You can definitely combine basil and marjoram and it’s something commonly done in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.
Basil has a slightly sweet and peppery taste, while marjoram has a delicate and slightly floral flavor with hints of citrus and pine. The two herbs complement each other well and can create a fragrant and flavorful combination when used together.
Some dishes that use a combination of basil and marjoram include tomato-based sauces, soups, stews, and salad dressings. The herbs can also be combined with other spices and herbs like oregano, thyme, and garlic to create a complex and well-rounded flavor profile.
Dishes That Combine Basil And Marjoram
- Tomato sauce: A classic combination of basil and marjoram can be used in homemade tomato sauce for pasta, pizza, or any other tomato-based dish.
- Caprese salad: A simple and refreshing salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves, and marjoram.
- Pesto: A classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, with a touch of marjoram can enhance the flavors.
- Vegetable soup: A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup can be seasoned with a combination of basil and marjoram for an extra kick of flavor.
- Roasted chicken: Rubbing a mixture of olive oil, garlic, basil, and marjoram onto chicken before roasting can add a lot of flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Ratatouille: A traditional French dish made with eggplant, zucchini, tomato, peppers, onions, and a variety of herbs, including basil and marjoram.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and marjoram can make a perfect appetizer or light snack.
- Grilled vegetables: Marinating a mixture of grilled vegetables, like zucchini, peppers, and eggplant in olive oil, garlic, basil, and marjoram can create a flavorful and healthy side dish.
- Herbed salad dressing: Combine fresh basil and marjoram with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of honey to create a delicious salad dressing.
- Tomato and goat cheese tart: A savory tart made with fresh goat cheese, sliced tomatoes, and a mixture of basil and marjoram for a flavorful filling.
Basil And Marjoram Compared Head To Head
| Characteristic | Basil | Marjoram |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, peppery | Delicate, slightly floral with hints of citrus and pine |
| Origin | India | Mediterranean |
| Plant Part Used | Leaves | Leaves |
| Forms | Fresh or dried leaves, essential oil | Fresh or dried leaves, essential oil |
| Common Uses | Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, pesto, tomato-based sauces, soups, salads, sandwiches, garnish | Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, tomato-based sauces, stews, marinades, salad dressings |
| Medicinal Properties | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, may help with digestion, anxiety, and stress | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive aid, may help relieve cold and flu symptoms, may help with anxiety and stress |
| Culinary Pairings | Tomatoes, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, lemon, olive oil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese | Tomatoes, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, lemon, olive oil, black pepper |
Final Thoughts
Combining basil and marjoram in cooking offers a variety of benefits. Both herbs contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect against chronic diseases and reduce inflammation in the body. Basil is also known to have antimicrobial properties, while marjoram may aid digestion and relieve symptoms of colds and flu.
Together, the herbs create a fragrant and flavorful combination that can enhance the taste of many dishes, including tomato-based sauces, soups, and salads. Additionally, both basil and marjoram pair well with other herbs and spices, allowing for endless possibilities in the kitchen.