Lovage, with its bold, celery-like flavor, is often overlooked in the culinary world. This is a shame, as it can add a unique depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. Understanding what flavors complement lovage can unlock a world of exciting culinary possibilities.
Understanding Lovage’s Flavor Profile
Before delving into pairings, it’s crucial to understand what lovage tastes like. Its dominant flavor is reminiscent of celery, but it’s more intense, with hints of parsley and anise. Some detect a subtle citrus note as well. This complex profile makes it a versatile herb that can work in both savory and, surprisingly, some sweet applications. The entire plant is edible – leaves, stems, roots, and seeds – each offering slightly different flavor intensities.
Young leaves are milder and best for salads or as a fresh garnish. Stems can be used like celery in soups and stews. The roots are the most potent and are often dried and ground into a spice. Lovage seeds have a warm, spicy flavor and can be used like celery seeds.
Savory Pairings: Elevating Your Dishes with Lovage
Lovage shines brightest in savory dishes, where its robust flavor can enhance and complement other ingredients.
Vegetables that Love Lovage
Lovage’s celery-like flavor naturally pairs well with other vegetables.
- Potatoes: Lovage elevates the humble potato in soups, stews, gratins, or even mashed potatoes. Its flavor cuts through the richness of butter and cream, adding a refreshing herbal note.
- Carrots: The sweetness of carrots is beautifully balanced by lovage’s savory depth. Try adding chopped lovage to roasted carrots or carrot soup.
- Peas: The fresh, green flavors of peas and lovage create a harmonious combination. This pairing is particularly delicious in spring soups or salads.
- Beans: From green beans to white beans, lovage adds a layer of complexity to bean dishes. It works particularly well in salads and stews.
- Tomatoes: The acidity of tomatoes is a great match for lovage. Use lovage in tomato sauces, salsas, or salads.
- Mushrooms: The earthy notes of mushrooms are enhanced by lovage’s herbal character. Try adding lovage to mushroom soups, sauces, or stir-fries.
- Asparagus: The delicate flavor of asparagus is complemented by the bolder taste of lovage, creating a sophisticated pairing, particularly when grilling.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish: A Lovage Infusion
Lovage is not just for vegetables; it can also elevate meat, poultry, and fish dishes.
- Chicken: Lovage is a fantastic addition to chicken soups, stews, and roasts. It pairs well with classic chicken herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Pork: The richness of pork is balanced by lovage’s herbaceous notes. Try adding lovage to pork marinades or sauces.
- Beef: Lovage can add a depth of flavor to beef stews, sauces, and roasts. It works particularly well with braised beef.
- Fish: Lovage complements the delicate flavor of white fish like cod and haddock. It can be used in fish sauces, marinades, or as a garnish. It also pairs well with richer fish like salmon.
- Eggs: The simplest omelet or scrambled eggs can be elevated with the addition of fresh lovage. The herb’s subtle anise notes bring out the savory notes of the dish.
Dairy and Cheese: A Creamy Combination
Lovage’s unique flavor profile also works well with dairy products.
- Cheese: Fresh cheeses like goat cheese and ricotta pair beautifully with lovage. The herb’s freshness cuts through the richness of the cheese. Hard cheeses like Parmesan also benefit from lovage’s savory depth.
- Cream: Lovage can be infused into cream sauces, soups, and dressings. Its flavor adds a subtle complexity to creamy dishes.
- Yogurt: Mix chopped lovage into plain yogurt for a flavorful dip or sauce. This pairing is particularly delicious with grilled vegetables or meats.
Herbs and Spices: Building Flavor Profiles
Combining lovage with other herbs and spices can create complex and interesting flavor profiles.
- Parsley: A natural pairing, parsley complements lovage’s celery-like flavor.
- Thyme: The earthy notes of thyme enhance lovage’s savory character.
- Rosemary: The piney aroma of rosemary pairs well with lovage in meat and poultry dishes.
- Chives: The mild onion flavor of chives adds a subtle sweetness to lovage dishes.
- Garlic: Garlic’s pungent flavor complements lovage’s savory depth.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper enhances the spiciness of lovage seeds and leaves.
- Bay Leaf: Adds an additional layer of herbaceousness and complexity.
- Lemon: The acidity of lemon brightens lovage’s flavor. Lemon zest and lovage can be combined to create a delicious herb butter.
Unexpected Pairings: Exploring Lovage’s Sweet Side?
While lovage is primarily used in savory dishes, its subtle sweetness and aromatic qualities can also be explored in some sweet applications, although this is less common.
Fruity Combinations (Use Sparingly!)
The key here is to use lovage sparingly and to pair it with fruits that have a tart or acidic quality.
- Green Apple: A very small amount of chopped lovage can add an intriguing savory note to green apple salads or pies.
- Rhubarb: The tartness of rhubarb can be balanced by lovage’s herbaceousness in jams or compotes.
