What is Fines Herbes?
Fines herbes is a delicately balanced combination of finely flavoured herbs found in French cuisine. It is another combination that varies according to the herbs available or for the dish it is intended to enhance. Various combinations of parsley, chervil, lovage, thyme, tarragon, chives, dill, marjoram, basil or cress may be included. Fines herbes are often used in egg dishes like quiches. It’s subtle flavours go well in sauces and butters.
When used fresh, fine herbes should be minced very fine immediately before they are needed. Add the herbs at the end of the dishes cooking time. You want to see them in the dish, and the flavour will suffer if cooked for too long. Dried herbs can be blended in the same proportions as the fresh and may be added to dishes earlier than the fresh when cooking. Note though, that if a recipe calls for fresh fine herbs, use only one third of what is called for when using a dried blend.
