Tags
dried, drying, Fresh oregano, Gardening, herb, Herbs, Lasagna, marinara, vegan, vegetarian
A few weeks ago I posted about planting my garden, so I could have some fresh veggies and herbs to cook with. One of the things I planted was oregano. If I had know how well this stuff grows, I would have planted it years ago!!! This one plant in a pot has taken off like gang busters! At first I was hesitant to use any, because my plant seemed so small. I blinked and now I’m wondering what the heck I’m going to do with all of it! I did some research and thought I would share my findings with my foodie friends.
As you can see by my first picture, I decided to dry some. I had read that when the plant starts to flower it is at it’s most flavorful, so this is a good time to snip some branches for drying. I simply cut several branches off, tied them together at the cut ends with string and hung them up on my pot rack to dry. It looks pretty up there and makes my kitchen smell nice! Once dried it can be crumbed and stored in a spice jar for later use or to give as a gift. I’m going to take some over to my sister tomorrow!
Another tip I found, is to cut up the leaves and freeze it in some water in ice cube trays. Supposedly when you thaw it, it still has the fresh flavor. Makes sense to me!
I love to use fresh basil and oregano in my marinara sauce! So delicious! Once my tomato plants start producing watch out!!! My marinara is being taken to a whole other level!!! I think I might make a batch of sauce on Monday and make some vegetarian lasagna for my oldest daughter and her husband when they come over for dinner!
Really the uses for oregano are abundant! Here is just a sampling of the possibilities: egg/cheese combinations, breads, vegetables (especially squash, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, capsicum), meats, fish, chicken, pizza, pastas, Greek salads and sauces. Soups, stews, stuffings, sausage and pork.
Like I always say, go play with your food! Find creative ways to use those ingredients, try new things and you might just find your new favorite dish!
So what are some of your favorite ways to use oregano? I’m very open to additional ideas as I have a bunch of the stuff!!!
Inside Kel's Kitchen 
“Pesto” is another use for your green leafy herbs. I make several versions each year to have during the winter for cooking. Infuse oils & vinegars is another option, as well as tomato based sauces that you can for shelf life. Having the live ingredient at your disposal is the biggest benefit of all…no matter how you derive the end use😎
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For sure! Thanks!
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I love using fresh herbs when I cook. Enjoyed your post on oregano.
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Me too and thank you!!!
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Yes ma’am. It is great frozen. That reminds me I have spicy basil I need to freeze. 😊🌿
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Mmm! Never tried spicy basil, only the regular kind. That’s its own type of plant?
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I stumbled on it at the nursery. Lots easier to grow than the regular basil.
https://bonnieplants.com/product/spicy-globe-basil/
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Thanks! I’ll have to check that out. I love cooking with fresh basil!
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I have frozen mine in the past in ice cube trays with oil. Then just toss one into a skillet and it will melt as a flavorful base for sauteeing vegetables. 🙂
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I love fresh oregano– such an under appreciate herb. I sprinkle it fresh on salads and to use up a lot, it’s delicious in a lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil marinade for pretty much any meat or veg.
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I love the Marinade idea! Thanks!
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I use oregano in all Tex-Mex recipes, such as chili and in my homemade enchilada sauce. I love the combination of oregano and cumin in these recipes.
I’ve come to like it better than basil in Italian dishes as well.
I have had good luck drying parsley in the microwave between sheets of paper towels when you can’t wait for it to dry naturally. You just do it about 10 seconds at a time, checking to see if it’s dry and not burning. It’s amazingly quick.
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Sounds great!
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I have discovered the wonder of fresh herbs this year. Just in case you decide to leave some to flower the bees and hoverflies love oregano! I like oregano on pizzas. Ice cubes are a great idea, although don’t do what I did and defrost it thinking it was spinach……mmm herby!
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lol! Too funny!
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Well apart from using oregano to add a bit of flavour and freshness, you can use it as a main ingredient.
My grandma used to make the best oregano salad, plain and simple and extremely healthy might I add. All you need to do is just wash them and pick the leaves. Chop a small white or Spanish onion and sprinkle with a bit of salt, the juice of one lemon and olive oil. Beware you might get addicted!!!
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