Make Your Own Herbs de Provence

Herbs de Provence is a robust mixture of herbs made popular in the southeastern region of France. It is often used in the preparation of grilled meats, fish and vegetable stews, and is usually added before or during cooking.

Changes in Herbs de Provence Over Time

The proportion of ingredients has altered over the years, and ingredients like tarragon, chervil, and fennel, have been added to some versions, but the basic recipe uses rosemary, savory, marjoram, and thyme (with the noted addition of lavender flowers). The individual herbs were staples of French the grandmothers of the region, although the blend that we now know as Herbes de Provence wasn't sold until the 1970's.

The following recipe is as close to the original as I could find. Note that oregano can be substituted for the marjoram (they are cousins), but cut the requirement in half, as oregano is stronger in flavor.

Basic Herbs de Provence

5 tablespoons dried thyme
3 tablespoons dried savory
2 tablespoon dried marjoram
5 tablespoons dried rosemary
1 ½ tablespoons dried lavender flowers

This mixture can be made ahead and kept in an airtight container in a dark place.