5 Delicious Herbs Every Home Chef Should Have in Their Kitchen

If you’ve ever cooked with fresh herbs, you know that they make a world of difference in the flavor of your dish. Luckily, herbs are very easy to grow right on your windowsill at Reserve at Garden Oaks! Here are 5 must-have herbs that will add depth and complexity to pastas, meats, salads or even beverags.

  1. Chives. Even if you don’t have much light in your kitchen, chives are sure to thrive. These mild, onion-like herbs are a great substitute for onions in a dish, and they’re easy to grow from an already-established plant from your local nursery.
  2. Mint. For everything from fruit salads to summer cocktails, mint is a wonderful addition. This hearty herb grows very quickly and heartily, and it also gives off a wonderfully fresh scent in your kitchen.
  3. Oregano. For kitchens with bright sunlight, oregano is a must-have herb. This rich herb is perfectly paired with Italian dishes.
  4. Basil. While basil isn’t the easiest herb to grow indoors, it is very worthwhile in dishes like pizzas, pastas and salad dressings. Just keep a careful eye on it in the wintertime.
  5. Rosemary. If you’re a forgetful plant-owner, rosemary is the perfect herb for you. Because this one prefers to stay dry, it only needs minimal watering. It’s also perfect to add to chicken or fish dishes.

The Nine Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors [Divine Caroline]
10 Herbs To Grow Inside All Year Long [Rodale's Organic Life]
13 herbs to grow in your kitchen [Oregon Live]

Fresh Cilantro Is Celebrated in These Seriously Yummy Recipes

Flavorful cilantro is a staple herb in many Southwestern and Mexican dishes, but it also complements a number of other types of foods as well. From butters to desserts, there are a whole slew of creative new recipes that incorporate the unique taste of cilantro. Here are three out-of-the-ordinary recipes for cilantro lovers!

Tropical Cilantro Smoothie [The Kitchn]
Though it may seem unusual, the flavors of tropical fruits pair very well with cilantro. This cool and refreshing smoothie blends pineapple, banana, and orange juice with a whole cup of cilantro, creating a summery taste that also contains a number of beneficial nutrients to make you feel energized and healthy.

Avocado Cilantro Sherbet [Martha Stewart]
Avocado is an unlikely addition to a cool sherbet, but then again, so is cilantro. Both ingredients are surprisingly delicious when combined with lime juice and whole milk in this fresh and tart dessert.

Cilantro Herb Butter [Simply Recipes]
Whether you spread it on bread or use it to flavor chicken, this cilantro herb butter is a great multipurpose way to add cilantro to any dish. The combination of cilantro and lime give it a classic Southwestern flavor, but the buttery texture is something completely unique. Best of all, this recipe takes just four ingredients and a few minutes to make.

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