Maximize Flavor with Dill: Tips and Pairings

Let’s talk herbs, we all buy them, we all have them in spice form, but how do you really use them to optimize flavour? fresh versus dried? What meat or food to pair with? This is a basic recommendation to level up any dish starting with Dill.

Dill

Dill, my all time favourite herb. So versatile and favourable and very easy to grow. Fresh dill has fresh notes that could be compared to a citrus, celery note. Dried Dill is more grassy and buttery if we could compare it. Their seeds also are great for pickles and brines.

Not only is dill delicious, but it packs a punch in terms on nutrition. It contains vitamin A, C, iron, and calcium. As well, it aids digestion, blood sugar and cholesterol helping your heart help.

Now let’s talk about how to pair dill with dishes for best optimization.

1. Eggs and potato salads taste great with dill, it helps cut the richness from the egg and mayo, leaving a fresh note in your mouth.
2. Salmon. Dill with smoked salmon specifically cuts through the savoury and sometimes fishy taste, leading to a more even note. As well, tuna also works for the fishy taste.
3. Chicken is a strong pairing for fresh summery notes. It pairs well with lemon for a mediterranean feel.
4. Cucumbers make a refreshing summer salad with dill. You can go simple with just some olive oil, salt and pepper or use a cream sauce. For example, I use some olive oil and a yoghurt sauce. This can also work with potatoes.
5. Pickles! A basic but a favourite, make dill pickles any time by using seed and leaf.

Now that you know some simple dishes that pair well, let’s talk about the aromatics that pair best.

1. Complimentary herbs – Parsley, mint (great combination in drinks), chives, and basil.
2. Vegetables – Garlic, onion, shallots, cucumber, basil, capers (smoked salmon). lettuce, carrots, celery.
3. Spices – black pepper, cumin, paprika.

Now let’s talk about growing Dill. I struggled with this one for a while, I do have a green thumb but my dill did not survive many times, but I finally figured out the sweet spot to keeping this plant alive. Here’s some tips.

1. Water only when soil starts to dry, keep moist but never water logged.
2. Full sunlight 6-8 hours.
3. Appropriate sized pot, not too large. Could lead to drainage issues with too much space.
4. Harvest every few days once mature, dill will bolt if you done. Don’t worry about harvesting too often, it loves being trimmed and will grow back faster and stronger.

Hope these tips help!