From tea to table: Surprising ways to cook with chamomile
What's the story
Chamomile flowers aren't just for tea; they can be a delightful addition to several recipes.
Known for their calming properties, these small, daisy-like flowers lend a subtle floral note to the dishes.
Using fresh chamomile in your cooking can add an unexpected twist, elevating the flavors of everyday meals.
Here are five innovative ways to use fresh chamomile flowers in your culinary creations.
Sweet infusion
Chamomile-infused honey
Making chamomile-infused honey is easy and will add a unique touch to your pantry staples.
Simply heat one cup of honey on low flame and add two tablespoons of fresh chamomile flowers. Let it steep for 30 minutes and strain the flowers out.
This infused honey can be drizzled over desserts or stirred into hot beverages for a soothing touch.
Refreshing beverage
Chamomile lemonade
Chamomile lemonade gives a refreshing spin to a classic drink.
Boil two cups of water with one cup of sugar until it dissolves, add half a cup of fresh chamomile flowers and let it steep for ten minutes.
Strain the liquid, mix it up with one cup of lemon juice, and chill before serving over ice.
This drink is ideal for warm days when you need something cool and calming.
Comforting dessert
Chamomile rice pudding
For a comforting dessert with an aromatic flair, try making chamomile rice pudding.
Cook one cup of rice in three cups of milk until tender, then stir half a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of fresh chamomile flowers.
Simmer gently until thickened, remove from heat, and let it cool slightly before serving warm or chilled.
Flavorful oil
Chamomile-infused olive oil
Chamomile-infused olive oil is an excellent way to enhance salads or roasted vegetables with floral notes.
Take one cup of olive oil and combine it with three tablespoons of fresh chamomile flowers in a saucepan over low heat for about 20 minutes without boiling.
Strain out the solids once cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Floral treat
Chamomile ice cream
Create an elegant dessert by adding chamomile into homemade ice-cream base recipes like vanilla or custard-based ones.
Take four cups of milk/cream mixture along with six egg yolks, one-half teaspoon salt, plus any other preferred ingredients like sugar.
Infuse them together while heating up slowly till desired consistency is achieved.
Follow it up with a cooling down process before churning/freezing stage.
This ensures a smooth texture throughout the final product, ready for consumption.