Parsley is More Than a Pretty Leaf - 5 Ways to Use This Versatile Herb

Parsley does adds a bit of life sometimes to anwith a rub of light olive oil and season with lemon
otherwise a drab looking plate. But, that seems sopepper.
outdated. I like to use parsley when I cookSeasonings: Why not make your own herb blends
because it does add a subtle flavor. Parsley is anat home? I use fresh parsley, chives, tarragon,
herb, but is also used as a spice. Parsley is high inand chervil. You may used dried versions of
several nutrients, such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C,tarragon and chervil. Dice the parsley and chives
Vitamin A and folate. It is also an almost nofinely and blend together. It is an excellent addition
calorie food on its own.to stews and sauces. Flat leaf provides more
There are two kinds of parsley, flat or curly leaf.flavor, but when in a pinch, the curly leaf is just
The store standard is curly leaf. It should be infine.
tight bunches and bright green in color. Flat leaf, orPotatoes: This is a favorite potato dish in our
Italian parsley, doesn't do well as a garnish, buthome. Wash and cut baby red potatoes in half (or
does have more flavor that its curly cousin. Evenquarters depending on their size). Boil in water until
though they are different, with the exception ofcrisp tender. Drain well. Add a little olive oil to a
garnish, I have used them interchangeably.saute pan. Heat and add diced garlic. Saute the
Here are 5 ways to add parsley to your cookingpotatoes until lightly browned and tender to touch
routine, with one extra for good measure.with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Add a
Meatballs: I can not imagine making freshhandful of diced parsley (either variety) and
meatballs without adding diced fresh (flat leaf)grated Swiss cheese. Stir gently to blend.
parsley. It is so subtle, but I miss that taste whenSautes: When I saute chicken pieces, veggies, or
it isn't there.pork, I always had a handful of diced parsley
Poultry: I don't stuff the inside of my chicken or(either variety) to the oil along with the garlic.
turkey anymore with the concern for theGarnish: Yes, use parsley as a garnish. Not on the
dressing not cooking completely. I manage toplate, but on the food. It is used as addition in
make wonderfully light and moist dressingTabbouleh, potato, pasta, and macaroni salads.
separately. After I salt and pepper the insideWhy not sprinkle a little over the scrambled eggs
cavity, I stuff the inside of the poultry withor the frittata, on the garlic bread, or in the bowl
quartered onion, quartered lemon, and a handfulof soup?
of fresh parsley (either type). If I am roasting orGive this wonderful herb a chance to do more
grilling a chicken, I finish the outside of the chickenthan make the plate look pretty! Enjoy.