When it comes to cooking with herbs, few are as versatile and underappreciated as lovage. This tall, statuesque perennial has been a staple in European cuisine for centuries, and its unique flavor profile is sure to elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to add some springtime freshness to your salads, a savory depth to your roasted vegetables, or a rich, creamy texture to your soups, lovage is the perfect ingredient to have on hand.
From classic pairings like lovage and potato soup to more adventurous combinations like lovage-infused olive oil for dipping, we’ve curated 18 of the most delicious and creative lovage recipes to try in every season. So why not give this underrated herb a chance to shine in your kitchen? Read on to discover the many flavors and uses of lovage, and get ready to take your cooking to new heights.
Creamy lovage and potato soup
A comforting and creamy soup that showcases the unique flavor of lovage, paired with the simplicity of potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 stalks of lovage, chopped (about 1 cup)
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the chopped lovage and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lovage pesto with toasted pine nuts
A flavorful twist on traditional pesto, this recipe combines the unique taste of lovage with toasted pine nuts for a delightful and aromatic spread.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh lovage leaves
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
2. In a food processor, combine lovage leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt. Process until well combined.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Grilled chicken with lovage herb butter
Grilled Chicken with Lovage Herb Butter Recipe
Lovage, a sweet and mild herb, pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken. This simple recipe combines the two for a delicious and refreshing summer dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons lovage leaves (fresh or dried)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lovage leaves, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the chicken with the lovage herb butter.
5. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Spring salad with lovage and lemon dressing
Brighten up your springtime meals with this refreshing salad featuring lovage, a unique and flavorful herb. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of spring greens with the tanginess of lemon dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup lovage leaves
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, lovage leaves, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Lovage-infused olive oil for dipping
This recipe adds a unique twist to traditional olive oil by infusing it with the subtle, slightly sweet flavor of lovage. Perfect for dipping crusty bread or vegetables, this flavorful oil is sure to become your new go-to accompaniment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2-3 stalks fresh lovage leaves and stems (about 6 inches long)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, lovage, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the lovage has released its flavor and aroma into the oil.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
This infused olive oil is perfect for dipping crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.
Roasted carrots with lovage and honey glaze
Sweet and savory, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the subtle flavor of lovage and a hint of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon fresh lovage leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the carrot pieces with olive oil, salt, and chopped lovage.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
5. While the carrots are roasting, mix honey and 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over low heat.
6. Brush the glaze over the roasted carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lovage and goat cheese tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the earthy flavor of lovage with the tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for a unique dessert or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 1/4 cup lovage leaves, chopped
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to desired thickness. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together berries, lovage leaves, and honey. Spread mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Top with crumbled goat cheese.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush pastry with a little water and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fresh lovage tea with ginger and honey
Start your day with a soothing and invigorating tea that combines the natural sweetness of honey, the spiciness of ginger, and the subtle flavor of lovage. This refreshing brew is perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried lovage leaves
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
1. In a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup, combine the dried lovage leaves and sliced ginger.
2. Pour in the boiling water, making sure that all the ingredients are fully submerged.
3. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired strength of flavor.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using a tea strainer or a piece of cheesecloth.
5. Add the honey to taste and stir until dissolved.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Lovage and cucumber chilled soup
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing soup, perfect for a summer’s day. Lovage adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of celery-like flavor to balance out the coolness of the cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks lovage, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, cooled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cucumbers, lovage, olive oil, and onion. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the cooled broth and blend until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve cold, garnished with fresh dill leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep and chilling time included)
Garlicky lovage mashed potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, featuring the subtle sweetness of lovage and a punch of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons lovage powder (or 1/4 cup fresh lovage leaves)
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, garlic, and lovage powder (or fresh leaves). Mash until smooth.
3. Gradually add milk or heavy cream, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Boiling: 15-20 minutes
– Mashing: 5-7 minutes
Lovage and lemon roasted salmon
Experience the bright flavors of spring with this simple yet impressive roasted salmon dish, featuring lovage’s subtle sweetness and lemon’s tanginess.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh lovage leaves, chopped
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle chopped lovage leaves and lemon juice evenly among the fillets.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Herbed lovage bread rolls
Aromatic lovage adds a unique flavor dimension to these soft and fluffy bread rolls, perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup lovage leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, flour, salt, lovage leaves, and parsley to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into rolls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lovage and white bean stew
This hearty stew combines the earthy flavor of lovage with creamy white beans, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks lovage, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the white beans and soak overnight in water or quick-cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, lovage, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little oil until tender.
3. Add the soaked white beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Grilled asparagus with lovage aioli
Grilled Asparagus with Lovage Aioli Recipe
Elevate your asparagus game with this refreshing and flavorful combination of grilled asparagus and creamy lovage aioli.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lovage Aioli (recipe below)
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Lovage Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons lovage extract or dried lovage leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Grill asparagus for 4-6 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, mix Lovage Aioli ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Serve grilled asparagus with lovage aioli spooned on top. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lovage and mushroom risotto
This creamy risotto combines the earthy flavors of lovage with the richness of mushrooms, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 lovage stalks, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add wine (if using); cook until absorbed.
4. Add 1/2 cup broth; stir until absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, adding in batches.
5. After 20 minutes of cooking and absorbing broth, add mushrooms and lovage. Cook until mushrooms are tender.
6. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pickled lovage stems for garnishing
Add a touch of elegance and flavor to your meals with pickled lovage stems, perfect for garnishing soups, salads, or cocktails. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and some patience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup lovage stems (fresh or dried)
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Trim the lovage stems to desired length and pack them into a clean glass jar.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the lovage stems, making sure they are completely covered.
4. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to several weeks.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Cooling time: 30 minutes
– Pickling time: 24+ hours
Lovage and apple slaw with walnuts
A refreshing twist on traditional slaws, this recipe combines the sweet flavor of apples with the earthy sweetness of lovage, all topped off with crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup grated apple (any variety, but firmer apples like Granny Smith work best)
– 1/4 cup chopped lovage leaves and stems
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add grated apple, lovage, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Toss until everything is well combined.
3. Stir in chopped walnuts.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None! This slaw requires no cooking, just simple preparation and chilling time.
Braised lamb shanks with lovage gravy
A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb shanks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups red wine
– 1 cup lamb broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 sprigs fresh lovage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, red wine, lamb broth, tomato paste, and lovage to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until the lamb is tender and falls apart easily.
8. Serve the lamb shanks with the lovage gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Summary
Discover the flavor and versatility of lovage, a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. This collection of 18 recipes showcases lovage’s potential in soups, salads, main courses, and more. From creamy potato soup to roasted carrots with honey glaze, and from grilled chicken with herb butter to pickled stems for garnishing, these flavorful recipes are perfect for every season. Whether you’re looking for a warm winter stew or a refreshing spring salad, lovage adds depth and complexity to any dish.
