Soups & Stews > Soup & Stew Flavor Enhancers > Herbs & Spices > Using Dried Herbs in Soups & Stews

Dried Herb Sachet: A Gentle Flavor Release for Soups

Use a sachet of dried herbs for a subtle and refined flavor infusion. Perfect for delicate soups where you want the herbal notes to be present but not overpowering. This is an ideal way to avoid stray herb leaves in your finished dish.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15-30 minutes (infusion time) + Stew/Soup cooking time
Servings
Varies depending on soup/stew recipe
Ingredients
  • 1-2 tablespoons Dried Herb Blend (e.g., parsley, thyme, bay leaf)
  • 1 piece Cheesecloth or Muslin Bag
  • As Needed Kitchen Twine
  • As Needed Soup Base (broth, stock, water)

Prepare the Herb Sachet

Place the dried herb blend in the center of a cheesecloth or muslin bag. Gather the edges of the cloth and tie securely with kitchen twine, creating a small sachet.

Add Sachet to Soup

Add the herb sachet to the soup pot while it's simmering. Ensure the sachet is fully submerged in the liquid. You can tie the twine to the handle of the pot for easy removal later.

Simmer and Infuse

Let the soup simmer for 15-30 minutes, or longer, depending on the desired intensity of flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the herbs will infuse into the broth.

Remove the Sachet

Before serving, carefully remove the herb sachet from the soup pot. Discard the sachet. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) as needed.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information varies widely based on the specific ingredients of the soup or stew. This is an estimate based on a simple vegetable broth with herbs.

  • Calories: 10-25 kcal
  • Fat: <1g
  • Sodium: 50-200mg

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Consider the sodium content of your broth and adjust salt accordingly. The specific herbs used will contribute minor amounts of vitamins and minerals.

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FAQ

  • What are the best herbs to use in a sachet?

    Good choices include parsley, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, and marjoram. Avoid using finely ground herbs as they can seep through the cheesecloth. Consider the overall flavor profile of your soup when choosing your herbs.
  • Can I reuse the herb sachet?

    No, it's best to discard the herb sachet after a single use. The herbs will have released most of their flavor during the simmering process.
  • How long should I simmer the sachet in the soup?

    Simmer the sachet for at least 15 minutes, but you can simmer it longer for a more intense flavor. Taste the soup periodically to determine when it has reached your desired flavor.
  • What can I use if I don't have cheesecloth or a muslin bag?

    In a pinch, you can use a coffee filter or a tea infuser as a substitute for cheesecloth or a muslin bag.