Ice cubes with greens - for winter

Herb Ice Cubes - an ingenious method to preserve the flavor and color of fresh herbs for winter

Who wouldn't want to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer during winter? This herb ice cube recipe is the perfect solution to keep the essence of the herbs you love so much. Whether you use them for soups, stews, or sauces, these cubes will add a touch of freshness to any dish. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Freezing time: 24 hours
Total: 24 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 1 ice cube tray (about 12-16 cubes)

Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of parsley (leaves)
- 1 bunch of celery (leaves)
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 bunch of basil
- 1 bunch of thyme
- 1 bunch of tarragon
- Water (about 100-150 ml, depending on the amount of herbs)

Necessary tools:
- Food processor or a sharp knife
- Ice cube trays
- Freezer bags
- Labels for identification

Step by step - Preparation guide:

1. Choose the herbs: Start by selecting the herbs you want to use. Parsley and celery are excellent combinations that fit perfectly in most recipes. Dill and lovage are ideal for soups, while basil and tarragon can add a distinctive flavor to sauces.

2. Wash the herbs well: It is essential to wash all the herbs thoroughly to remove any impurities. Use cold water and ensure you clean off any traces of dirt. The stems of dill, parsley, and lovage are very aromatic, so don't throw them away!

3. Chop the herbs: If you don't have a food processor, finely chop the herbs with a sharp knife. If you have a processor, add a few bunches of herbs and a few tablespoons of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to help with blending.

4. Blend the herbs: Blending is a crucial step! Make sure to stop the processor from time to time to scrape down the herbs that stick to the sides of the bowl. The goal is to achieve a fine paste, but it doesn't need to be completely liquid.

5. Fill the ice cube trays: Once the herbs are blended, pour the mixture into the ice cube trays. Fill the cubes to the brim, but avoid overflow. Add a teaspoon of water on top of each cube to ensure they are covered.

6. Freeze: Place the ice cube trays in the freezer and let them freeze completely. It's best to leave them overnight, but 6-8 hours is sufficient.

7. Transfer to bags: Once the cubes are fully frozen, remove them from the trays and place them in freezer bags. Label each bag with the type of herb or combinations you used.

8. Enjoy in winter: When winter comes, you can take a cube from the freezer and add it directly to soups, stews, or even sauces! It's a practical way to bring the freshness of summer to your table.

Practical tips:
- Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs. For example, parsley with basil can give a wonderful taste to pasta sauces.
- Portioning: You can make smaller or larger cubes, depending on your intended use. A large cube can be perfect for soups, while smaller cubes can quickly enhance sauces.
- Use a blender: If you have a high-power blender, it can blend the herbs faster and more evenly.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other herbs? Of course! Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or even chili peppers for a spicier flavor.
- How can I keep the cubes longer? Make sure the bag you store them in is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
- Can I use the cubes in recipes that don't require cooking? Yes, herb cubes can also be used in salads or cold dishes, although cooking will enhance their flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Herb ice cubes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Fresh herbs are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. By adding these cubes to your dishes, you not only improve the flavor but also the nutritional value of your meals.

In conclusion, this herb ice cube recipe is not only an effective preservation method but also a way to enjoy the flavors of summer throughout winter. So, don't hesitate to try this simple and flavorful technique. We guarantee you will love it!