Bouquet garni facts for kids

A bouquet garni made with thyme, bay leaves, and sage, tied together

A bouquet garni adding flavor to cranberry sauce

A bouquet garni is a special bundle of herbs. The name is French and means "garnished bouquet." Chefs use it to add delicious flavor to many dishes. You'll often find it in soups, stews, and casseroles.

The bundle is cooked with the food. But it's always taken out before you eat the dish. This way, you get all the flavor without having to chew on the herbs! Sometimes, people even squeeze the bundle to get every last drop of flavor into the food.

What's Inside a Bouquet Garni?

There isn't one exact recipe for a bouquet garni. It can change depending on the dish or the chef.

Common Herbs

Most French recipes usually include these three herbs:

• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Parsley

Other Flavorful Additions

Sometimes, other herbs are added for different tastes. These can include:

• Basil
• Chervil
• Rosemary
• Savory
• Tarragon

Even some vegetables can be part of the bundle! Things like carrots, celery leaves, leeks, or onions might be included. In some parts of France, like Provence, dried orange peel is sometimes added for a unique flavor.

How is it Made?

Usually, the herbs are tied together with a piece of string. This makes it easy to put into the pot and take out later.

But sometimes, chefs use other ways to hold the herbs. They might put them in a small bag, a piece of celery stalk, or even a tea strainer. Traditionally, the herbs are wrapped inside leek leaves. You can also use a thin cloth, like cheesecloth, tied with kitchen string.

Dishes That Use Bouquet Garni

A bouquet garni is a secret ingredient in many famous dishes. It helps give them a rich, deep flavor.

Here are some popular dishes that often use a bouquet garni:

• Beef bourguignon: A classic French beef stew.
• Blanquette de veau: A creamy French veal stew.
• Bouillabaisse: A tasty fish stew from France.
• Cassoulet: A hearty bean and meat casserole.
• Coq au vin: Chicken cooked in wine.
• French onion soup: A famous onion soup.
• Ossobuco: A delicious Italian veal dish.
• Pot-au-feu: A traditional French beef and vegetable stew.

See also

In Spanish: Bouquet garni para niños