• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Stew Lady

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Articles
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Articles
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Articles

    Published: Dec 22, 2022 · Modified: Jan 6, 2023 by The Stew Lady · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Using Spices and Herbs in Stew Recipes

    0 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    It's important to remember that the strength and intensity of different herbs and spices can vary, so it's best to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

    Follow my blog with Bloglovin

    When to add herbs during the cooking process

    As a general rule, you should add fresh herbs to soups and stews towards the end of the cooking process, as heat can cause their flavors to dissipate. If you add them too early, the flavors will diminish and may be less noticeable in the finished dish.
    One exception to this rule is if you are using woody herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, which have a more robust flavor that can withstand longer cooking times. In this case, you can add them at the beginning of the cooking process to allow their flavors to infuse into the dish fully.

    Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs so they can be added to stews at the beginning of the cooking process. This will allow their flavors to infuse into the dish as it cooks fully.

    Some Spices and Herbs for Beef Stews and Chicken Stews

    1. Basil pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Basil has a sweet, slightly pungent, and aromatic flavor that is often described as similar to licorice or anise. Basil is also a key ingredient in many traditional spice blends and is often used to add flavor to soups and stews.
    2. Black pepper adds a pungent, slightly spicy flavor to stews and pairs well with a wide range of meats and vegetables.
    3. Caraway seeds have a slightly bitter, anise-like flavor that works well in stews. Add the seeds at the beginning of the cooking process, along with the other ingredients. This will allow them to infuse their flavor into the stew as it cooks.If you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can add the seeds towards the end of the cooking process, just before serving. This will allow their flavor to be more prominent and less muted by the other ingredients.
    4. Cardamom is a sweet, slightly floral flavor that can add a touch of sweetness to stews.
    5. Coriander has a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs well with stews.
    6. Cumin has a warm, slightly earthy flavor that can add flavor depth.
    7. Garlic adds a bold, savory flavor to stews and is a key ingredient in many dishes.
    8. Marjoram has a sweet, slightly floral flavor.
    9. Nutmeg is a spice with a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can add depth to stews. It works well in beef, chicken, or vegetable stews.
    10. Oregano has a robust, savory flavor that works well in stews and other slow-cooked dishes. It pairs particularly well with tomato-based stews.
    11. Paprika adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor to stews and is often used to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. One of my favorite stews using paprika is this Paprika Beef Stew.
    12. Parsley has a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that can add balance.
    13. Thyme has a woody, savory flavor that pairs well with a wide range of meats and vegetables. It can be used fresh or dried in stews.
    14. Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong, pungent flavor that can hold up to long cooking times. It pairs well with lamb, beef, and other hearty meats.
    15. Tarragon has a distinctive, anise-like flavor with a slight bitterness. It is often described as slightly sweet and licorice-like, with hints of fennel and anise. The tarragon flavor is quite strong and distinct, so it is often used in small amounts as a seasoning in various dishes. It pairs well with chicken, fish, and other seafood, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and asparagus. Tarragon is also often used to add depth and flavor. This Tarragon French Stew is always a hit when served.
    16. Turmeric: This spice has a warm, slightly bitter flavor that can add depth and color to stews.

    I would love for you to share your favorite spices and herbs in the comments section!

    In cooking, what does the depth of flavor mean?

    Depth of flavor refers to the complexity and richness of the flavors in a dish. A dish with a depth of flavor typically has a balanced, nuanced flavor profile that includes a range of complementary and contrasting flavors.

    What does balanced flavor mean in cooking?

    When a dish has balanced flavors, it means that the different flavors present in the dish are in harmony with each other, and none overpower the others.
    Mixing different ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, herbs, and spices, can help create a well-rounded, balanced flavor profile. Proper seasoning is also key to achieving balanced flavors.

    • How To Braise Beef or Chicken
    • Tips To Buy and Care for An Enameled Dutch Oven
    • The Best Cuts of Beef for Stew Recipes

    More Articles

    • The Best Potatoes for Stews
    • How to Cut Beef Stew Meat

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm the Stew Lady and the cook, writer, and recipe tester! You found my blog because you love stews so take a look around and I'm sure you will find something great to cook. ➝ Visit my about page and ➝ subscribe to never miss a new stew recipe!

    Popular

    • Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew
    • Tarragon French Chicken Stew
    • Hearty Paprika Beef Stew
    • Tasty Slow Cooker Short Ribs Beef Stew
    • Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
    • Easy Rustic White Bean Stew Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Disclosures

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • The Nightly Stews Newsletter is Coming Soon!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 The Stew Lady™ | All Rights Reserved