Frequently relegated to garnish status, parsley is often overlooked as an herbal seasoning. Adding a brightness, freshness, and piquancy to foods, the flat-leaf variety is so flavorful that it can easily hold its own as a main ingredient.
Parsley is also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in calories but incredibly high in vitamins A, C, and K and is a good source of iron, folate, and potassium, along with several other minerals.
If you grow parsley this season, you may not know what to do with all those bright green tripinnate leaves.
Although dried or freshly chopped parsley can be added to so many types of foods on the fly – sprinkled on meats, vegetables, pastas, dips, sauces, soups, and more – we wanted to showcase some foods where parsley is the star of the show.
Here are our picks:
1. Parsley Tea
Delicious and nutritious, parsley tea is bold and tart. Enjoy it hot or iced, sweetened or plain, with intense or subtle flavor according to steeping time – there are plenty of ways to enjoy a nice cup of parsley tea.
You’ll need:
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of chopped parsley, leaves and stems, fresh or dried
- Slice of lemon (optional)
- Honey, to taste (optional)
With a kettle or a saucer on the stovetop, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add parsley. Allow it to steep for 5 minutes or less, or up to 60 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Strain out parsley leaves and stir in honey and lemon. Leftover tea can be stored in the fridge and reheated for up to one week.
2. Parsley Juice
If you have a juicer on hand, making parsley juice by the glass is a super easy way to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals this herb has to offer.
You’ll need:
- A large bunch of fresh parsley
- A juicer
- Optional add ins: apples, carrots, ginger, lemon, kale, spinach
Add ingredients to the juicer and process until you have the desired amount of juice. Parsley juice tastes best fresh, but if you made too much, pour the rest in an airtight container and stow in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
3. Parsley, Kale & Berry Smoothie
Or, use a blender to whip up a yummy and nutritious smoothie!
Get the recipe from Epicurious.
4. Leaf and Spear
A sweet and spicy cocktail, this drink is made by combining rum infused with Tuscan kale with a green harissa syrup made with sugar, cilantro, parsley, caraway seeds, and jalapeno. Shaken, not stirred, this bevvie is topped with lime juice and poured over a glass of ice.
Get the recipe from Saveur.
5. Tabbouleh
The Mediterranean salad is composed primarily of parsley leaves, tabbouleh (or tabouli) combines finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, mint leaves, and bulgur wheat in a zesty citrusy dressing.
Get the recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.
6. Gremolata
Gremolata is an Italian herb sauce that is often used to boost the flavor profile of meats, pasta, and soups. Ready in just five minutes, all you need to do is pulse together parsley, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and salt and pepper in the food processor before spooning it over your main dish.
Get the recipe from Feasting at Home.
7. Chimichurri
The incredibly flavorful Argentinian condiment, chimichurri verde has a wonderful, tangy, spice that just makes everything nice. Give your taste buds a thrill and try it slathered over grilled steak, chicken, seafood, and veggies.
Get the recipe from Food Wishes.
8. Kuku Sabzi
An herb-infused Persian frittata, this recipe is a medley of parsley, cilantro, dill, and chives, along with toasted walnuts and barberries. Served hot or cold, this dish is extra yummy with a side helping of tangy yogurt.
Get the recipe from My Persian Kitchen.
9. Ijeh B’Lahmeh
An herb and meat latke originally hailing from Syria, ijeh is traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah but can be a tasty filler for pitas and sandwiches any time of year. In lieu of potatoes, these are made with ground beef or lamb, parsley, cilantro, mint, scallions, and onions, shaped into fragrant patties.
Get the recipe from The Kitchn.
10. Creamy Parsley and Avocado Dressing
Blend together parsley, avocado, scallions, spinach, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, sea salt, and white pepper for a healthier dressing you can mix with salads, pastas, and potatoes. It’s also dairy, nut, and oil free!
Watch the video here.
11. Parsley Hummus
Adding some tanginess to classic hummus, this green-hued dip is delectable on sandwiches, pita triangles, and crudité.
Get the recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen.
12. Garlicky, Cheesy Parsley Bread
Perfect paired with a bowl of pasta or other comfort foods, this twist on garlic bread is topped with a generous helping of creamy parsley sauce.
Get the recipe from Noble Pig.
13. Parsley Butter
Elevate butter in just five minutes by creaming together minced parsley, tarragon, chives, and garlic.
Get the recipe from Taste of Home.
14. Potato and Parsley Soup
This thick and rich pureed potato soup is made extra aromatic with the additions of parsley, onions, and garlic.
Get the recipe from Tarla Dalal.
15. Walnut Parsley Pesto
Pesto can be made with so many different herbs, but this version offers a bit more bite than the others thanks to the use of parsley as the main ingredient. Spread it over toast, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and beyond.
Get the recipe from Simply Recipes.
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