When we first started our herb garden this year, we decided to plant the whole thing in the ground rather than in planters. Plants tend to like the ground more than being in planters for some reason and we have really seen it this year. We have more herbs and peppers than we know what to do with.
On this particular night, we had about a fourth of a pork tenderloin left over from a dinner a few nights ago and of course a ton of fresh herbs just waiting to be picked. On the spot, we improvised this recipe. We used a can of crushed tomatoes, some of our frozen diced onions, salt and pepper, garlic, and the pork tenderloin which we diced up. The last things we threw in were olive oil, fresh basil, and fresh rosemary. We simmered this mix for about 20 minutes while our pasta’s water was coming to a boil and then while the pasta was cooking. You could use any type of pasta. I chose classic Da Vinci Seashells to give the kids some variety. I made a great meal worthy of a restaurant in approximately 25 minutes and fed the 5 of us for about $5.00. I chose the rosemary to compliment the pork and threw some basil in because it’s so Italian tasting.
The nice thing about having the herb garden is that I can just go out in my backyard and trim the plants and make something delicious. Although fresh herbs can be bought at the grocery store, they are packed up in a plastic container and they’re expensive. My basil plants cost around $7.00 and they will produce all summer and into the fall. Our children see us doing something as well and there is an important value in children learning from us. It’s not just about saving money. Growing a garden enhances your quality of life.
I will go ahead and talk a little about the peppers even though I didn’t use them in this particular meal. Our peppers were placed in planters mainly because we are in the suburbs and don’t have a huge space for multiple gardens. According to Mexican food expert, pepper plants like planters and it allows you to move them to avoid cross pollination (green peppers that cross with habaneros, etc).
A new Habanero pepper
Anaheim peppers almost ready