Parsley and making parsley oil
There is so much more you can do with parsley and making a delicious parsley oil is a really good idea if you have too much of this herb lying around.
Parsley oil
We all know parsley as a herb that is used a lot for making dishes look prettier. And rightfully so as it is a very pretty herb.
But there is more to this green powerhouse than just being pretty. It has a lot more to offer then being the unwanted green addition to anyone’s plate.
In our garden, the parsley has received a prime spot in a planting box that is hanging from the fence. It is elevated above all the other herbs and looking out over our tiny garden. A spot it rightfully deserves as it is the most used herb worldwide.
History
Parsley was well known in the ancient Greek history. Mythology tells us that this particular herb is sprouted from the blood of a Greek hero. Or at least so the story goes.
If you take a closer look at parsley you might notice the resemblance to celery. The two are related and belong to the same plant family. There are roughly three kinds of parsley.
Flat leaf parsley: this parsley is best know for it’s typical and fresh parsley flavor.
Curly parsley; the misunderstood maker of flavors, that is usually just being used to play garnish.
Parsley root: Not technically a different kind of parsley but it is the root of the parsley. The flavor of the root is not the same as the herb. It’s a cross between a parsnip and a celeriac. In terms of looks it is often confused with the parsnip.
Properties
As with most herbs, parsley is also a plant with various medicinal and practical properties. It’s various oils are reported to have anti-inflammatory qualities and are said to even protect against cancer.
The little plant is also full of iron and potassium which makes it really good if you’re suffering from anemia plus it is a natural herb to use for lowering blood pressure. In order to benefit from all this you would have to have it on the menu every day of the week though.
Garlic breath
And – maybe the best use of all – if you’ve been snacking heavily on the garlic, take a large mouthful of parsley to end the garlic fest. It is said to mask your garlic breath and makes sure you’re social life doesn’t have to suffer from your culinary (garlic) adventures.
Parsley oil
If you’re like me and you couldn’t resist those large bunches of gorgeous green at the market you might end up with too much parsley. A good way to keep it for longer is to make this parsley oil.
Simple to make and it will keep for one or two weeks.
If you keep it in the fridge and make sure there is a small layer of oil on top, it will keep for one or two weeks.
It works really well in a creamy soup. It will add a beautiful burst of color and taste. Or you can serve it along side fish or a steak tartar, to name just a few examples. Or add a little bit if you’re making mayonaise. It will give a lovely bit of color.
Yes you can. Both will work really well in this simple recipe.
Spicy parsley oil
Equipment
- Stick blender
Ingredients
- 1 bunch parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- juice of half a lime
- 100 ml olive oil
- 2-3 drops tabasco
- seasalt
- black pepper
Instructions
- It's best to make the parsley oil by chopping the ingredients roughly. Doesn't have to be really fine as the food processor or stick blender will do the work.
- Place the parsley, garlic, lime juice, tabasco and some of the olive oil in a small container or small food processor. Blend until it resembles a paste. Add more oil until it has the right consistency.
- If you want you can use a sieve to make a bright clear oil or you can use it as is. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste.
- I find the flavors develop if you leave it to stand for a while. One or two hours is usually enough.
Disclaimer
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
Fun post, Tom! Parsley is one of those things most of us just take for granted — I too often do, that’s for sure. Never thought to make parsley oil, but I like the idea. Definitely will try — thanks.
You are more than welcome. Plz let us know which food pairing you’ve found with parsley oil.
I love this for cooking and for accompanying vegetables. Your recipe doesn’t state but I would like to know more about storage – how long does it keep, etc.?
I don’t think it keeps for very long. Mine never lasts very long and I try to make small batches. I would not keep it for much longer than a week I think.