Lovage leaves: The flavorful herb you've never tried
What's the story
Lovage leaves, the unsung heroes of the herb world, pack a punch of flavor. Think celery, but bolder, richer, and more interesting.
This perennial plant is a game-changer for everything from soups to salads.
In this article, we explore five creative ways to use lovage leaves in your kitchen, highlighting their versatility and unique taste.
Soup enhancement
Elevate your soups
The addition of lovage leaves to soups can make a significant difference.
A couple of chopped leaves are enough to add a unique aroma and flavor to traditional soups like potato or vegetable.
Start with a small quantity and adjust according to your taste; the strong flavor of lovage can be overpowering if used excessively.
Salad twist
Refreshing salads
Add finely chopped lovage leaves to your salads for a refreshing and unexpected flavor.
The leaves pair beautifully with milder greens like lettuce or spinach, adding complexity without overpowering the dish.
Try a simple salad of lovage mixed with baby greens, sliced cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. This combination adds a subtle twist that significantly enhances the flavor profile of the salad.
Pesto creation
Flavorful pesto variant
Replace traditional basil with lovage in your next pesto recipe for a delicious and unexpected take on the classic sauce.
Simply process lovage leaves with pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
This unique pesto variation adds a fresh, exciting flavor to pasta dishes or as a spread on sandwiches.
Drink infusion
Unique beverage addition
Lovage can also sneak into your drinks.
For a creative twist on homemade lemonade or iced tea, try adding a few bruised lovage stalks during preparation. They infuse a delicate celery-like note that pairs wonderfully with citrus flavors.
Just remember to remove the stalks before serving, and voila! A familiar yet intriguingly different refreshment awaits.
Seasoning mix
Homemade seasoning blend
Grind dried lovage leaves into a fragrant seasoning blend that you can sprinkle instead of celery salt on vegetables before roasting or grilling.
To prepare: dry the leaves completely, then grind them with sea salt in a 1:1 ratio until finely combined.
Store in a sealed container for maximum flavor up to six months.