Lavender isn’t just for perfumes and relaxing baths-it’s a versatile culinary herb that can bring a delightful floral aroma and subtle flavor to your cooking. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook with lavender, this guide will walk you through everything from selecting the right lavender to creative recipes you can try at home. Let’s explore how to use this fragrant herb to elevate your meals!
What Is Culinary Lavender?
Not all lavender is suitable for cooking. Culinary lavender is typically English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which has a sweet, floral flavor without the bitterness found in some other varieties like French or Spanish lavender. Always use organic lavender flowers that are specifically labeled for culinary use to ensure they’re safe and free from pesticides.
Tips for Cooking with Lavender
– Use Lavender Sparingly: Lavender is potent, especially dried lavender, which is about three times stronger than fresh. A little goes a long way-too much can make your dish taste soapy or perfumy.
– Pair with Complementary Flavors: Lavender pairs beautifully with lemon, honey, mint, berries, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. These combinations balance its floral notes without overpowering the dish.
– Avoid Overcooking: Prolonged heat can cause lavender to become bitter. Use methods like baking, grilling, marinating, or steeping to preserve its delicate flavor.
– Try Different Forms: You can use fresh or dried flowers, lavender sugar, lavender salt, or even lavender syrup to add flavor in various ways.
How to Prepare Lavender for Cooking
– Lavender Sugar: Mix dried lavender flowers with sugar to create a fragrant sweetener perfect for baking cakes, cookies, or sprinkling on fruit.
– Lavender Salt: Combine finely ground lavender with sea salt to season meats, vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
– Lavender Syrup: Steep lavender in a simple sugar syrup to flavor drinks, desserts, or glazes.
Delicious Ways to Cook with Lavender
1. Lavender Roasted Potatoes
Add a Mediterranean twist to your roast potatoes by tossing them with olive oil, finely chopped dried lavender, salt, and pepper. Roast at 180°C (350°F) until golden and tender. This simple side dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
2. Lavender, Lemon, and Honey Roast Chicken
Create a flavorful roast chicken by mixing lemon juice and zest, dried lavender, fresh thyme, olive oil, honey, and softened butter. Slather this mixture over a spatchcocked chicken and roast until golden. Serve with roasted lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the aromatic pan juices.
3. Peach and Feta Salad with Lavender Dressing
Make a refreshing salad by grilling peach segments and tossing them with romaine lettuce, red onion rings soaked in lavender dressing, and crumbled feta cheese. The dressing combines lemon juice, olive oil, fresh lavender flowers, garlic, mustard, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt for a bright, floral flavor.
4. Lavender Honey Mustard BBQ Glaze
For summer barbecues, whisk together lemon zest and juice, olive oil, grainy mustard, honey, white wine vinegar, crushed lavender, and herbes de Provence. Brush this glaze on meats or fish before grilling for a sweet and aromatic finish that will impress your guests.
5. Lavender-Stuffed Mushrooms
Caramelize onions and garlic, then blend with chevre cheese and fresh lavender. Pipe this mixture into mushroom caps and roast until golden. This makes a perfect appetizer or side dish with a subtle floral note.
6. Lavender Chantilly Cream
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of lavender syrup or finely ground lavender to create a delicate topping for waffles, fresh berries, pound cake, or ice cream.
Cooking Lavender: What to Avoid
– Don’t use lavender essential oil in cooking; it’s too concentrated and not food-safe.
– Avoid using lavender from sachets or potpourri as they may contain non-edible additives.
– Be cautious with the amount-start with small quantities and adjust to taste.
– Don’t overheat lavender; add it towards the end of cooking or use infusion methods.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with lavender opens up a world of floral flavors that can transform everyday dishes into something special. From savory roasts to sweet desserts, lavender’s versatility makes it a wonderful herb to experiment with in your kitchen. Just remember to use it sparingly and pair it with complementary ingredients for the best results.
Enjoy the fragrant magic of lavender in your cooking adventures!