Marinades with aromatic herbs and spices have a dual purpose: they tenderize meat and give it a special aroma and flavor, while also acting as natural preservatives.
Basic Uncooked Marinade
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup dry wine
- 1-2 small clove garlic, chopped
- ½ teaspoon chopped rosemary
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 7 black peppercorns
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
This marinade can be used for all types of meat.
Basic Cooked Marinade
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups dry wine
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients for 15 minutes on low heat, then let it cool.
Add rosemary after cooling.
Use white wine for poultry or fish.
Moroccan Fish Marinade
Ingredients:
- 2½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Use for marinating all kinds of fish, especially good for grilling.
Indian Chicken Marinade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 6 crushed black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
Works for chicken or any mild meat.
Greek Marinade for Grilling
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Good for meat or grilled vegetables.
German Marinade for Beef
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 5 crushed peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
Use for stewed/braised beef.
Mexican Marinade for Pork
Ingredients:
- 2 hot chili peppers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 peppercorns
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- A few cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ tablespoons vinegar
Instructions:
Blend and mix with vinegar. Great for pork. Can be used for marinating and basting.
Spicy Salad Oil
Ingredients:
- ½ cup oil
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 bunch thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
Wash and finely chop herbs. Clean and chop the chili pepper. Mix everything and pour over with oil. Seal and shake.
Fresh Herb Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 small sprig sage
- ½ cup oil
Instructions:
Place the rosemary, thyme, and sage into a wide-mouthed jar or bottle. Pour oil over the herbs to fully submerge them. Seal tightly and let it sit — no need to remove the herbs. Use as a natural flavor infusion for dressings, grilled vegetables, or marinades.
