3 Herb and Spice Recipes Perfect for the Holidays

Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1.25 kilograms whole chicken, rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 red onion, quartered
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Rub the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stuff the chicken with the quartered red onion and chopped rosemary.
4. Place the chicken in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for at least 2 hours, or until the juices run clear.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

Classic Curried Lamb

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram lamb stew meat, cubed
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the lamb in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. In the same Dutch oven, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the chopped red onion until tender.
5. Add garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, cardamom, ginger, and turmeric. Cook for about a minute until the spices are aromatic.
6. Return the lamb to the pot, add beef stock and salt, and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about an hour or until the lamb is very tender.
8. Remove the cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
9. Stir in lemon juice and yogurt before serving.

Salmon with Thyme

Ingredients:

• 0.5 kilogram skinned salmon fillet, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the salmon with extra virgin olive oil and toss with crushed garlic.
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the salmon on the foil.
5. Season with thyme and salt.
6. Seal the foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

Nutritional Benefits of Herbs and Spices

Rosemary

Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Source: Healthline

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that it can help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis. Source: NIH

Thyme

Thyme is packed with vitamins C and A, which are essential for a healthy immune system. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off infections. Source: WebMD

Interesting Stats

• According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, incorporating herbs and spices into your diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 30%. Source: NIH
• A survey by the American Heart Association found that 75% of Americans are not aware of the health benefits of herbs and spices. Source: AHA

Serve these mouth-watering, healthy dishes at your Christmas dinner, and everyone will love them!