Table of Contents
What is Herbes de Provence?
Herbes de Provence is a fragrant mixture of dried herbs typically used to season grilled foods, stews, and roasted vegetables. Its unique blend imparts a warm, herbal aroma and flavor that evokes the rustic charm of the French countryside.
It hails from the region of Provence in southeastern France. While the use of individual herbs like thyme and rosemary has ancient roots in the region, the specific combination known as Herbes de Provence gained commercial popularity only in the 1970s. This aromatic mix captures the essence of Provençal cuisine, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Someone will tell you that lavender is obligatory, a traditional ingredient, but on the other side, you will hear that it’s an Americanized version of it. I personally like the mild taste of lavender in my food (did you see my recipe for lavender lemon curd cookies?), so I didn’t want to omit it.
Herbes de Provence Ingredients
So, if you were wondering what’s in the traditional Herbes de Provence mixture, know that it usually includes:
- Thyme – earthy and slightly sweet, it forms the base of the blend.
- Rosemary – piney and robust, adding depth.
- Oregano – warm and aromatic, contributing a Mediterranean aroma.
- Marjoram – sweet and citrusy, balancing the blend.
- Savory – peppery and slightly bitter, enhancing complexity.
- Lavender – floral and slightly sweet, often included in North American versions.
Some variations may also contain fennel seeds, basil, bay leaves, tarragon, mint, chervil, or parsley, depending on regional preferences and personal taste. I like my homemade version a bit more complex; that’s why I opt for 9 different herbs in this blend. You, on the other hand, can make it simpler if you cannot get all these herbs.
Alternatives and substitutions
If you find yourself without Herbes de Provence, don’t worry! Several substitutes can mimic its flavor profile:
- Italian Seasoning + Lavender – combine Italian seasoning with a pinch of dried lavender to approximate the blend.
- Herbs de la Garrigue – have in mind that it’s a bit more pungent, so use less if you’re using it on recipes that call for Herbes de Provence.
- Bouquet garni – it’s great to use if you’re making soup, stew, or stock.
How to Use Herbes de Provence in Everyday Cooking
When you cook with Herbes de Provence, always have one thing in mind: add this herb mixture at the beginning or during the cooking process for the herbs to release their fine flavors and aroma. This blend pairs well with lemon, olive oil and garlic, tomatoes, and even cheeses! It’s versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as:
- Grilled meats – rub it on chicken, lamb, or pork before grilling. Try my Herbes de Provence chicken thighs: the meat is marinated with herbs and then pan-seared to perfection!
- Vegetables – sprinkle these herbs over roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or tomatoes.
- Soups and stews – add early in the cooking process to infuse flavors and some French charm.
- Salad dressings – mix into vinaigrettes for a herby twist.
- Breads – incorporate into the dough for a herby aroma!
- Homemade pizza – instead of oregano, sprinkle your favorite pizza with these Provencal herbs; it will smell and taste incredible!
- Vegetable casserole – take some aubergines and zucchini and make an excellent vegetable casserole! Sprinkle some of this herb mixture between every layer of vegetables.
- Fish – it goes really well with fish, e.g., sea bass or gilt-head bream. You can make some fish en papillote, which is one of the easiest and definitely my favorite ways of preparing fish. You can see it in the photo below:
Where to Find and Buy Herbes de Provence
Herbes de Provence can be found in most grocery stores, particularly those with a well-stocked spice aisle or international foods section.
It is also available online through retailers such as Amazon, so check it out there.
More Homemade Spice and Herb Blends
If you try this recipe, tag @foodandmoodblog on Instagram or leave your comment and rating of this recipe here on the blog. I would love to hear from you!
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How to make Herbes de Provence mixture?
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoon thyme
- 2 teaspoon marjoram
- 1,5 teaspoon sage
- 1,5 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon savory
- ½ teaspoon shredded lavender flowers (culinary graded)
Instructions
- You can make this herb blend two ways:First way: Mix all ingredients and keep them in a well-sealed glass jar in a dry and cold place for a maximum of one year.
- Second way: if you don't like tiny pieces of herbs on your food (especially sturdy ones, like rosemary or fennel seeds), grind the herbs in a coffee grinder. This way, you will get a finer texture.
Notes
- If you can’t get some of these herbs or you don’t like how some of them taste, just replace them with some other herb.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided is an estimate based on ingredients data and should be used for informational purposes only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on factors such as portion size, preparation methods and ingredients used.
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