The first time I can remember using rosemary was as a young teen helping my mother make her special Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. It was a favorite of mine. Ever since, I seem to have considered it only for Italian dishes, not realizing what I was missing. Rosemary compliments so many foods so well!
Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. Its leaves are used as the popular spice rosemary. Not surprisingly, it has a unique pine flavor and aroma.
As most cooks can attest, a little goes a long way when using this pungent spice. While it is quite popular in Italian dishes, rosemary is used universally. Some combine it with garlic to season meats or make marinades. Others add it to fish, veggies and sauces to enliven these dishes. Judging by the recipes we’ve come across while looking for six to share, rosemary can be incorporated into almost any food.
When describing the spice on its website, World’s Healthiest Foods states, “Its memorable flavor and unique health benefits makes it an indispensable herb for every kitchen.” The site lists its health benefits as immune, circulatory and digestive support. It may also support blood flow to the brain, concentration and a healthy internal response.
If you’re feeling inspired to use rosemary, we’ve found some simple, but delicious, recipes to get you going!
Rosemary & Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Becky shares a fabulous recipe for a potato swap on her blog, The Cookie Rookie. Move over mashed potatoes, there’s a healthier side dish in town! And, it tastes just as good!
Cauliflower is rich in nutrients and, similar to its other cruciferous cousins, provides health-promoting compounds not found in many other vegetables, says World’s Healthiest Foods. According to the website, its health benefits include detox support, antioxidant activity, cardiovascular support, healthy internal response promotion and digestive support.
Becky describes her Rosemary & Garlic Mashed Cauliflower as “creamy, delicious and, best of all, easy. Give it a try!
- Get the recipe here!
Rosemary & Garlic Roasted Salmon
Meredith at In Sock Monkey Slippers pairs rosemary with the great lean healthy protein of salmon. As she points out, “Don’t let the simplicity of this meal deceive you. The combination of rosemary and garlic beautifully pairs with salmon.”
This fantastic seafood is best known for its high omega-3 content. Just four ounces of broiled salmon contains at least two grams of omega-3 fats, which is 55% of the daily recommended intake, according to World’s Healthiest Foods. The site also highlights its high levels of vitamin B12, selenium, vitamin D, protein and vitamin B3. Salmon’s health benefits include cardiovascular support, improved mood and cognition, joint protection, eye support and antioxidant activity.
While Meredith prefers Copper River sockeye salmon, she indicates that it works with all varieties. In addition to the salmon, she uses rosemary, garlic, sea salt and pepper. That’s it! Five ingredients and 12 minutes of roasting to a scrumptious, healthy meal. Enjoy!
- Get the recipe here!
Rosemary Roasted Walnuts
Jen shares the recipe for a great rosemary snack on her site, My Kitchen Addiction. If you love the texture and flavor of roasted walnuts, this may be your new favorite snack.
World’s Healthiest Foods shares that these delicious nuts are another excellent source of omega-3 fats, with 1/4 cup providing 2.72g and 113% DV. Walnuts also contain good amounts of manganese, copper, molybdenum and biotin. Some of their health benefits include cardiovascular support, metabolic support, blood sugar support, antioxidant activity and healthy internal response promotion.
Jen uses an interesting combination of rosemary, extra virgin olive oil, brown sugar, salt and cayenne pepper to give her walnuts a wonderful pop. This recipe is super easy and so worth the little time it takes to make!
- Get the recipe here!
Rosemary Roasted Carrots
Kiersten from Oh My Veggies pairs rosemary with heirloom (or rainbow) carrots in her recipe for another super-healthy, simple side dish. She really notches up the presentation by keeping the tops on the carrots, which she pulls off by loosely wrapping them in foil before baking.
Carrots are probably best known for being a rich source of vitamin A, particularly beta-carotene. One cup of raw carrots provides just over 1019mcg or 113% of the daily recommended intake of this vision-supportive nutrient, according to World’s Healthiest Foods. The site shares that carrots are also a very good sources of biotin, vitamin K, fiber, molybdenum, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Their health benefits include vision support, antioxidant activity and cardiovascular support.
In keeping with the simple theme, Kiersten prepares these healthy carrots with only rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper. As one commenter wrote, “This is the recipe I have used over and over again because it is so simple and delicious! I love getting my veggies in an awesome and flavorful way!” Give them a try!
- Get the recipe here!
Baked Rosemary Beet Chips
Dana at Minimalist Baker shows us how to use rosemary to make a crispy, salty snack. With just 30 minutes, four ingredients and one pan, you’ll be able to feed that craving with her Baked Rosemary Beet Chips! As Dana explains, “Flavor wise, these chips lack the “dirty” earthy taste some people despise about beets.”
This beautiful vegetable is so healthy for you. World’s Healthiest Foods shares that beets are an excellent source of folate, with one cup providing 136mcg and 34% of the daily recommended intake. They are a very good source of manganese, potassium and copper as well. The site lists their health benefits to be optimal health promotion, antioxidant activity, detox support and healthy internal response promotion.
In addition to beets, Dana’s recipe calls for rosemary, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. This easy snack is great for lunches and weekend snacks. Enjoy!
- Get the recipe here!
Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn
Caroline at Taste Love & Nourish came up with a great idea for jazzing up popcorn with rosemary and a couple other favorite flavors. Her Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn recipe gives this traditional snack a real burst of flavor.
Popcorn delivers whole grains, antioxidants and fiber, according to SFGate.com. Its health benefits include digestion, cholesterol, blood sugar, healthy aging and healthy weight management support. (Keep in mind that loads of butter, salt and other unhealthy toppings negate most of the positive effects.)
She has a different method for popping the corn, using a paper lunch bag, popcorn kernels and a microwave. This results in a healthier base. While the corn is popping, she combines rosemary, olive oil, sea salt and pepper in a small bowl. This is then drizzled over the popcorn. Finally, grate the Parmesan and lemon over the top and mix. Give it a try the next time you watch a movie!
- Get the recipe here!
If you’re a fan of rosemary, we hope one or two of these recipes will help you enjoy this distinctive spice!
Do you have a favorite rosemary recipe? We’d enjoy hearing about it! Please share in the comments below.
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