Mortar & Pestle Chicken Seasoning Blend

in #food7 years ago (edited)

My mother being from Thailand made me familiar with a mortar and pestle since I was young. She would have me pound herbs and spices together to make a wonderfully infused culinary art piece. If done correctly, the herbs can have a multiplier effect on each other causing just a small amount of the seasoning blend to have an explosion of flavors.

IMG_0130.JPG

Herbs can be expensive so growing them yourself will help your bottom line and is also fun. Below is a picture of sage, rosemary, chives, oregano, and thyme growing in my windowssill. Behind it is an outdoor planter I am growing herbs in, starting with seeds.

IMG_0094.JPG

This post features a seasoning blend I call, Chicken on the Ranch. This classic blend calls for thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, olive oil, an onion, and garlic.
Below I have:
3/4 ounce of fresh sage
3/4 ounce of fresh rosemary
3/4 ounce of fresh thyme
1 onion
1 garlic
course sea salt

IMG_0101.JPG

First, we want to peel and chop the onion and garlic finely. You only need about 1/4 of the onion and 1/4 of the garlic. Then, we want to finely chop the herbs removing any thick woody, stems.

IMG_0102.JPG

Then, evenly divide the herbs, (thyme, rosemary, sage) in six different units. Below I put about 2 teaspoons of each herb in the containers. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic and 1 teaspoon of onion to each unit. (Notice I did not use all the garlic or onion).

IMG_0104.JPG

Next, add 1 teaspoon of salt to each unit. You can add more or less depending on your preferences.

IMG_0107.JPG

Now, pound each portion one by one. It is important not to pound too much at one time, for evenness and consistency.

IMG_0108.JPG

After about 60 seconds of hard pounding, it should look like this.
IMG_0109.JPG

Your kitchen will fill up with the aroma of deliciousness. After, the pounding, place a thin layer evenly on aluminum foil and put it in the oven on warm for a few hours.

IMG_0111.JPG

Yeah baby!
IMG_0114.JPG

The leaves should be pretty dry by now.
IMG_0116.JPG

Next, put it in a jar or container. IMG_0118.JPG

Transform a boring, chicken and rice dinner... IMG_0123.JPG

into a gourmet delicacy! Add a sprinkle of the seasoning blend along with olive oil and ground pepper for a night to remember.

IMG_0129.JPG

Chicken on the Ranch, Seasoning Blend
IMG_0119.JPG

  • 3/4 ounce of fresh thyme
  • 3/4 ounce of fresh rosemary
  • 3/4 ounce of fresh sage
  • 6 teaspoons of coarse salt
  • 6 teaspoons of finely chopped garlic
  • 6 teaspoons of finely chopped onions
    *Follow proper food handling and safety precautions.
Sort:  

Congratulations @adriangee! You received a personal award!

Happy Birthday! - You are on the Steem blockchain for 2 years!

You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking

Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!