Savoury foods have many health benefits. The most popular variety of savoury food is the one that has a sweet taste. This type of savoury contains sugar, salt, cream or butter with a small amount of fruit in it. A popular type of savoury dish in the UK is brie, a light breaded cheese. Other countries outside of the United Kingdom include France, Italy, America, Turkey, India, South Africa, Australia and Japan. These countries have their own unique styles of savoury dishes.
A traditional British savoury recipe usually consists of a slice of ham, a piece of cheese, a piece of apple or other fruit, and may contain aniseed or lemon juice. A traditional French dish includes brie or Camembert; lemon and orange; or salami or prosciutto. An American savoury may include ham or bacon; tomato, ketchup, cheese, chili or garlic, and may contain apple juice or another flavour. Turkey traditionally uses black peppercorn for a pungent taste, while Greece uses ginger, lemon or garlic.
Savoury herbs include thyme, basil, mint, Rosemary, oregano, parsley, dill and lemon marjoram. Some combination of these herbs are sometimes called a Savoury Gourmet, as each herb has its own distinctive flavour and use. A combination of thyme, basil, mint and Rosemary is a popular choice for cooking herbs, particularly when combined with a lemon peel, aniseed, or any spice blend. Thyme is an easy herb to grow, but it needs to be protected from frost by covering it with plastic. Other herbs such as mint and parsley, which originate in the Mediterranean, are hardier and much easier to grow, but are excellent if you dry and store them in a cupboard for later use.
Many people have no idea what all the abbreviations stand for, especially for those not used to speaking English. It’s a shame really, because the savoury herb family contains many truly delightful tasting vegetables and spices. As with many other varieties of English vegetable and fruit, there is a broad range in Savoury Chefs’ names depending on how they’re used. The generic term for any of these herbs is “chef” or “sourd”. So here’s a short list of some of the most common Savoury Chefs in the world:
British Salads A mix of herbs, mixed and seasoned with salt, pepper, butter and milk makes a healthy snack that is suitable for anyone on a diet. A variation on the original salad dressing known as “butter-smarted” is to mix tinned thyme, with a little oil, and a pinch of salt, mixed into a bowl of half-and-half. Then, spoon some butter over the thyme before serving. The more popular variation of this dressing is called “baked garlic”.
Marjoram Savoury This herb goes by several names: sweet marjoram, while it’s mostly recognized by its flavor. Marjoram has a slight peachy color to it and a hint of piquancy. Its flavor is mainly known for it’s ability to balance out spicy dishes. Often substituted with parsley or mint.