Culinary Classroom Lesson 11: Herbs

Summary

In this episode of 'Culinary Classroom' with Chef Kerry Leonard, viewers are introduced to a variety of fresh herbs essential for enhancing dishes. Chef Leonard discusses the unique characteristics and uses of herbs such as mint, dill, cilantro, chives, oregano, thyme, tarragon, and basil. He emphasizes the importance of using fresh herbs for superior flavor and provides tips on identifying and incorporating them into culinary creations. The video also touches on the sensory experience of herbs, encouraging viewers to explore their flavors and aromas in a grocery setting.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Mint is a versatile herb with a distinct smell, used in a variety of dishes and drinks like mojitos and spring rolls.
• 🌊 Dill is a feathery herb often paired with seafood and used in pickling, giving a mild flavor profile.
• 🌱 Cilantro is popular in Mexican and Latin cuisines, and also used in Chinese dishes, but its taste can be polarizing.
• 🌼 Chives are milder than onions and are a staple in French cooking, often used to add a subtle onion flavor.
• 🍃 Oregano is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in marinara sauce, and has a pungent Italian aroma.
• 🌺 Thyme is a flavor enhancer found in many herb blends, with a herbaceous taste that adds complexity to dishes.
• 🌱 Tarragon has a unique licorice-like flavor and is considered lemony, adding a bitter note to dishes.
• 🍃 Basil is a staple in Italian cooking, often paired with tomatoes and mozzarella in salads, and has a strong aroma.
• 🍂 Sage is known for its association with Thanksgiving and is the main ingredient in poultry seasoning, providing a comforting aroma.
• 🌿 Fresh herbs are superior in flavor to dried ones, but it takes twice as much fresh to achieve the same taste.
• 🛒 The homework for viewers is to visit a grocery store, taste, and familiarize themselves with these common herbs to better understand their flavors and uses.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'culinary classroom' video?

The main focus of the video is on urban fresh herbs and their uses in various dishes and drinks.

Why is mint considered a versatile herb?

Mint is versatile because it can be used in a variety of dishes, including spring rolls and light dishes, and also in drinks like mojitos.

What is the common use of dill in cooking?

Dill is commonly used with seafood due to its mild flavor and is also the main ingredient in dill pickles.

How is cilantro typically associated with certain cuisines?

Cilantro is typically associated with Mexican and Latin cuisines, and it is also used in Chinese dishes.

What is the difference between chives and spring onions?

Chives have a mild onion flavor and are a different plant from spring onions, which are a type of onion cut into thin pieces.

Why is oregano often used in Italian cooking?

Oregano is often used in Italian cooking, especially in marinara sauce, because it has a distinct Italian flavor and aroma.

How does thyme enhance the flavor of dishes?

Thyme enhances the flavor of dishes by adding a herbaceous note without a strong pungent flavor of its own, thus providing a nice complexity.

What unique flavor does tarragon have, and how does it affect dishes?

Tarragon has a light licorice smell and flavor, which some people also perceive as lemony, adding a bitter note to dishes.

Why is basil a popular herb in Italian cuisine?

Basil is popular in Italian cuisine due to its compatibility with ingredients like mozzarella, tomato, and balsamic in dishes such as caprese salad.

What does sage smell like, and how is it used in traditional cooking?

Sage has a smell reminiscent of Thanksgiving cooking and is a main ingredient in poultry seasoning, often used in dishes to evoke a home-cooked flavor.

What is the chef's advice for getting familiar with different herbs?

The chef advises going to the grocery store, smelling, and tasting small amounts of different herbs to understand their flavors and uses.