Sage Saturdays: Using Dried Sage While Cooking Pt. 3

Photo Source: Saleem Fayad Photography

When it comes to cooking, salt and pepper get all the attention. We sprinkle the pair onto so many dishes without a second thought. That’s not to say salt and pepper haven’t earned their due. They make food more delicious and help balance ingredients. Venturing outside of the salt and pepper duality, though, will expand your culinary horizons.

Photo Source: Saleem Fayad Photography

An excellent herb to start cooking with is sage. Sage is a magical herb that adds an earthy depth to dishes. While our Jordanian Dried Sage Herbal Tea Leaves are certainly perfect for tea, you can also use them the way you would any other dried herb. Keep reading for a beginners guide to incorporating sage into your meals.

1. Mashed Potatoes: A relatively straightforward side dish; potatoes, butter, milk, and salt are mashed together into a truly decadent dish. Sometimes, though, mashed potatoes can seem overly rich, yes? Incorporating herbs, though, adds some lightness, depth, and nuance to an overwise one-note dish. Try mixing in dried sage, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic. Just remember, a little bit of sage goes a long way here.
   
   
2. Pasta Sauce: If you’re looking to dress up your pasta routine, but you don’t want to expend any extra effort (I don’t blame you!), try this simple sauce. Melt lots of butter in a pan (maybe four to five tablespoons) and add dried sage, dried oregano, minced garlic, lots of salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add your pasta and a couple of spoonfuls of pasta water, stir vigorously and serve. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese would do well here.
   
   
3. Beans: Do you know what white beans really want? They want to be eaten with dried sage, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of really good olive oil. Let this mix hang out over medium heat until fully warmed through. Serve with rice or pasta to make it a meal. Topping the dish with pecorino romano cheese wouldn’t be the worst thing.
   
   
4. Pizza: Your pizza wants more dried herbs! Both dried and fresh herbs are fantastic on top of the pizza. Once you have your dough rolled out and layered with sauce and mozzarella cheese, you have two options. First, you might sprinkle dried sage on top of the cheese. Second, you could also mix the dried sage with some melted butter and brush it onto the crust. Both options will yield pizza that looks and tastes just a little fancier. P.S. We won’t tell if you simply push up a frozen pizza!
   
   
5. Bread: Have you recently gotten into baking bread? No? Just me? Well, if you are interested in baking your own bread, I encourage you to try your hand at a flavored loaf! Dried herbs add an earthiness and freshness to bread that can’t be beat. Knead in a tablespoon or two of dried sage, rosemary, oregano, or whatever else you have on hand. An herby slice of bread is particularly good toasted and topped with salted butter.
   
   
6. Scones: Say “yes” to savory baking projects! While scones are absolutely lovely with chocolate chips, dried cherries, or candied orange peel, the sweet route is expected. Take your tea break down an unexpected path with herby, dare I say salty, treats. A blend of dried sage and anise seed will support your digestive health while you support your need for tea and a scone. Simply add your herbs or seeds as you mix your ingredients and bake per the recipe. 

Photo Source: Saleem Fayad Photography

Do you use dried sage when cooking? Share this post and let us know what types of recipes you add sage to! Next week, we’ll share tips for incorporating our dried sage into your beauty routine.

Share your feedback: Do you have sage-themed beauty tips to share? Email Mona Beydoun, mona@sittisoap.com.

All Photography Credits Courtesy of Saleem Fayad Photography.

We’re highlighting our Jordanian Dried Sage Herbal Tea Leaves through the month of July . Come back each Saturday to learn about new and easy ways to incorporate sage into your life.