Understanding Italian Seasoning
Dried spice blends are a staple in many home — and even professional — kitchens. They offer a convenient way to achieve bold flavor profiles without the need to use numerous individual spices. One such popular blend is Italian seasoning, made with a mixture of dried herbs like basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, and rosemary. Sometimes, additional spices like red pepper flakes or garlic powder are also included. The origin of Italian seasoning is considered to date back to ancient Mediterranean cultures, including the Romans and Greeks, in the 8th century B.C., to simplify cooking.
How to Buy and Use Italian Seasoning
When you head to the spice aisle of your supermarket, you will likely see various brands offering Italian seasoning. It’s important to check the labels to ensure it meets your preferences, especially if you want to avoid certain ingredients like red pepper flakes. For those who prefer making their own blends, numerous recipes are available online, allowing you to adjust the ratios according to your taste. Italian seasoning can amplify the flavors of many dishes beyond traditional Italian recipes. Whether it’s boosting the taste of a spaghetti sauce or adding a new dimension to homemade meatballs, this blend is versatile and powerful.
Enhancing Various Cuisines with Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is not just limited to Italian or Italian-American dishes. It can also bring out robust flavors in other Mediterranean cuisines, such as Greek and southern French cuisine. For example, you can use Italian seasoning to enhance Greek lemon potatoes or to make a flavorful swordfish Provencal. Additionally, this spice blend can elevate a basic roasted vegetable medley or transform a simple homemade salad dressing into a bouquet of herbal goodness. Its versatility makes it a must-have in any kitchen, ready to experiment with wherever you see fit.
