Homemade Fines Herbes French Seasoning Recipe

You may come across the term “fines herbes” and wonder what it means. In short, it is a specific blend of herbs. Fines herbes is French for "fine herbs," a specific blend of herbs with a delicate flavor that enhances dishes rather than overpowering them. They are usually added at the end of cooking (or right before serving) to preserve their delicate flavors. 

What is Fines Herbes?

A very basic definition of fines herbes is... a classic blend in French cooking made from delicate, leafy herbs typically used fresh rather than dried. While reading old French recipes, you may come across the terms “aux fines herbes”,  "herbes de Provence", or “bouquet garni”. Don't be confused. Each of them is simply a mixture of herbs. 

The blend of aromatic herbs is usually parsley, chervil, tarragon, and chives, chopped and mixed in various proportions. Add fennel, basil, rosemary, thyme, or bay leaf to create unique flavoring for soups, sauces, omelets, etc., or as a garnish. Fines herbes is pronounced as “feenz urbz”.

Bouquet de Garni

The Bouquet de Garni is comprised of various herbs, usually oregano, thyme, basil, and chives or lavender, rosemary, parsley, and thyme, tied with a bit of string for easy removal before serving your food.

Bouquet de Garni is similar to Aux Fines Herbes or Herbes de Provence, both of which are chopped and added to the dish as you cook. I just buy a bottle of Herbes de Provence. It's an amazing blend of herbs, perfect for potatoes or other vegetables. I strongly urge you to get some and give it a try.

Aux Fines Herbes

Aux Fines Herbes are used to flavor sauces, meats, omelets, sautéed vegetables, etc. Some people choose to add a pinch of Kosher salt or some other herbs to their blend. Again, this is a personal preference. You can always start with a traditional recipe and then add to it according to your tastes or what spices you have on hand.

How to Make A Fines Herbes Blend

If you want to make your own fines herbes, there are a few basic things you will need for your fines herbes mix. You can use whatever you have on hand, but certain herbs are more commonly found in this herbal blend.  You can make them from fresh herbs or from dried herbs. If you grow your own herbs at home, you can work more easily with fresh ones

Which you choose is a matter of preference. Personally, I like the idea of starting with a traditional recipe and then experimenting with your own blends in time.

 

Fines herbs ingredients

Here are the herbs you need for this blend:

• Chervil
• Chives
• Parsley
• Tarragon

When using fresh, finely chop one full tablespoon of each herb and then mix them together in a small bowl. If you want to keep it fresh, don’t make more than you can use in a couple of weeks max.

If you’re using dried herbs, you can mix equal portions together (1 teaspoon of each) and place them in a glass jar or spice container. Dried herb mixes will last longer than fresh herbs. If you store it in a cool, dry place, it could last up to four months.

While you can use fresh or dried herbs, dried herbs are more concentrated so if you’re looking for a full flavor, that might be your choice. It’s also important to note that how much you use will vary, depending on if you use dry or fresh herbs.

You will use one tablespoon of fresh for one teaspoon of dried herbs of the same type. If you are using fresh herbs, it’s important to mince them very, very fine. Whichever you use, be sure to store them properly so you get the most out of them. 

If you’re not able to make your own with this recipe, you can purchase Spice Islands Fines Herbes, my favorite pre-made brand. It has a nice, smooth flavor that is as close as I have found to making it myself.

Stocking Your Kitchen

Herbs are just one part of a completely stocked kitchen. When you have all the right things in your workspace, it’s more fun and easier to follow all the great recipes you find and want to explore. For a well-outfitted kitchen, you absolutely need a great set of knives, a cutting board, and superior pans. My affiliate links will take you to Amazon.

Omelette aux fines herbes (omelet with fine herbs)

When you make an omelet with the fines herbes, it’s called aux fines herbes omelette in France. It usually has very finely chopped parsley and chives, and sometimes tarragon and chervil. Whatever you put in your herbs blend as described above can be added to your eggs for an omelet “fines herbes”.

Basil, mint, and dill can also work in your spice blend. For breakfast, it’s just important to use sweet herbs, rather than bitter or sharp ones. You can do an omelet aux fines herbes and some black pepper and some fresh parsley on the top of the finished dish can really bring it all together.

For a perfectly customized omelet, you can use whatever you typically put in your egg mixture, and then use your herb mixture to spice it up.

Chicken with fines herbes

This herbal blend works really well with any type of chicken dish. You can use it on baked chicken, crispy chicken, and just about any other chicken meal. You can use it as a dry rub, sprinkled herbs on top, or you can make a fines herbes sauce from it. Do you have a favorite chicken dish that you enjoy with this herbal blend?

Is this herbal blend healthy for you?

You might also like these other recipes

• Smoked Salmon Omelet
• Hungarian spices
• Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Surprisingly, herbs do not add any calories, salt, or fat to your foods. All they add is FLAVOR.

Stay healthy by reducing your salt intake and adding more herbs. Since the herbs can be dried or used fresh, you can experiment. You'll be happy you did.