I am never without my homemade Herbs of Provence in my kitchen. This spice mix, abundant in the South of France, speaks to my love for French cuisine. I use it for almost everything I can!
My mom’s French heritage was a huge influence growing up, and thanks to her, I will always have a soft spot for French dishes like boeuf bourguignon and pâté. I’m no Julia Child (or even Martha Stewart!), but I try to include French recipes in my meal plans whenever possible.
Many people think French cooking is tricky or difficult, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
French remedies for picky eaters
I have always been fascinated by French food culture and the fact that French children generally also like a variety of foods. We can learn a lot from French. Especially in how we teach children how to look at food. I actually dedicated part of the Wellness Mama Cookbook to this topic!
A big part of raising picky eaters is providing children with a balanced and varied taste, like this seasoning blend.
What is Herbes de Provence?
The blend originates from southern France, i.e. the Provence region, and is comprised of herbs that grow naturally in that region. The original blend of Provence herbal ingredients includes summer zest, thyme, marjoram and rosemary. Later, certain versions added lavender, fennel, and even orange peel. Provençal herbal spice blends sold in grocery stores often contain lavender and other herbs.
In addition to being delicious, this herb has powerful antibacterial properties that help your immune system do its job. Among other things, rosemary helps with memory, thyme is good for your lungs, and marjoram helps relieve tension. Lavender is good for relieving stress, orange scent improves mood, and fennel helps aid digestion. Together, they create a powerful and delicious spice blend.
Herbes de Provence vs Italian Seasoning
I like both seasonings, but there are definitely some differences. Italian seasoning also contains thyme and rosemary, but often also contains spicy oregano and basil. And most Italian seasonings don’t contain marjoram or summer flavors (nor lavender)!
If you need a substitute for Provence herbs, the simplest recipe is summer savory, thyme, marjoram and rosemary.
How to make Herbes de Provence
It’s very simple, but requires extra steps compared to my spice blend recipe. Usually I just put all the herbs in a jar, shake it, and voila…. You are done. Since these herbs are often whole, like fennel seeds or lavender buds, I quickly run them through a food processor first. Not only are they easier to use in recipes, but freshly ground herbs are more aromatic and flavorful. Blending or chopping herbs releases more volatile oils, making them taste fresher.
So what are Provençal herbs for, other than sounding fancy? There are many answers!
How to Use This Homemade Seasoning
Herbes de Provence is very versatile. It could be described as bold, woodsy and slightly floral. It goes well with almost all cuts of meat (especially pork and chicken) and goes well with most fish and seafood. I often add it to home-made soups and broths as well.
We like to premix it in grass-fed butter and keep it as a topping for vegetables, sourdough bread, or cauliflower rice. It also makes a great addition to breakfast dishes like my favorite sous vide egg bites or homemade breakfast sausages.
Try adding Herbes de Provence compound butter to roasted chicken before putting it in the oven. Because herbs are chunkier rather than powdered, they are most effective when added at the beginning of a recipe. This gives you the opportunity to add flavor to your food. It’s equally delicious with roasted vegetables or potatoes.
Bonus… not only is it healthy and delicious, it leaves your kitchen smelling amazing!
Of course, you can buy them at the store, but this homemade Herbes de Provence spice blend and other homemade spice blends are a great way to save time and money. This way, you’ll know exactly how long that product has been sitting on the shelf! It’s also a fun and easy kitchen project that kids can help with.
Homemade Herbes de Provence recipe
Homemade Herbes de Provence combines herbs such as thyme and marjoram with lavender, fennel, and orange peel for a flavorful blend of spices.
Using a mortar, pestle, or food processor, lightly grind whole herbs, including rosemary, lavender flowers, and fennel. Herbs should be ground coarsely, not finely.
If you are zesting your own oranges, remove the zest from one organic orange and dry in the lowest oven or dehydrator until completely dry.
Mix all ingredients in a jar or bowl.
Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Herbes de Provence recipe
Amount per serving (1 teaspoon)
calorie 9
calories from fat 2
% Daily Value*
province 0.2g0%
Saturated fat 0.1g1%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.04g
Monounsaturated fat 0.01g
sodium 2mg0%
potassium 28mg1%
carbohydrate 2g1%
1 gram of fiber4%
0.04g sugar0%
protein 0.3g1%
Vitamin A 131IU3%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
calcium 60mg6%
steel 3mg17%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of this flavorful herb blend into softened butter and use as a vegetable topping, to season chicken or seafood, or to make your own breakfast sausage.
- Total yield for this recipe is about 1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons Herbs of Provence.
Herbes de Provence Alternative Recipe
I often buy herbs in bulk online, but sometimes it can be difficult to find flavorful herbs at your local store. If you’re looking for a non-summer recipe or something new to try, you’ll love this blend, too. Simply process, mix, and store like the recipe above. The following herbs are all dried:
- 2 TBSP thyme
- 2 tbsp rosemary
- 1 TBSP basil
- 1 TBSP oregano
- 1 TBSP summer flavor (optional but traditional)
- 1 teaspoon marjoram (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lavender buds (optional)
Have you ever tried Provence herbs? What French flavor do you like?
