How to Make Homemade Herbes de Provence
If you’re looking to make homemade Herbes de Provence you’re in for a treat. You can customize it just the way you like it.
Many spice manufacturers sell a version that you can likely find in your local grocery store. But because there’s no precise formula for the blend, there is one great benefit to making it yourself. That is that you get to customize the mix of dried herbs to your liking.
What is Herbes de Provence?
What is Herbes de Provence Used For?
Herbes de Provence is used in French and Mediterranean cuisine to add flavor to various dishes like grilled meats, stews, soups, and vegetable dishes. It’s a versatile spice blend that can be used liberally in cooking or added as a finishing touch to enhance the flavor and aroma of dishes.
The blend is well known for its fragrant and robust flavor, which captures the essence of the Mediterranean landscape.
How to Make Your Own Version of Homemade Herbes de Provence
A typical mixture of homemade Herbes de Provence is shown below. The proportions of these herbs can vary depending on personal preference or regional variations. However, a common ratio might consist of the following:
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ teaspoon dried lavender
- ⅛ teaspoon ground fennel
The beauty of homemade Herbes de Provence is if you don’t have dried basil on hand, leave it out. If lavender does not sound appealing, skip it. Maybe you’re a huge fan of rosemary. Simply add a little extra.
But do be wary of overdoing it with any element. In particular, lavender, rosemary, and thyme can be overly dominant if you use too much.
How to Store Homemade Herbes de Provence
Once you have selected your ingredients for homemade Herbes de Provence, mix together in an airtight container. Glass jars or tins are good options. For best results, store in a cool, dark place, such as a drawer or cabinet. This will help maintain their freshness and aromatic qualities for 6-12 months. However, the sooner you use them, the better the flavor will be.
How Did Homemade Herbes de Provence Get Popular
In the 1960s, famous chef, author, and television personality Julia Child included a recipe for Poulet Sauté aux Herbes de Provence in her cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” This particular recipe featured a specific blend of herbs which led to the popularity of the Herbes de Provence in the United States and internationally.
Following the popularity generated by Julia Child’s cookbook, companies like Ducros (now part of McCormick & Company) began packaging and selling pre-made blends of Herbes de Provence. These commercial blends made the herb mix readily available to home cooks worldwide.
The combination of Julia Child’s recipes, the commercial availability of the blend, and the inherent appeal of the herbs’ flavors contributed to the widespread popularity of Herbes de Provence.