- Citrus: The zest of lemons, limes, and oranges can complement lovage’s subtle citrus notes in desserts.
Sweet and Savory: A Balancing Act
The sweet applications of lovage are more about enhancing existing sweet dishes, rather than creating entirely new sweet lovage-focused desserts. Think of it as a background note, not the star of the show.
- Honey: A small amount of lovage infused into honey can create a unique condiment for cheese or grilled meats.
- Maple Syrup: Similar to honey, lovage can be infused into maple syrup for a savory-sweet flavor.
Tips for Using Lovage in Your Cooking
- Start small: Lovage’s flavor is potent, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Use fresh lovage: Fresh lovage has the best flavor. If using dried lovage, use half the amount called for in the recipe.
- Chop finely: Lovage leaves can be tough, so chop them finely before adding them to dishes.
- Add lovage at the end of cooking: Adding lovage at the end of cooking preserves its flavor and aroma.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lovage pairings to find your favorites.
- Consider the form: Remember that leaves, stems, roots, and seeds all have slightly different flavor intensities and textures.
- Grow your own: Lovage is easy to grow in a garden or pot, ensuring a fresh supply whenever you need it.
Beyond Food: Lovage in Beverages
Lovage isn’t just limited to food. It can also add an interesting twist to beverages.
- Cocktails: Lovage can be used to infuse syrups or as a garnish in cocktails. Its celery-like flavor pairs well with gin, vodka, and tequila.
- Teas: Lovage leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a refreshing herbal tea.
- Infused Water: Add lovage leaves to water with cucumber and lemon for a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Storing Lovage for Optimal Freshness
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining lovage’s flavor and extending its shelf life.
- Fresh Lovage: Store fresh lovage in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. It will last for about a week. You can also store lovage stems in a glass of water like cut flowers.
- Dried Lovage: Store dried lovage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will last for several months.
- Freezing Lovage: Freeze lovage leaves by chopping them and placing them in ice cube trays with water or oil. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
By understanding lovage’s flavor profile and exploring its potential pairings, you can unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorite lovage combinations. This underrated herb deserves a place in every cook’s repertoire.
What is lovage and what does it taste like?
Lovage is a tall perennial herb, often growing to impressive heights. Its leaves, stem, and roots are all edible and offer a unique flavor profile.
The taste of lovage is often described as a blend of celery, parsley, and a hint of anise. Some detect a subtle lemon-like citrus note as well. This complex flavor makes it a versatile ingredient, suitable for both savory and, surprisingly, some sweet applications.
What are some classic flavor pairings for lovage?
Lovage shines alongside ingredients that complement its celery-like and slightly peppery notes. Classic pairings often involve ingredients used in traditional celery dishes.
Think of it with potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables in soups or stews. Lovage also pairs well with eggs, poultry, and seafood, adding a fresh, herbaceous dimension to these dishes.
Can lovage be used in salads?
Absolutely! Lovage leaves, especially when young and tender, are a wonderful addition to salads. Their strong flavor can add a distinctive character to a simple green salad.
Consider chopping the leaves finely and mixing them with other herbs like parsley and chives for a balanced flavor profile. Lovage also pairs well with creamy dressings or vinaigrettes that contain lemon or vinegar, which help to brighten its earthy notes.
What types of cheeses go well with lovage?
Lovage’s herbaceous and slightly sharp flavor profile complements a range of cheeses, from fresh and creamy to aged and pungent. Its versatility makes it a welcome addition to cheese boards and cooked dishes alike.
Fresh cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, and feta benefit from lovage’s bright, green notes. Harder cheeses such as Parmesan, Gruyere, and aged cheddar also pair well, as lovage’s intensity can stand up to their robust flavors.
How can lovage be used in soups and stews?
Lovage is a fantastic addition to soups and stews, lending a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. It’s a particularly good choice for vegetable-based soups, adding a layer of complexity.
You can add lovage leaves whole during the simmering process, allowing their flavor to infuse the broth. Alternatively, chop the leaves finely and add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh, vibrant taste. Lovage stems can also be used to add flavor, much like celery ribs.
What are some unexpected flavor pairings for lovage?
While lovage is often associated with savory dishes, it can also be surprisingly delightful in certain sweet applications. Its herbaceous notes can add a unique complexity to desserts and drinks.
Consider using lovage in fruit salads with berries or stone fruits. It can also be infused into simple syrups for cocktails or used to flavor ice cream and sorbet. The key is to use it sparingly, as its flavor can be quite potent.
Can lovage be used with meat and poultry?
Yes, lovage is a delicious and versatile herb that complements both meat and poultry dishes. Its savory and slightly peppery flavor adds a layer of depth that enhances the overall taste.
Try using lovage as a marinade for chicken or fish, or incorporate it into stuffings for poultry. It also pairs well with richer meats like lamb and beef, cutting through the richness with its fresh, herbaceous notes.