Greek Herbs & Spices Used in Plant-Based Cooking

Greek herbs and spices are instrumental in determining the taste of the daily meals that are eaten in Greece. Long before modern-day seasonings were the rage, Greek cooking relied on the use of herbs, garlic, thyme, and olive oil to provide depth and balance. This is why vegan Greek cuisine is rich and satisfying without meat or dairy. In traditional home cooking, herbs are not used to cover up flavors, but rather to support vegetables, beans, and grains. Understanding these herbs helps explain why, e.g., plant-based Greek dishes seem so full and natural.

The Top Greek Herbs and Spices

Oregano - The Most Identifiable Greek Herb

Oregano is the most well-used of all the herbs and spices from Greece. It is dried and used liberally in vegetables, beans, salads, and baked dishes. Greek oregano has a very strong, earthy flavor that is particular to a lot of the vegan food of Greece. It goes especially well together with tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon, and is therefore a staple used in many plant-based dishes from Greece.

Bay Leaf - Slow Cooking Flavor

Bay leaf is commonly used to make soups, beans, and lentils. It gives a gentle depth that is not developed quickly during the cooking process. In Greek vegan cuisine, the use of bay leaves is frequent in lentil soup and chickpea dishes. It is rarely overpowering in nature but provides warmth and balance, particularly in slow-cooked food dishes.

Dill and Parsley - Freshness and Balance

Fresh herbs are used for the brightness of dill and parsley. Dill can be found in vegetable and legume dishes and parsley should be added at the end of cooking for freshness. These herbs make Greek vegan food light and fresh, even when the food is cooked with olive oil.

Thyme and Rosemary - Fresh, Earthy, and Strong

Thyme and rosemary are used more thoroughly and provide flavors. Thyme works well with beans and vegetables, while rosemary is often used with potatoes. These Greek herbs and spices add warmth and depth to oven-baked dishes, which support the principles of the Mediterranean vegan diet.

Garlic and Onion - The Foundation of Flavor

Both of these are not spices, but are a must with vegan food in Greece. Almost every dish starts with an onion softened in olive oil, followed by garlic. This base provides richness and aroma, forming the base for many plant-based Greek dishes.

Lemon and Vinegar: Finish Touches

Lemon juice and vinegar are used to balance out the olive oil and herbs. They add freshness and lift to vegetables, beans, and soups. This simple contrast is one of the reasons why vegan Greek cuisine has a vibrant, not heavy flavor.

Why Greek Herbs are Important in Plant-Based Cooking

Greek cooking shows that flavor is not derived from complexity. By taking the right Greek herbs and spices, simple ingredients are transformed into comforting dishes. In cities such as Athens, knowing the way that locals season their food is a way to know the heart of Greek vegan food and how plant-based cooking has always been a part of daily life.

Get the Best Classes Now

Learning how to use Greek herbs properly is best studied by hands-on cooking, where timing and balance are important. In a Greek Cooking Class, you experience just the power of transformation of these herbs to simple ingredients, creating actual vegan Greek cuisine that you can recreate in your kitchen.