How to Make a Bouquet Garni, One of Ree’s Favorite Cooking Tricks
There's so much flavor in this "little bundle of herbs!"
How to Make a Bouquet Garni, One of Ree’s Favorite Cooking Tricks
A bouquet garni may sound sophisticated, but it’s actually a simple technique that anyone can master! As The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, explains, it’s simply “a little bundle of herbs tied with a little twine.”
And no, it’s not the same as the floral bouquet you might have received from your husband. Although, a vase filled with fresh garden herbs would make a beautiful kitchen decoration! Instead, this “bouquet” serves a culinary purpose, adding rich flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and even beans. Ree uses it in her Italian meatball soup recipe, and while it requires a few extra minutes of effort, the end result is always worth it. She notes, “The flavors from the herb bundle will seep into the brothy mixture and very, very special things will go on.”
But what exactly is in this herb bundle, and how is it used in cooking? Let’s break it down. You’ll need a few simple items you may already have in your kitchen: cheesecloth or twine, along with some fresh or dried herbs and pantry staples. Follow our guide on how to make a bouquet garni, and soon you’ll feel like a French chef in your own kitchen!
What is a Bouquet Garni?
A bouquet garni is a French culinary technique that translates to “garnished bouquet.” It’s essentially a bundle of herbs wrapped in cheesecloth or tied with butcher’s twine, designed to infuse flavor into your cooking. By containing the herbs in a neat little pouch, it becomes easy to remove them from the pot once cooking is complete.
Traditionally, the herbs used in a bouquet garni include fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. However, you can get creative and add peppercorns, garlic, rosemary, tarragon, oregano, or even dried herbs for a unique twist. The combinations are endless!
How to Make a Bouquet Garni
Making a bouquet garni is incredibly simple! Start by cutting a square of cheesecloth and layering a couple of pieces together. Place your herbs and any additional ingredients like peppercorns in the center. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them together with twine to form a secure parcel.
If you’re not using loose ingredients like peppercorns or dried herbs, you can simply bundle the fresh herbs together with butcher’s twine and tie them in a knot.
Once your bouquet garni is ready, just add it to your pot—whether you’re making soup, curry, pasta sauce, or broth. After your dish has finished cooking, remove the bouquet, discard it, and savor the burst of flavor it has infused into your meal.
