Food and beneficial herbs are deeply intertwined with each other. The heart of the herbalist’s kitchen are nourishing, familiar herbs and spices like spearmint (Mentha spicata), dill (Anethum graveolens), and caraway (Carvum carvi). These richly flavorful, food-like herbs serve many different purposes in the kitchen, from enhancing the taste and texture of various dishes to promoting healthy digestive function.
In this inspiring culinary intensive, kitchen curandera, author, Indigenous foods activist, chef and former restaurant owner Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz invites us into her herbal kitchen, the backdrop of the herb-forward dishes she will teach you how to concoct.
Integrating herbs into daily cooking is an art and science which Felicia has unique insight into. Honoring the Mexican side of her Spanish, Mexican, and Tewa lineage, she highlights Indigenous herbs like epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides). Felicia explores how different plant parts are used in a huge range of ways in various kitchens around the world, a phenomenon she illustrates through herbs like fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and moringa (Moringa oleifera).
There are two sessions to this series, with plenty of hands-on video to bring the three featured recipes to life.
Session 1 | Introduction to Kitchen Herbalism: This session explores the how and why of incredibly beneficial everyday food-herbs. What exactly is kitchen herbalism? How is a classic French bouquet garni of herbs prepared? How can daily dishes be elevated by incorporating anti-inflammatory, antioxidant herbs that promote general health? In this video presented by Felicia at home in her kitchen, she dives deeply into the nuances between foods and herbs, herbs and spices, and the specific benefits of herbal cooking.
Session 2 | Cooking with Herbs: Flavor and Wellness: In a trio of recipe videos, Felicia presents several of her favorite healthful and mouthwatering creations. There’s something to please every palate: her Egyptian mint-lemonade represents a regional and ancestral spin on a traditional summertime beverage. Herb-infused marinated olives take these delicious fruits to a whole new level of flavor and tang. Finally, the turmeric tahini sauce integrates a powerful anti-inflammatory herb into an everyday condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Bon appétit, herbies!
