{"id":75524,"date":"2023-05-24T10:54:27","date_gmt":"2023-05-24T10:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/?p=75524"},"modified":"2024-03-07T14:26:25","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T14:26:25","slug":"italian-herbs-and-spices-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bayevskitchen.com\/italian-herbs-and-spices-list\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Italian Herbs and Spices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Italian cuisine<\/a> is admired and loved worldwide for its simplicity and the emphasis it places on high-quality ingredients. At the heart of this celebrated cuisine are its aromatic herbs and spices that provide unforgettable flavor profiles to its dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re new to Italian cooking or an established aficionado, understanding the nuances of Italian herbs and spices can help elevate your dishes to new culinary heights. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

🔪 List of Italian Herbs and Spices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Basil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Basil, or ‘basilico,’ is synonymous with Italian cuisine. With its sweet, slightly peppery flavor, it’s the primary ingredient in pesto<\/a> and an essential addition to a classic Margherita pizza. It adds freshness to salads<\/a>, pasta dishes<\/a>, and is often paired with tomatoes<\/a>, mozzarella, and olive oil in a Caprese salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Oregano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oregano, or ‘origano,’ is a key Italian herb with a warm, slightly bitter taste that is often used in pizza, pasta sauces, and marinades. Whether used fresh or dried, it imparts a robust flavor to dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Rosemary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rosemary, ‘rosmarino’ in Italian, is a hearty herb with a pine-like aroma and flavor. It’s commonly used in Italian roasts, such as porchetta, and vegetable dishes, particularly those with potatoes. Its sturdy leaves can withstand longer cooking times, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Thyme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thyme, known as ‘timo,’ adds a subtle, earthy flavor to Italian dishes. It’s often used in slow-cooked dishes like ossobuco and stews, as its flavor develops over time. It also pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and roast chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"thyme\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Parsley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Parsley, or ‘prezzemolo,’ is a workhorse in Italian cooking. Its bright, slightly bitter flavor balances rich and hearty dishes. It’s commonly used in gremolata (a lemon, garlic, and parsley mixture) served with ossobuco, and is a staple in many pasta and seafood dishes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Sage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sage, ‘salvia’ in Italian, is used for its strong, slightly peppery flavor. It’s traditionally used in dishes like Saltimbocca, a veal dish layered with prosciutto and sage leaves, and brown butter and sage sauce often served with gnocchi and ravioli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sage\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

7. Garlic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Garlic, ‘aglio,’ is not exactly a herb, but it’s indispensable in Italian cuisine. It adds a pungent, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to countless dishes, from the simple Aglio e Olio pasta to complex stews<\/a> and roasts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Fennel Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fennel seeds, or ‘semi di finocchio,’ have a sweet, anise-like flavor that’s used in both sweet and savory dishes. They’re commonly added to homemade sausages and are a key ingredient in biscotti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Red Pepper Flakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red pepper flakes, ‘peperoncino,’ bring heat to Italian dishes. They’re often used in pasta dishes like Spaghetti all’Arrabbiata and Aglio e Olio, and sprinkled over pizza for an extra kick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"red<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

10. Bay Leaves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bay leaves, or ‘alloro,’ have a subtle, slightly floral flavor that adds depth to sauces, stews, and soups. They’re a crucial part of the soffritto, the flavor base of many Italian dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Nutmeg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nutmeg, or ‘noce moscata,’ lends a warm, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor to Italian cuisine. It’s commonly used in dishes like spinach and ricotta ravioli and b\u00e9chamel sauce, and it’s a critical ingredient in the classic Tortellini of Bologna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Marjoram<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Marjoram, or ‘maggiorana,’ has a sweet, floral, slightly citrusy flavor. It’s traditionally used in dishes from Liguria, such as the region’s signature basil pesto. It’s also often added to sausage mixes, meat stuffings, and vegetable dishes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Juniper Berries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Juniper berries, ‘bacche di ginepro’ in Italian, are small, dark fruits with a pine-like, slightly sweet flavor. They’re traditionally used in Northern Italian game dishes, like venison and wild boar stews, and to flavor the Lombardy dish, cassoeula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Anise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anise, or ‘anice,’ has a strong, sweet flavor reminiscent of licorice. It’s often used in Italian baking, particularly in biscotti and other cookies, and to flavor liqueurs, like Sambuca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Cloves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cloves, ‘chiodi di garofano,’ offer a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor. Though not extensively used in Italian cuisine, they’re key to some traditional dishes, like mostarda di frutta – a fruit and mustard-flavored syrup condiment from Lombardy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Thyme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thyme or ‘timo’ is not as common in Italian cuisine as in other Mediterranean cuisines, but it still finds its place, especially in the northern regions. Its minty, yet slightly lemony flavor is a beautiful addition to poultry dishes<\/a>, stews, and roasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Lemon Balm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lemon balm or ‘melissa’ is a lemon-scented herb that’s often used to flavor dishes like fish, poultry, and salads. It also finds use in desserts and beverages due to its sweet, citrusy flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Lovage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lovage or ‘levistico’ has a robust celery-like flavor. It’s more commonly used in northern Italian cooking, especially in broths, stocks, and stews. The young leaves can also be used in salads and mashed potato dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Summer Savory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Summer Savory or ‘santoreggia’ has a flavor similar to thyme or marjoram but is slightly more peppery. It’s often used in bean dishes, soups, and stews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Saffron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saffron, or ‘zafferano,’ is one of the most precious spices in the world. It adds a vibrant golden color and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor to dishes. It’s the key ingredient in Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy rice dish from Milan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. Star Anise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Star Anise, ‘anice stellato,’ is primarily used in baking and liquor production in Italy, contributing a robust, sweet, licorice-like flavor. It’s a crucial component in the liquor Sambuca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"anise<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

22. Poppy Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Poppy seeds or ‘semi di papavero’ aren’t widespread in Italian cooking, but they’re used to decorate bread and rolls, especially in the northern regions. They have a nutty, somewhat sweet flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. Caraway Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Caraway seeds, ‘semi di cumino,’ have a warm, slightly bitter flavor that’s somewhat similar to anise or fennel. They’re used sparingly in Italian cuisine, mostly in baking and in some regional sausages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. Sesame Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sesame seeds, or ‘semi di sesamo,’ are often used in Sicilian cuisine, influenced by the Arabic culinary tradition. They’re used to top local bread and traditional sweet treats like ‘giuggiulena,’ a sesame-coated cookie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italian Seasoning: What inside?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept of “Italian seasoning” as a pre-mixed combination of spices is largely an American innovation. While the individual herbs that comprise the mix (basil, oregano, rosemary, etc.) have been used in Italian cooking for centuries, the idea to package them all together under the name “Italian seasoning” is not authentically Italian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the specific ingredients can vary by brand and homemade mixtures, a typical Italian seasoning blend includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Basil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Oregano<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Rosemary<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Thyme<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Marjoram<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Sage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Savory<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Some blends may also include ingredients like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or parsley. If you’re making your own blend at home, you can adjust the proportions to suit your personal preference or use recipe below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to make Italian Seasoning Blend: quick and easy recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs, typically used to flavor many Italian dishes. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own at home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ingredients:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n