 8 cloves garlic, peeled and mashed
4 ounces jalapeño, tabasco, serrano or other hot peppers, stemmed and seeded
1 small whole stalk celery, cleaned and ribs cut into 1-inch pieces (use leaves also)
1 large red sweet bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups dill leaves and tender stems, packed
11/2 cups cilantro leaves and tender stems, packed
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place garlic and hot peppers in food processor; mince, using pulse. Gradually add celery and bell pepper, chopping fine. Add dill, cilantro, olive oil, vinegar and salt; pulse until finely chopped. In a glass storage dish, refrigerate overnight to marry flavors. Taste for salt before serving. Note: Reduce hot pepper for a milder taste.

CARIBBEAN DOG SAUCE

Makes about 2 cups
In French-speaking areas of the Caribbean, various piquant sauces are often referred to as sauce chien, meaning “dog sauce.” The name is a mystery, but does not indicate an ingredient or serving suggestion, so Fido is safe! Use this as a basting sauce and serve with grilled or roasted meats, poultry or seafood, and as a general seasoning mixture in sauces, soups and dressings. Your hot pepper amount can vary widely, according to taste.

1 small yellow onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic, mashed
1 to 3 habanero or Scotch bonnet chiles (or other very hot chile), stem, seeds and membrane removed, minced
1/2 cup chopped mango or papaya
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric or small piece of fresh turmeric rhizome, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup malt vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chopped gingerroot
2 teaspoons chopped oregano (Cuban or other strong oregano suggested)
1 teaspoon chopped thyme

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Next >>


Pay Now & Save 50% off the Cover Price
First Name: *
Last Name: *
Address: *
City: *
State/Province: *
Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to The Herb Companion-

Your guide to the many uses and even more pleasures of nature's most helpful plants!

The Herb Companion is the smart and easy complement to your own healthy, vibrant lifestyle! In every issue you'll find information on using herbs to:

  • Transform simple dishes into spectacular meals
  • Make gardens as useful as they are beautiful
  • Replace harsh chemicals with natural alternatives
  • Help find fulfillment, balance and good health
  • And much more!

Yes, send me a one-year subscription (6 issues) to The Herb Companion. I'll pay just $19.95.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $5.00 and get 6 issues of The Herb Companion for only $14.95 (USA only).