To make herbal ice cubes, you'll need some sturdy herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme. These herbs work best because they can withstand freezing without losing their flavor and aroma.
Start by chopping the herbs into small pieces. You'll want about 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs for each well of your ice cube tray.
Next, place the chopped herbs into the wells of the ice cube tray. You can choose to use either water or oil to cover the herbs, depending on your preference. If using water, fill each well just enough to barely cover the herbs. If using oil, pour a small amount into each well, again just enough to cover the herbs.
Now, it's time to freeze the herb-filled ice cube tray. Pop it into the freezer and let it freeze completely. This usually takes a few hours.
Once the cubes are frozen, remove the ice cube tray from the freezer. Gently twist or tap the tray to release the cubes.
Transfer the herbal ice cubes to a zipper-lock freezer bag to keep them stored in the freezer. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps the cubes fresh for longer. Label the bag with the type of herbs used and the date of freezing for easy identification later on.
Now you have a stash of homemade herbal ice cubes ready to use whenever you need a burst of flavor in your dishes or drinks.
When using the herbal ice cubes, simply drop them into soups, stews, sauces, or drinks for an instant infusion of aromatic herbs. The cubes will melt slowly, releasing their flavors and aromas into the dish.
You can also get creative with your herbal ice cubes by mixing different herbs together in the same cube or adding other ingredients like citrus zest or edible flowers for added depth of flavor.
Having herbal ice cubes on hand is not only convenient but also a great way to preserve the freshness of your herbs. It's a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your culinary creations, and it's also a fun and creative way to experiment with different herb combinations.
So go ahead and give it a try! Freeze those sturdy herbs into ice cubes and elevate your dishes and drinks to a whole new level. Enjoy the flavors and aromas of fresh herbs all year round, even when they're not in season.