Introduction
Lovage is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications, yet it remains relatively unknown in many modern kitchens. This flavorful, leafy herb boasts a taste reminiscent of celery but with a stronger, more aromatic profile. Both the leaves and seeds of lovage can be used in various dishes, making it a versatile addition to any herb garden or pantry. In this article, we will explore several little-known ways to use lovage in your cooking, drinks, and more, helping you make the most of this underappreciated plant.
The Nutritional Powerhouse of Lovage
Before diving into its uses, it’s important to note that lovage is not just tasty but also packed with health benefits. Rich in vitamins like A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals such as potassium and calcium, lovage is often used for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve bloating, and support overall gut health. With all these health perks, incorporating lovage into your diet could provide a gentle boost to your well-being.
1. Add Lovage to Soups and Stews
One of the easiest ways to use lovage is to add it to soups and stews. Much like celery, lovage enhances the flavor of broths and slow-cooked dishes, imparting a deeper, richer taste. Since lovage leaves are more potent than celery, you only need a few to make a big impact. Lovage pairs beautifully with vegetables, chicken, and beef, making it a versatile ingredient for various broths and hearty soups.
How to Use:
- Chop the leaves and stems and add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking for maximum flavor.
- You can also add dried lovage to vegetable or chicken stocks for an extra depth of taste.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy making bone broths, try adding a few lovage leaves to elevate the flavor profile naturally.
2. Enhance Your Salads with Lovage
Lovage has a bold, celery-like taste that works well in fresh salads. Its leaves can be chopped and tossed with other greens, adding a slight peppery bite that livens up any salad mix. The leaves can be used in small amounts to avoid overpowering the other ingredients, but they’ll certainly bring a unique flavor to your dish.
How to Use:
- Finely chop the leaves and mix them with lettuce, spinach, or arugula for an added flavor punch.
- Combine lovage with fresh herbs like parsley and dill for an aromatic herb salad.
- You can even toss lovage leaves with root vegetables and vinaigrette for a refreshing twist on a classic salad.
Pro Tip: Lovage pairs exceptionally well with lemon-based dressings or balsamic vinegar, helping to balance its strong flavor.
3. Make Lovage Pesto
Pesto doesn’t always have to be made with basil! Lovage can easily substitute as the base herb in pesto, adding its distinct earthy flavor. Whether you use it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a marinade, lovage pesto brings an entirely new element to your dishes.
How to Make Lovage Pesto:
- Blend fresh lovage leaves with nuts (such as pine nuts or walnuts), garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the ingredients to your taste by adding a little lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Pro Tip: Lovage pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays, giving you a quick way to add flavor to your meals throughout the year.
4. Add Lovage to Smoothies
Though it may sound unconventional, adding lovage to smoothies can provide a nutrient-dense boost with a hint of savory flavor. Lovage works best in green smoothies with other earthy or mild flavors like spinach, cucumber, and celery.
How to Use:
- Toss a few lovage leaves into your morning green smoothie for an added nutritional punch. The slight celery-like taste blends well with vegetables and green apple.
- Combine lovage with other herbs such as mint or parsley for a detoxifying effect.
Pro Tip: Start with small amounts of lovage to avoid overpowering your smoothie, then adjust to taste as you become accustomed to its flavor.
5. Brew Lovage Herbal Tea
Lovage makes a refreshing herbal tea that’s easy to brew and beneficial for digestion. The tea has a savory, herbal taste with a hint of celery, and it’s often used to aid in reducing bloating and relieving digestive discomfort.
How to Make Lovage Tea:
- Use fresh or dried lovage leaves to make a tea by steeping a handful of leaves in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.
- You can sweeten the tea with honey or lemon for a milder flavor.
Pro Tip: Drinking lovage tea after a heavy meal can aid digestion and prevent bloating. It also has diuretic properties, making it a great option if you’re feeling a bit sluggish.
6. Create Lovage Butter
Herb butter is a simple way to add a burst of flavor to any dish, and lovage butter is no exception. This flavored butter can be used on toast, melted over vegetables, or even as a finishing touch on grilled meats.
How to Make Lovage Butter:
- Finely chop fresh lovage leaves and mix them into softened butter.
- You can add garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Roll the butter into a log and refrigerate, slicing off pieces as needed.
Pro Tip: Lovage butter is perfect for adding a finishing touch to steamed potatoes, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
7. Use Lovage Seeds as a Spice
Lovage seeds are highly aromatic and can be dried and ground to use as a spice, similar to fennel or cumin seeds. They provide a rich, earthy flavor that works well in soups, sauces, or baked goods.
How to Use:
- Dry lovage seeds and grind them to use in stews, marinades, and soups.
- You can also sprinkle ground lovage seeds on roasted meats or root vegetables.
Pro Tip: Lovage seeds can be used in bread dough to add a unique herbal flavor, similar to how caraway seeds are used in rye bread.
8. Boost Your Potato Dishes
Lovage and potatoes are a match made in heaven. Whether mashed, roasted, or fried, lovage enhances the natural flavor of potatoes, adding a herbaceous and savory note.
How to Use:
- Chop fresh lovage and stir it into mashed potatoes for an earthy, flavorful twist.
- Add lovage to roasted potatoes along with olive oil, salt, and pepper for an aromatic side dish.
Pro Tip: Lovage can also be added to potato soups and chowders, providing a richer and more complex flavor.
Conclusion
Lovage may be an underused herb in many kitchens, but its versatility, flavor, and health benefits make it a worthy addition to any garden and pantry. From soups to salads, pestos, teas, and more, there are endless ways to incorporate lovage into your daily meals. Experiment with these little-known uses, and you might find that lovage becomes one of your go-to herbs in the kitchen.
Get creative with lovage in your cooking and share your favorite recipes!