As the weather warms up, our kitchens start to fill with the fresh flavors of spring. Among the most underrated yet versatile herbs is lovage (also known as Levisticum officinale), a member of the celery family that boasts a subtle sweetness and a hint of anise. With its delicate flavor and aroma, lovage pairs perfectly with a wide range of ingredients, from potatoes and pasta to chicken, fish, and even sweet treats like cookies.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase lovage’s culinary potential. From creamy soups and pesto pasta dishes to flavorful marinades and refreshing salads, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with this underrated ingredient. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for new ideas to spice up your meals, we’ve got you covered.
Creamy Lovage and Potato Soup
This hearty soup combines the earthy flavor of lovage with the comfort of potatoes, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a starter for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 bunch of lovage, chopped (about 2 cups)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, lovage, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lovage Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts
This recipe combines the subtle sweetness of lovage with the earthy flavor of pine nuts, creating a unique and delicious pesto pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1/2 cup fresh lovage leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine lovage leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Toss cooked pasta with the lovage pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Chicken with Lovage Butter
Grilled Chicken with Lovage Butter: A flavorful twist on traditional grilled chicken, this recipe combines the savory taste of lovage butter with the smokiness of grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons lovage leaves (or substitute with chives or parsley)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and lovage leaves until well combined.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, spread a tablespoon of lovage butter on each breast.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lovage and Lemon Roasted Salmon
This recipe combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon with the subtle sweetness of lovage, resulting in a deliciously aromatic roasted salmon dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 stalks lovage, chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together chopped lovage and lemon juice.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fresh Lovage and Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad combines the subtle sweetness of lovage with the cooling crunch of cucumber, perfect for a light summer meal or as a side dish. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors to shine through.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks of lovage, chopped
– 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lovage and cucumber slices.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, followed by the white wine vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Lovage-Infused Olive Oil for Dipping
Take your favorite dips to the next level by infusing olive oil with the subtle, sweet flavor of lovage. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and a bit of patience.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 4 stalks lovage, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil and chopped lovage.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the oil has taken on a light green hue.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. If desired, add lemon juice and stir well.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of lovage to your taste preferences.
– Use this infused olive oil for dipping vegetables, bread, or crackers.
– Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Herbed Lovage and Ricotta Tart
This savory tart combines the earthy sweetness of lovage with the creaminess of ricotta, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a brunch or light dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh lovage leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and chopped lovage leaves.
4. Spread the ricotta-lovage mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
6. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lovage and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potatoes with the subtle sweetness of lovage and pungency of garlic, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons lovage leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.
3. Add the chopped lovage leaves, minced garlic, butter, and heavy cream. Mix until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spring Pea and Lovage Risotto
As the seasons change, bring the freshness of spring to your table with this vibrant risotto dish, highlighting the sweet flavors of peas and lovage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fresh spring peas
– 2 stalks lovage, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add wine (if using); cook until absorbed, stirring constantly.
4. Warm broth in a separate pot; add 1/2 cup at a time to the rice mixture, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding more.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in peas and lovage; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until peas are tender.
6. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lovage and Chive Compound Butter
Elevate your bread game with this aromatic and flavorful compound butter infused with the sweetness of lovage and the oniony zing of chives. This spread is perfect for topping toast, scones, or using as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons fresh lovage leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped lovage, and chives.
2. Mix until well combined, taking care not to overmix.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Transfer the compound butter to an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None
Roasted Carrots with Lovage Drizzle
Roasted Carrots with Lovage Drizzle: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the subtle, slightly sweet flavor of lovage to create a unique and delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup lovage syrup (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together honey and lovage syrup in a small bowl.
6. Remove carrots from oven and drizzle with the lovage mixture.
7. Serve warm.
Note: Lovage syrup is a sweetener made by infusing lovage leaves in water and sugar. You can make your own or substitute with another sweetener of your choice.
Lovage and White Bean Stew
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful stew, perfect for a cozy evening meal. Lovage adds a subtle anise flavor that complements the creamy white beans and tender vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 stalks of lovage, sliced
– 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and lovage in a little water until tender.
2. Add the white beans, vegetable broth, carrot, celery, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lovage-Marinated Grilled Vegetables
This refreshing summer recipe elevates humble vegetables to a new level with the subtle sweetness of lovage, a perennial herb commonly used in French cuisine. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner or as a side dish for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions, mushrooms)
– 1/2 cup lovage syrup (or substitute with sugar and water mixture)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lovage syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add mixed vegetables to the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Grill vegetables for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lovage and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the pungency of lovage, and the creaminess of feta to create a deliciously unique appetizer. Perfect for your next dinner party or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (button, cremini, or shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup lovage leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add lovage leaves and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the lovage mixture, followed by a spoonful of feta cheese.
4. Drizzle garlic over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lovage-Infused Gin Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail combines the subtle sweetness of lovage with the crispness of gin, perfect for a warm evening or a special occasion. With its unique flavor profile and stunning presentation, this drink is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3-4 sprigs of lovage leaves
– Club soda, for serving
– Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine gin and lovage leaves. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer (about 5 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the infusion into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add simple syrup and lemon juice.
4. Shake gently to combine and chill.
5. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the mixture. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon twist or slice.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes (including steeping time)
Lovage and Herb Focaccia Bread
Elevate your bread game with this aromatic and flavorful focaccia infused with the sweetness of lovage and a medley of fresh herbs. Perfect for accompanying soups, salads, or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped lovage (or 1/4 teaspoon dried lovage)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil, lovage, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lovage and Lemon Zest Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies are infused with the subtle sweetness of lovage and the bright citrus flavor of lemon zest, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons dried lovage leaves
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in lovage leaves and lemon zest.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavor and versatility of lovage with these 18 delicious recipes! From creamy soups to pesto pasta, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and more, lovage adds a unique and aromatic touch. Try making a Lovage Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts or a Grilled Chicken with Lovage Butter for a taste sensation. You can also use lovage to elevate familiar dishes like mashed potatoes or stuffed mushrooms. And don’t miss the sweet treats, such as Lovage and Apple Green Smoothie or Lovage and Lemon Zest Shortbread Cookies. Get ready to fall in love with lovage!
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