Oregano grows like a weed around here. We always end up pulling out massive clumps, more than we can use, dry or give away. I decided on a new plan this year. I’ve made a pesto like concoction to use in cooking rather than dried stuff. Which of course loses it’s flavour very quickly.
I harvested a big bowl full of leaves. So I grated about 150g parmesan and three garlic cloves in the thermomix. Then I added the oregano leaves and a big slurp of olive oil and blended that until the leaves were minced and everything was well combined. I put it all in a sterile jar, poured a little more oil on top and popped it in the fridge. I intend to use it in marinades and in anything with a tomato based sauce. Probably on roast chook mixed with more oil and lemon juice as well.
If nothing else it looks pretty.
Lucky you Dani! I manage to kill oregano regularly. But we’ve had masses of coriander, rocket and basil through the year so I’ve been doing pesto-type mixes with those too – freezing them in icecube trays then bagging the cubes. Amazingly, the defrosted result is fab, and it’s very handy for quick pasta or to finish a casserole 🙂
Well there you go! My soil (clay) hates rocket and coriander, I can only grow them in pots. I did quite well with basil this year though. Isn’t it lovely to have a good supply of flavour enhancers on hand? I used the oregano blend in last night’s ragu and it was delicious. I often freeze these herb mixes too, much nicer than dried herb.