How To Make Your Own Herbes de Provence

How To Make Your Own Herbes de Provence – Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Background photo – © AdobeStock #43784986 (under license)

Herbs really make excellent seasonings for a variety of food dishes. If one herb can already make an impact on the taste and quality of your dishes, what more if you use a mixture of different herbs? One of the most famous and popular “ready made” mixtures of dried herbs used is commonly referred to as Herbes de Provence.

Herbes de Provence: Its Uses and History

Herbes de Provence is a mixture of different dried herbs that are typically found in Provence, a region situated in Southeastern France. The product was introduced into the global market in 1970s. Though many people believed that herbes de Provence originated from France, some accounts revealed that the mixture may have been used earlier in North Africa, China or other parts of Europe. ^[1]

Herbes de Provence is composed of popular culinary herbs such as thyme, lavender, basil, fennel and summer savory. Through the years, people have altered the ratios of each herb added to the mixture. Some people also add marjoram, chervil, tarragon, sage, rosemary, bay leaf and oregano.

The mixture is normally used to season vegetable stews as well as grilled fish and meat. Normally, it is added before and during cooking. It is rarely added after cooking. ^[2]

Four Recipes for Making Your Own Herbes de Provence

There is no set way of making Herbes de Provence, though there are a few recipes that are considered traditional. Have fun and blend the herbs the way you like them! We have done some research and bring you not one but four variations to explore:

Herbes de Provence #1.

This is a real traditional recipe and was a staple in Provence in old times. You will need:

5 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoon dried marjoram
5 tablespoons dried rosemary
3 tablespoons dried savory.
1.5 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (optional)

Just combine these dried herbs to make a mixture and store in an airtight container. Place the container in a cool dark place. ^[2]

Herbes de Provence #2.

The second recipe is slightly more complex but still only takes a few minutes to make. You just need to create a mixture of:

1 teaspoon of dried mint
1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers
4 tablespoon of dried thyme
2 tablespoon of dried rosemary
3 tablespoon of dried marjoram
1 tablespoon of dried fennel seeds
3 tablespoon of dried summer savory
1 tablespoon of dried basil
1 tablespoon of tarragon
1 teaspoon of dried chervil.

Combine the ingredients in a sealed container and this will make a cup of good Herbes de Provence. ^[3]

Herbes de Provence #3.

Our third mixture here also makes an excellent Herbes de Provence. All you need is:

1 tablespoon of savory
half teaspoon of fennel seed
1 tablespoon of chervil
half tablespoon of lavender
one and a half tablespoon of rosemary
one and a half tablespoon of marjoram.

This mixture makes a half cup of Herbes de Provence. Mix and put them in a sealed container. ^[4]

Herbes de Provence #4.

Our fourth recipe also only takes a few minutes to prepare. You just need:

1 teaspoon of dried thyme
half teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of ground rosemary
half teaspoon of dried sage
1 teaspoon of summer savory
1 teaspoon of dried basil
half teaspoon of lavender
1 teaspoon of marjoram.

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and crush them lightly. Put them in a sealed container. This makes an excellent seasoning for chicken and meat marinade. ^[5]

Regardless of your choice of herbs and its ratios, Herbes de Provence still continues to serve its purpose, to make every dish as delectable and flavorful as ever! Are you hungry yet? Just thinking about this has given me a serious appetite! Choose your herbs now and make your own Herbes de Provence that suits your taste and preference. And if you have your own recipe – let us in on it in the comments, or on our Facebook page.