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| Thursday, September 17, 2009 |
| Oregano for your taste buds and health |
Jennifer’s oregano post got me thinking about oregano (derived from the Greek word “joy”) and what goes well with it. I think everything can use a little oregano, but if the flavor is too strong for your taste, you can use marjoram instead.
Oregano is the perfect companion for tomatoes in any way. It can be used with fresh tomatoes, in tomato sauce or to compliment tomato dishes; and that’s when matching with seasonal foods becomes important. In the summer time it seems better to pair fresh oregano with fresh tomatoes, whereas in the winter time we tend to add dried oregano to tomato sauce. This makes sense as we eat more fresh vegetables in the summer time and cook heavier dishes in the winter. And don’t forget that any good pizza needs a sprinkle of oregano.
I remember growing up with a vegetable garden. When tomatoes were in season, the 20 plants were very generous and we had tomatoes almost daily for lunch and dinner. Whatever we did not use we would blanch to remove the skin and freeze for later use. We also dried the fresh oregano and parsley. We also had tons of mint, but did not bother to do anything with it as it grows so easily; there was always mint around. As much as I love basil, I don’t remember having it in the garden.
But what reminds me most of childhood tomato dishes has to be the grilled tomatoes or some variation of tomatoes Provencales. Now that I love Italian cuisine as much as French, I seem to use more oregano than ever before. Mind you, if rosemary was more versatile, I would put in everything; in my cereal and even rub it on my arms so I could smell it all day long. People who love rosemary all say that there cannot be enough rosemary, but for those who don’t like it; there is always too much rosemary. I think the same goes with garlic.
But herbs are so versatile that we can use our favorites in almost any dish. Knowing about their health benefits may also influence our choices. Even if you are not fond of oregano, plant it with other herbs or vegetables as it repels insects.
I love to make bruschetta, and since oregano is so healthy for me I often use fresh oregano instead of basil. Or next time you have a toasted tomato sandwich or another comfort food like canned tomato soup, think of adding a little oregano for taste and of course for your health. Meanwhile, let me share with you two easy fresh tomato recipes that oregano goes perfect with.
Grilled Oregano Tomatoes
4 large tomatoes
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh or 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbsp bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Half tomatoes horizontally and lightly remove some of the seeds by using your fingers and gently squeezing. Place them in an oven safe serving dish. In a small bowl, mix olive oil with seasonings, bread crumbs and cheese. Spread the mixture over the tomatoes and cook in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes and finish with the broiler for a few minutes until the topping turns golden. Serve with grilled fish or meat.
Bruschetta with Oregano
½ baguette sliced (thin French bread)
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, one whole and one crushed
1 Tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried oregano
Salt to taste
Chop tomatoes, put in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let tomatoes release some of their water while preparing the bruschetta (toasted bread). Slice bread diagonally into ½ inch thick slices and set on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler until they turn golden, watch closely. Take the sheet out, turn the slices and return under the broiler to toast the other side. Once out, take a garlic clove and rub on each toast to infuse with garlic flavor and set aside. Transfer tomatoes into a bowl and add olive oil, crushed garlic and oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon a little tomato mixture onto each piece of bruschetta and serve before dinner with a nice glass of Chianti.
- Josee
Related Articles
Sensei Talks: What I Eat
Herbs and Their Health Benefits
Labels: Healthy Cooking, healthy eating, Healthy Recipes, healthy tips, Josee
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posted by My Sensei @ Thursday, September 17, 2009   |
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YUM!