How to use dried herbs in cooking
We often have herbs and spices to hand, but we don't always know how to use them to their full potential. We might add them to a recipe on impulse, but then they end up at the back of the pantry. However, when chosen and used well, dried herbs can transform everyday cooking and add depth to simmered dishes.
All La Belle Excuse dried herbs are harvested in Greece and dried on the stem. When dried whole, they retain their aromas better and offer more flexibility in the kitchen. They can be used whole and removed after cooking or the leaves can be stripped off, depending on the desired intensity. This guide is designed to help you choose and use them more effectively in your everyday cooking.
Dried herbs for stews and everyday cooking
Mountain oregano dried on stem
This is an essential ingredient for adding character to simple dishes.
How to use it:
- Tomato sauces and tomato-based dishes
- Pizza, focaccia and grilled vegetables
- Mediterranean salads
Warm, herbaceous and slightly peppery, mountain oregano instantly evokes Mediterranean cuisine. It adds a sunny, generous touch that transforms simple ingredients into characterful dishes.
Rosemary dried on stem
Rosemary is fresh and aromatic and immediately evokes Mediterranean cuisine.
How to use it:
- Roasted potatoes
- Baked or papillote vegetables
- Grilled meat and fish
Rosemary is powerful and resinous, evoking pine, lemon and wood. It adds character and bold aromatic freshness, making it perfect for roasted dishes and slow cooking. Rosemary loves heat and expresses itself fully in the oven or on the grill.
Laurel leaves
Laurel leaves are ideal for slow-cooked dishes.
How to use them:
- Soups, broths and stews
- Stews, tomato sauces and legumes
- Rice or pasta cooking water
Subtle and balanced, bay leaves develop slightly woody, herbaceous and delicately peppery notes. They work in the background, binding flavours together and adding depth to a dish without ever overpowering it.
Sage dried on stem
This warm herb is perfect for rustic dishes.
How to use it:
- Pasta (especially with butter or olive oil)
- Squash
- Mushrooms, root vegetables
- Roasted meats.
Rich and warm, sage develops herbaceous, slightly peppery notes with a mild, enveloping bitterness. It immediately gives a feeling of comfort and rusticity to a dish.
Easy tip: Gently heat olive oil with a sprig of sage before using—a simple but ultra-flavorful base.
Mint dried on stem
Fresh and aromatic, it adds an invigorating touch.
How to use it:
- Salads and vegetable dishes
- Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine
- Simple desserts such as fruit, yoghurt and chocolate.
It is herbaceous and fresh, less sweet than spearmint, with a slightly camphorated note. It adds lightness and awakens dishes without weighing them down.
In drinks: Perfect for infusions or flavoured water to create a refreshing sensation.
Dried herbs for infusions and well-being
Certain herbs are naturally associated with the infusion ritual. They encourage you to slow down, aid digestion or promote relaxation, simply by enjoying a steaming cup.
Chamomile flowers
Sweet and floral, chamomile is a classic.
How to use it:
- In an evening infusion
- In homemade syrup
- To flavor hot milk or simple desserts
Why we always come back to it: It naturally promotes calm, making it a valuable relaxation aid.
Lavender dried on stem
Delicate and fragrant, use sparingly.
How to use it:
- Desserts (muffins, cookies, cream)
- Syrups, lemonades, cocktails
- Mixed with other herbs in infusions
Key principle: A small amount is enough to add flavor without overpowering. In infusions, lavender is often associated with relaxation.
Mountain tea dried on stem
A mild, naturally caffeine-free plant.
How to consume it:
- In hot or cold infusions
- With honey and lemon
Why choose it: It is a simple, comforting drink and an ideal replacement for tea or coffee at the end of the day. We love it for its mildness and relaxing properties.
La Belle Excuse herbs are not just for special occasions. They are there to enrich everyday cooking, simplify mealtimes and create sweet moments around a steaming cup.
