Seasoning, Italian style

Oregano, parsley, and rosemary add pizzazz to dishes

An Italian dish just isn't the same without the herbs that add unmistakable flavour and pizzazz.
Oregano is one of the most popular of all the Italian herbs. Derived from the Greek word that means "joy of the mountains," oregano is similar to marjoram, but has a more pungent flavour than its counterpart.
When buying Italian oregano, choose bright-green bunches. Store in a cool, dark place, and use within six months. Oregano is commonly used in appetizer dishes, such as bruschetta, pizza, and many tomato-based dishes.
Petroselinum crispum is the Latin name for the herb known more commonly as parsley. A member of the carrot family, it's regarded as one of the most nutritious of all herbs. A cup of parsley contains more beta carotene than a carrot, about twice the amount of Vitamin C as an orange, and more calcium than a cup of milk.
There are two main types of parsley: the curly variety often used as a garnish, while the flat-leaved version is often used to season dishes. The herb is thought to have Italian roots and culinary historians have suggested that this flavour-enhancer originated in Sardinia.
Prezzemelo is often sprinkled on appetizers, such as soups and salads, or over meat and fish dishes. It's often combined with garlic to season sauces. It's essential to the breaded clams recipe known as Vongole Ripiene, the traditional Tuscan soup, Ribollita, and Panzanella, a salad made from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and bread.
Add it during the last few moments of cooking for the freshest flavour. Cooking it for a long time takes away from its high level of Vitamin C.
Beyond its ability to add some pizzazz to a wide range of dishes, parsley is one of Mother Nature's medicinal aids. For centuries it's been used as a blood purifier, as a mild sedative, an aid in indigestion, and to treat stomachaches. Parsley leaves are a natural breath freshener and Ancient Romans often enjoyed it after large meals. Then there's parsley root, which is a diuretic and helps prevent kidney stones.
Use fresh parsley for maximum effect. Here's a tip: to keep prezzemelo fresh add water to a paper towel and then wrap it before refrigerating.
Basil is an internationally beloved herb and is common in Italian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, in particular. Basilico is thought to have originated in India and is related to the mint family.
In Haiti, basil is considered to have powerful protective powers, while Hindus sometimes used it as part of their burial traditions and in Romania, a sprig of the herb signals a marriage proposal.
For centuries it's been used to help with nausea and dysentery. In Italian cuisine, basil is perhaps most commonly thought of as a base for pesto sauce. This dark green sauce is made by combining fresh basil in a food processor with olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Torta with Crostini is a delicious mouthful that is great for dinner parties. There's a modern spin on this dish with the addition of cream cheese and blue cheese.
Tomato, Basil and Bread Soup is an intensely flavoured soup that's based on bread cubes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dark brown sugar, garlic, chicken stock, and fresh basil and seasoning to taste. Cut bread into large chunks and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with half of the olive oil and toss. Add tomatoes, basil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper to taste; toss again. Pour chicken stock over the mixture and refrigerate for two hours before serving.
Rosemary is the source of many accolades and was praised by writer Sir Thomas More and was featured in a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Robust and fragrant, this herb is used in many Italian recipes, such as roasted vegetables and pasta sauces, but it's a must in a variety of meat dishes, particularly stews.
Considered to be a memory-enhancer, rosemary also contains a chemical known as cineole, which stimulates the central nervous system.
Potatoes with Onions and Rosemary is actually a potato cake that looks more like a crisp pancake. Baking potatoes, yellow onions, chopped garlic, dry white wine, chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, and fresh rosemary add their unique touch to this easy and quick dish.
Italian Beef Stew with Rosemary is a great dish for the cool days of October. Dry white wine, parsley and garlic add a rich flavour to this stew.

Publication Date: 2003-10-12
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3231