Old-fashioned Herb Marinade

Herb Marinade Recipe with Canola Oil, Onion, Tomato Juice, and More

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Old-fashioned Herb Marinade recipe is a classic and versatile marinade that can be used on a variety of meats, poultry, and seafood. The combination of olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, and garlic creates a flavorful and aromatic marinade that will take your dishes to the next level.

History

The Old-fashioned Herb Marinade recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many households. It is a simple yet delicious way to add flavor to your favorite dishes and is perfect for grilling, roasting, or baking.

Ingredients

0.5 cup canola oil or olive oil
0.5 cup finely chopped red, white, or yellow onion or (4 tbsp onion paste)
0.5 cup tomato juice or (1 cup tomato sauce)
0.25 cup cold lemon juice
0.25 cup snipped or chopped parsley
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried marjoram, crushed
1 tsp dried thyme, crushed
0.5 tsp black or red pepper
1 clove minced garlic

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients and pour the mixture into a glass bottle. Keep the bottle in the refrigerator or freezer.
Place the meat in a plastic bag and set it in a bowl or pan.
Pour the marinade over the meat and secure the bag with a tie. Refrigerate it overnight.
In the morning, remove the meat from the bag and discard the marinade.
Use the marinade on meat, poultry, or seafood. Keep the remaining or used herb-based marinade in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Use different herbs such as rosemary, basil, or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate your meat, poultry, or seafood for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.

- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best taste.

- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the marinade to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or seafood skewers for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

This Old-fashioned Herb Marinade is best used as a marinade for meats, poultry, or seafood. Simply marinate your protein of choice for at least 4 hours before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the olive oil with avocado oil or vegetable oil.

- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more intense flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply marinate your protein when ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve your marinated dish on a bed of fresh greens or with a side of roasted vegetables for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before using on your protein of choice.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade contains approximately 140 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade contains approximately 14 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Old-fashioned Herb Marinade does not contain any proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This Old-fashioned Herb Marinade is rich in vitamin C from the lemon juice and parsley, as well as various minerals from the herbs and garlic.

Alergens

This Old-fashioned Herb Marinade contains garlic, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This Old-fashioned Herb Marinade is a flavorful and aromatic marinade that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a great addition to any meat, poultry, or seafood dish.

Summary

This Old-fashioned Herb Marinade is a classic and versatile marinade that is perfect for adding flavor to your favorite dishes. With a combination of olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, and garlic, this marinade is sure to elevate your cooking to the next level.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make the old-fashioned herb marinade. I was visiting my Aunt Mildred in the countryside, and she was known for her delicious cooking. One evening, as we sat down to a meal of roasted chicken, she revealed her secret ingredient - the herb marinade.

I watched intently as Aunt Mildred mixed together a combination of fresh herbs from her garden - rosemary, thyme, and parsley. She then added some garlic, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely divine, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Aunt Mildred took the time to show me step by step how to make the marinade, explaining the importance of balancing the flavors and allowing the herbs to infuse the oil. As we marinated the chicken together, she shared stories of how she had acquired the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I was so grateful for Aunt Mildred's guidance and eager to experiment with the marinade on my own. Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about the delicious flavor it imparts to any dish.

One of my fondest memories of making the herb marinade was when my own granddaughter, Sarah, came to visit me for the summer. She had always shown an interest in cooking, and I was thrilled to pass down this family recipe to her.

Together, we gathered the fresh herbs from my garden and carefully measured out the ingredients. I showed her how to chop the herbs finely and mix them together with the garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. As we marinated a batch of chicken, I could see the same excitement in Sarah's eyes that I had felt all those years ago.

As the chicken roasted in the oven, the tantalizing aroma of the herb marinade filled the kitchen, just as it had when I first learned how to make it. Sarah eagerly helped me set the table, and we sat down to enjoy a meal that was not only delicious but also filled with love and memories.

Since that summer, Sarah has continued to make the herb marinade on her own, often experimenting with different combinations of herbs and spices. It warms my heart to see her carrying on the tradition that I started so many years ago.

As I sit here, reflecting on the many recipes I have learned and shared over the years, the old-fashioned herb marinade holds a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the time spent in the kitchen with loved ones, of the joy that comes from creating something delicious from scratch, and of the importance of passing down family traditions from one generation to the next.

I am grateful for the memories that this recipe has given me, and I know that it will continue to be a staple in my kitchen for years to come. The old-fashioned herb marinade is more than just a recipe - it is a treasure, a connection to the past, and a symbol of the love and care that goes into every meal I prepare.