Lemon Balm Recipes

Lemon balm is also commonly referred to as sweet Melissa, sweet balm or just balm. This herb is native to the temperate zones in southern Europe. However, lately it is also found in almost all parts of the world. This herb is known for its delicate fragrance. Herb mint and lemon balm herb are related. The leaves of lemon balm are similar to that of the herb mint. It is known for its medicinal properties. The lemon balm remedies are used for treating burns, bites, as a sedative, etc. As a matter of fact it is one of the calming herbs. It is important to note that the lemon balm leaves are not lemon leaves, but it derives its name from the scent and flavor, which is similar to that of lemon. In this write up, we will read some recipes, which you can use to make some interesting dishes.

Lemon Balm Tea Recipe

There are a number of lemon balm tea recipes, however, this is my favorite lemon balm tea recipe. With this recipe you will be able to make iced tea as well. Lemon balm tea bags can also be used to make this tea. It is best to see the lemon balm reviews, so that you are able to choose the best lemon balm.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp mint
• 1 tsp chamomile flowers
• 1 tsp lemon balm
• 1 tea bag

Preparation

• In 2 cups of water add all the ingredients.
• Place the water in sun for a few hours.
• Strain the tea and pour the tea over ice.
• To sweeten the tea either add honey or any other sweetener.
• Serve the herbal tea immediately.

Lemon Balm Pesto

If you are bored of the conventional pesto, you may want to try a different pesto. In recent times lemon balm pesto has become my favorite pesto. Here is a simple and easy recipe to make the pesto using lemon balm.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh lemon balm
• 4 cloves of garlic
• ½ cup virgin olive oil (extra virgin oil is better)

Preparation

• In a blender blend lemon balm and garlic cloves together, until chunky.
• Add olive oil to the mixture and blend again, but ensure that the ingredients are not too well blended.
• Use the pesto for basting meat or serve it over pasta like conventional pesto.

Lemon Balm Chicken

Along with lemon balm, there are vegetables used in the recipe. The vegetables along with lemon balm lend a fantastic taste to the recipe. Although the chicken recipe uses fresh lemon balm leaves, dried lemon balm can also be used. When you are making dried lemon balm, ensure that the quantity of lemon balm is reduced considerably.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breast pieces
• 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup red onion
• 1 ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup coarse mustard
• juice of 2 lemons

Preparation

• Pour the lemon juice on the chicken pieces and let the pieces marinate for 2 hours.
• In a big skillet, heat butter and oil.
• Add red onions and let it saute for a couple of minutes.
• Add mushrooms to the onions and let them cook, till tender.
• Remove onion and mushrooms and keep aside.
• In the same skillet place chicken pieces with the juices, cover the pan and let the chicken cook for 15 to 20 minutes, till the chicken pieces are brown.
• Turn the pieces twice or thrice to avoid burning.
• Remove the chicken pieces and keep them aside.
• In a large pan mix wine, Worcestershire sauce and coarse mustard and let it come to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer, till it thickens.
• Now add vegetables and cooked chicken to the sauce and place the lemon balm leaves on it.
• Let the chicken simmer till the lemon balm leaves wilt.
• Serve hot with rice.

These were some of the lemon balm recipes. Lemon balm salad is also easy to make. You may want to try different recipes, using lemon balm to bring some variation to the recipes. If you find it difficult to get lemon balm in the local market, you may want to grow lemon balm in your garden. You will not have to spend a lot of time tending to it, but you will have fresh lemon balm at your disposal all the time.