An essential seasoning in pizza and many Mediterranean specialty dishes. There are may varieties of this refreshing herb, from applemint to cologne and lemon mint. Used in teas, drinks and candies, it is rarely used in Western cooking, but amply utilized in Eastern foods. Mint specialties and spices often combine to flavor meat, chicken and of course, lamb. Small, oval oregano leaves have a hot, peppery flavor common in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines.
Chopped oregano enhances cheese and egg dishes, as well as tomato sauce and pizza.
Oregano combines well with lemon, garlic and olive oil. Add chopped fresh oregano to meat loaf, meatballs and grilled burgers. Parsley is added fresh to Middle Eastern salads and Latin American salads and is cooked with garlic and butter in classic French sauces. Try parsley in pesto sauce and in egg, rice and pasta dishes. Parsley is much more than just a pretty garnish.