Are you tired of using the same old herbs in your cooking and ever wondered what it would be like to add a dash of something new and exciting to your dishes?

There are so many underutilised herbs in Indian kitchen. These herbs are easy to grow at home and adds incredible flavors to your meals.

Growing your own herbs ensures you have fresh ingredients at your fingertips always! These underused herbs – parsley, dill, oregano, basil, and lemongrass – are easy to cultivate and versatile in the kitchen.

Now, let's take your cooking to the next level with these delightful herbs and some important tips to grow your own herbs!

Parsley

Parsley is often seen as just a garnish, but it’s so much more than that. This vibrant herb can add a fresh, peppery flavor to a variety of dishes.

Parsley Lauki muthiya topped with pizza sezhwan sauce Recipe by Amisha Chheda
#tech1 Being born in a gujrati family I have grown up eating muthiya.. but I was bored of those traditional flavours so I tweaked some of the flavours and bang.. These muthiyas turned out so good. It’s a Must try
CookpadAmisha Chheda
Parsley Salad Sauce Recipe by Kavita Jassim
I had a bunch of parsley leaves in my fridge and was wondering what to do with it and just got it with this simple recipe. You can store it in the fridge and can use it whenever needed.
CookpadKavita Jassim
Parsley and Mint Chutney Recipe by ZMA
#rainbowweek6 #cookpadindia An incredibly easy and a lipsmacking chutney with Olive oil. This is my way of doing it and the best part is that it can be made ahead. Chill and serve it to your unexpected guests. Goes well with everything including all types of chaats and snacks plus South Indian Idlis…
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Parsley Pesto Spaghetti Recipe by Swathi Joshnaa Sathish
Parsley Pesto Spaghetti is an Italian fame dish . Pesto sauce is usually made with basil while the other version is made with fresh Italian Parsley . Parsley Pesto sauce is the vital ingredient for preparing this dish . This sauce carries all the goodness of parsley , nuts like cashews and almonds ,…
CookpadSwathi Joshnaa Sathish

👉 Get More Fresh Parsely Recipes to Try

Growing Parsley at Home

Parsley is relatively easy to grow and thrives in both pots and garden beds.

  • Sunlight: Parsley prefers partial sunlight. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a sunny window.
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Harvesting: Regularly trim the outer leaves to encourage new growth.

Dill (Shepu)

Dill leaves have a slightly tangy taste that pairs well with many dishes.

Broccoli Dill leaves Paratha Recipe by Deepa Rupani
#ga24 #haryana #dill(shepu) #challenge26 #cookpadindia Parathas , as we know are one of the initial dishes in the Indian Main Course. Amongst various variety of Indian flat breads like roti, phulka, chapati, rotla, tandoori roti, paratha, thepla - parathas have its own large range of various varieti…
CookpadDeepa Rupani
Dill Leaves and Wheat Savoury Pancakes Recipe by Vaishali Suhas
This Pancake recipe with dill leaves ( shepuchi bhaji) , Wheat flour, spices and little oil is a sureshot winner.You can cook it for all meals, tiffin box, travel and as a teatime snack too. Dill leaves are nutritious and contain vitamin A, C,fiber, calcium and flavonoids for normal functioning of o…
CookpadVaishali Suhas
New Potatoes & Dill leaves stir fry Recipe by Vijeta @myfancyflair
Why am I sharing potatoes ? Well, I eagerly wait for these lovely winter special russet potatoes aka ‘naye aloo’ of the season.I cook it without peeling off the skin to enjoy the maximum benefit & flavour of these season special young potatoes. #win #week7
CookpadVijeta myfancyflair
Dill Moong dal Recipe by Swagatika
Fresh aroma of dill infused into our very own ghar-ghar-ka-daal creates a beautiful side dish to pair with rice.
CookpadSwagatika

👉 Get More Fresh Dill leaves or Shepu Recipes to Try

Growing Dill at Home

Dill is a low-maintenance herb that can easily be grown in your garden or pots.

  • Sunlight: Dill needs full sunlight to thrive.
  • Water: Water it regularly but avoid overwatering. Dill prefers well-drained soil.
  • Harvesting: Snip the leaves as needed, but be careful not to cut too much at once to keep the plant healthy.

Basil

Basil’s sweet and slightly peppery flavor is perfect for a variety of dishes.

