What is Poultry Seasoning?
Poultry seasoning is an aromatic blend of herbs and spices that’s commonly used to flavor roasted chicken and other poultry dishes. It can be used to season the bird before cooking, sprinkle on top after the dish is cooked, or even be used to make a flavorful poultry gravy. The seasoning mix consists of herbs such as sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary, along with other spices like black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Each herb or spice contributes to the overall flavor profile of the seasoning, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic addition to any poultry dish.
The Origins of Poultry Seasoning
Historically speaking, poultry seasoning has been around for centuries. As early as the 18th century, chefs and cooks used mixtures of various herbs and spices to flavor chicken, turkey, and other poultry. By the 19th century, various blends of poultry seasoning had become popular in many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The traditional poultry seasoning was made with herbs and spices like sage, marjoram, thyme, and ground pepper, but variations could also include rosemary, garlic powder, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
How to Use Poultry Seasoning
Poultry seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways. It can be used to season poultry before roasting or to make a flavorful gravy after the dish is cooked. The seasoning can also be used to flavor traditional poultry dishes like pot pies, dumplings, and casseroles.
When it comes to adding poultry seasoning, you have a few different options: you can sprinkle a few teaspoons of the seasoning mix into the cooking liquid before cooking the poultry, or you can sprinkle the seasoning over the dish once it’s been cooked. You can also mix the seasoning with butter and rub it over the outside of the poultry before roasting, or make a paste out of poultry seasoning and oil and rub it over the bird for a flavorful finish. If you’re using the seasoning to make a gravy, you can simmer the spices in the cooking liquid until it’s fragrant and then strain it before serving.
No matter how you use it, poultry seasoning is an excellent way to add flavor and aroma to any poultry dish. From roasting chickens to whipping up enough flavorful gravy to feed a hungry crowd, poultry seasoning is a simple and easy way to create delicious dishes!