Persillade

We’re excited to share a gem from the heart of French cuisine: persillade, an aromatic celebration of freshness and aroma that can enliven any dish it touches.

The core of persillade

Garlic: The backbone of persillade. Each clove packs a punch of sharp flavor, blending beautifully with other ingredients. It’s not just about taste; garlic brings health benefits, too, like antibacterial and antioxidant properties. We love how even a tiny amount can wake up the palate.

Parsley: This herb adds a fresh, vibrant touch. We prefer flat-leaf parsley for its robust flavor, contrasting nicely with the potent garlic. Not just a garnish, parsley is rich in vitamins and contributes to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Olive oil: This is the silk that binds everything together. We use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes and smooth texture, and it not only enriches the persillade but also brings heart-healthy fats to our table.

Vinegar: Though not a traditional ingredient, a splash of vinegar can add a tangy brightness. Red or white wine vinegar balances the oil’s richness and garlic’s potency, adding a subtle acidity.

Variations of Persillade

Persillade is a remarkably adaptable garnish, offering a wide range of variations - the classic persillade is a simple yet flavorful combination of chopped parsley, minced garlic, and olive oil, but why stop there? Here are some of our twists that we think you’ll enjoy;

• Citrusy twist: Adding grated lemon or orange zest to the classic mix, infusing a refreshing brightness.
• Herb infused: If you’re keen on experimenting with herbs, a blend of parsley, tarragon, and chervil, combined with garlic and olive oil, creates an aromatic herb medley.
• Spicy: Those who prefer a bit of heat can incorporate red pepper flakes into the traditional recipe for a spicy kick.
• Anchovy: finely chopped anchovies can be added to the standard persillade, offering a savory depth. You can also go for a Mediterranean blend by mixing parsley and basil with garlic, capers, and olive oil, creating a variant that pairs well with various dishes.
• Balsamic vinegar: If you want to add a tangy note, try a splash of balsamic vinegar with the usual parsley and garlic.
• Cheese lovers: A cheesy delight version, where grated Parmesan is combined with the classic ingredients.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts to the mix. This not only adds a unique flavor but also a delightful crunch.

Versatility

This aromatic condiment pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes; here are some of the ways that persillade can elevate the flavor in your meals;

• Grilled and roasted meats: Persillade perfectly accompanies grilled steak, roast chicken, or lamb chops. Its fresh and garlicky taste complements the rich flavors of the meat.
• Seafood: It works beautifully when sprinkled over grilled or baked fish, shrimp, or scallops. The freshness of parsley and the kick of garlic enhance the delicate flavors of seafood.
• Vegetables: Toss roasted or steamed vegetables like potatoes, green beans, carrots, or asparagus with persillade for an instant flavor boost. It adds a lovely herby and garlicky note to the vegetables.
• Pasta and Risotto: Stirring persillade into pasta dishes or risotto at the end of cooking adds a fresh, herbaceous element. It pairs exceptionally well with lighter sauces or olive oil-based pasta dishes.
• Garlic bread: Spread persillade on crusty bread or baguettes, either as is or mixed into butter, for delicious garlic bread. It can also elevate sandwiches and bruschetta with its zesty flavor - check out our Italian twist breadstick recipe for inspiration!

• Eggs: Sprinkle persillade over scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a fresh, herby twist.
• Soups and stews: Adding persillade to soups and stews, especially towards the end of cooking, can brighten up the dish and add fresh flavor.
• Grains: Mix it into cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous for an easy and flavorful side dish.
• Salads: Use persillade as a component in salad dressings or sprinkle it over salads for added flavor and texture.
• Potato dishes: It’s particularly delicious with French fries, potato wedges, or mashed potatoes, adding a garlicky, herby touch.

Our tips for the perfect persillade

• When chopping garlic and parsley, aim for a coarse texture to retain their natural flavors.
• When adding vinegar, drizzle it in gradually and taste as you go - it’s all about finding that perfect balance.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices. Remember, the best part of cooking is making a dish your own.