Basil Pesto with Penne Rigata Pasta Recipe by Lakshmi Sridharan Ph D
#hmi Pesto is a sauce of crushed basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, typically served with pasto. Italians usually use pine nuts in pesto. I used walnut Our native California walnut is world famous.. Walnuts are rich in healthy omega-6 HDL cholesterol, protein, minerals,…
CookpadLakshmi Sridharan Ph D
Basil Pesto Recipe by Madhumita Bishnu
#GoldenApron23 Basil Pesto is made in Italy and every family has a different recipe. I chose one and loved on my sandwich
CookpadMadhumita Bishnu
Tomato Basil Paneer Recipe by Madhu Bindra
Soft paneer pieces in a tomato gravy infused with the subtle flavors of basil. The low-calorie Tomato Basil Paneer is a family favorite and is always high in demand. #BoxWeek18 #Curd
CookpadMadhu Bindra
Basil pesto Rice Recipe by Khubi Vashi
#italian Pesto is the perfect dressing for rice ,pasta and salads.It can also add tremendous flavor when mixed into rice, risotto, or mashed potatoes, or dolloped onto hot vegetables such as cauliflower to transform fair into fabulous.
CookpadKhubi Vashi

👉 Get More Fresh Basil Recipes to Try

Growing Basil at Home

Basil is a bit more delicate but highly rewarding to grow.

  • Sunlight: Basil needs plenty of sunlight, about 6-8 hours a day.
  • Water: Keep the soil moist but well-drained. Water in the morning to avoid mildew.
  • Harvesting: Pinch off the flower heads to encourage leaf growth and prevent the plant from becoming bitter.

Oregano

Oregano is a staple in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, known for its robust and slightly bitter taste.

Veg. Pizza Recipe by Darshana Patel
#toc1 Kids special This pizza is done at home from scratch.
CookpadDarshana Patel
Homemade oregano powder Recipe by Rita Mehta ( Executive chef )
These leaves are very common in Kerala In every house this plant we will get they use in cough cold and fever for small children this smells like carom seeds(ajwyn)
CookpadRita Mehta ( Executive chef )
Garlic bread Recipe by Priyangi Pujara
#cppassport #cppitaly #mybestrecipe #appetizer #starter #side dish with #soup #quick #breakfast #light #dinner #picnic
CookpadPriyangi Pujara

👉 Get More Fresh Oregano Recipes to Try

Growing Oregano at Home

Oregano is a hardy herb that’s perfect for beginners.

  • Sunlight: It loves full sun, so make sure it gets plenty of light.
  • Water: Water oregano sparingly; it prefers slightly dry soil.
  • Harvesting: Trim the stems regularly to encourage bushier growth.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass adds a unique lemony flavor and aroma to dishes.

Veg. Burmese Khowsuey Soup Recipe by spicequeen
Khowsuey is a Burmese noodle soup which has noodles and coconut milk as main ingredients. This soup can be vegetarian or non vegetarian. To prepare vegetarian soup you can add any vegetables of your choice. This soup is topped with fried onion, fried garlic, lemon, green chillies, coriander leaves, …
Cookpadspicequeen
Tom Yum Soup with Mushrooms and Sweet Corn Recipe by Monica Rangaswamy
#cppassport #cppthailand Tom Yum Soup Is one of the most famous soup recipe from Thai cuisine. It is famous for its unique spicy, sweet and sour flavor from fresh ingredients. Assorted veggies can be added to give volume and crunch to the soup. Vegetable stock is prepared with fresh ingredients such…
CookpadMonica Rangaswamy
Veggies In Thai Red Curry Recipe by Suchitra S(Radhika S)
#cppassport #cppthailand
CookpadSuchitra S(Radhika S)
Thai Green Curry Recipe by Bijal Thaker
#feast The good thing about this dish is generous use of vegetables. It’s subtle in taste. Thai curries are cooked in coconut milk which gives amazing aroma and texture to the dish. And a great taste too. During fast we avoid ginger, garlic, onions. So prepare this before navratri began and enjoy th…
CookpadBijal Thaker

👉 Get More Lemongrass Recipes to Try

Growing Lemongrass at Home

Lemongrass is surprisingly easy to grow and can thrive in pots or garden beds.

  • Sunlight: It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but ensure good drainage.
  • Harvesting: Cut the stalks close to the base when they reach about a foot tall.

Overall Tips for Successful Herb Gardening

Use well-draining soil for all herbs to prevent root rot.

Ensure pots/containers have drainage holes.

Feed herbs with a balanced fertilizer as needed, but don’t overdo it.

Watch for common pests. Use natural remedies if needed.

Most herbs prefer moderate temperatures and may need protection from extreme heat or cold.

By avoiding common mistakes, you will be well on your way to growing a thriving herb garden at home.

Happy gardening and cooking!