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Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. The leaves can be used in cooking fresh or dried. There are many different varieties including sweet marjoram. Oregano can be used to top off your entree by stripping the leaves atop your food or by using the entire stem when baking so it can be removed later. Oregano is packed with flavor, nutrients and minerals.

How Can Oregano Benefit Your Health?

Fresh oregano is a great antibacterial agent. It has phytonutrients which can help to fight infections. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage, and is an excellent source of Fiber, Vitamin K (1) (helps with wound healing and bone health), Manganese(4) (a mineral that aids in functions such as metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and decreasing inflammation), Iron (2) (3) (aids in protecting vital functions including energy levels and our immune system), Vitamin E, and Calcium. Simply adding a tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves to your meals regularly can contribute needed micronutrients and minerals to your diet.

How to Use Oregano

There are many ways to get creative with herbs. They can be used as toppings, for baking casseroles, and in salads to name a few. The more you use fresh herbs the more creative you will be with what dishes to add them to and when combining different herbs. Fresh or dried oregano can be used to top you pizza, pasta, or other entrees. I often integrate oregano as well as many other herbs such as thyme and cilantro into my salads. The entire stem (including the leaves) can be used when cooking potatoes and other vegetables as well as chicken or burgers. When we made soy burgers this summer we incorporated fresh herbs into the patty mixture prior to cooking so that the flavor was infused into the soy burger while cooking

Note: this article is intended to inspire the use of fresh herbs in home cooking. This article is not intended as medical advice. It is important to consult with your physician prior to making changes in your diet or if you have concerns about using a new ingredient.

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Garden Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs in your meals daily is a natural and easy way to nourish your body and add tremendous flavor to your meals. Over time making herbs a part of you daily life in addition to fruits and vegetables can protect your immune system in many ways, improve your energy levels and mood, and add tremendous flavor to your meals. Every little bit of fresh (ideally chemical free) herbs and vegetables contribute to overall improved health and vitality. Herbs can be used in many ways to enhance your meals. You can use them fresh, dried, infuse them into oils or even freeze them.

Freeze Fresh Herbs

Cooking with fresh herbs can take a meal to new heights. However, for those of us who live in temperate climates it is harder to find fresh herbs for several months out of the year. We grow fresh herbs on our mini family farm and in order to make the most use of what we grow and to have fresh herbs to cook with all winter I like to freeze our herbs. To do this you’ll need a vacuum sealer which is fairly easy to use and is great for many different types of foods.

  1. Harvest the herbs.
  2. Wash the leaves so that all dirt and soil is removed.
  3. Pat the leaves dry.
  4. Remove the leaves from the stem. For herbs with smaller leaves like rosemary or thyme, can hold the branch upside down, hold the stem with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Slide these fingers up the stem going against the direction that the leaves are growing. The leaves will slide right off the stem. This makes harvesting leaves many times easier than trying to pick each leaf one at a time
  5. Add the herbs to a vacuum bag and vacuum seal. Depending on the type of herb it can last several months in the freezer.

Note: this article is intended to inspire the use of fresh herbs in home cooking. This article is not intended as medical advice. It is important to consult with your physician prior to making changes in your diet or if you have concerns about using a new ingredient.

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Splash of Sunshine Lemon Rice

Ingredients

  • Splash Of Sunshine Marinade
  • Cooked Rice (suggestion: Basmati Rice)
  • Optional: Green Onions and Broccoli

Instructions

  • Heat pan on medium high heat and add Splash Of Sunshine Marinade (1/3 cup per 1 cup cooked rice). Dilute with water
  • Optional: add sliced green onions/scallions. Cook until green onions are wilted
  • Fold cooked rice into mixture in pan. Mix thoroughly
  • Add lemon juice (suggestion: 2 tablespoons per cup of rice) and broccoli
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Splash of Sunshine Curried Chicken

Ingredients

  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Splash Of Sunshine Marinade (regular or hot)
  • Optional: Veggies (suggestions: thickly sliced carrots and peas), Coconut Milk

Instructions

  • Heat large pan on medium high heat and add a half jar of Splash Of Sunshine Marinade and dilute with 1/3 to ½ cup water or coconut milk
  • Once marinade and water are combined and heated fold in rotisserie chicken
  • Optional: Add veggies
  • Continue to cook about 10 minutes or until completed heated and combined.
  • Optional: Garnish with cilantro or thyme
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Orient Express Shrimp & Veggies

Ingredients

  • Orient Express Marinade (regular or hot)
  • Shrimp
  • Cole Slaw Mix Package (Optional: onions, peas, diced carrots)
  • Olive Oil

Instructions

  • Heat a pan to medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add shrimp and cook until golden
  • Add vegetables and cook until cabbage is softened
  • Dilute Orient Express Marinade with water (to desired consistency)
  • Add marinade to shrimp and vegetable mixture and mix well and cook for another 5 minutes
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Orient Express Stir Fried Vegetables & Rice

Ingredients

  • Orient Express Marinade (regular or hot)
  • Cooked Rice
  • Cole Slaw Mix Package (Optional: onions, peas, diced carrots)
  • Olive Oil

Instructions

  • Heat a pan to medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add vegetables and cook until cabbage is softened
  • Fold in cooked rice and mix well
  • Dilute Orient Express Marinade with water (to desired consistency)
  • Add marinade to rice and vegetable mixture and mix well and cook for another 5 minutes
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Namaste Lentils & Lamb

Ingredients

  • Lamb (or chicken)
  • Namaste Marinade (regular or hot)
  • Brown Lentils

Instructions

  • Place Namaste Marinade in slow cooker and dilute with water (2 parts marinade to 1 part water)
  • Place lentils and lamb in slow cooker. (If lentils are not cooked add more water)
  • Optional: chopped carrot and bell peppers

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Namaste Potatoes & Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 6 oz Namaste Marinade (regular or hot)
  • 3 lbs Potatoes
  • 1 medium head Cauliflower
  • Optional – lemon juice, peas, fresh cilantro for garnish

Makes 6 servings

Instructions

  • Cube potatoes and cauliflower
  • Heat pan to medium-high heat and add Namaste Marinade and dilute with water (1 part marinade to 1 part water)
  • Add potatoes and cauliflower. Mix until all vegetables are coated with the marinade
  • Cover and cook on medium heat for approximately 40 minutes or until potatoes are the desired consistency. Add more water as needed