Dried marjoram: the composition and calorie content of the spice, the beneficial effect of the plant on the human body, for whom the spice is contraindicated. Recipes for dishes that the seasoning complements especially harmoniously. Many nutritionists recommend eating marjoram in food for faster and more effective weight loss, but the effect of the spice on the process of fighting excess weight is ambiguous. The spice fights insulin resistance, that is, eliminates one of the main reasons for gaining excess weight. In addition, the spice speeds up digestion, stimulates metabolism, helps to get rid of toxins and, finally, relaxes and improves sleep, and the quality of sleep is an important element of weight loss. However, marjoram noticeably stimulates the appetite, and this effect can play a cruel joke if the person losing weight has weak willpower.
Harm and contraindications to dried marjoram
It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of the spice for the body. But, unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to fully experience the beneficial effects of this amazing spice. Despite the mass of useful properties, there is a group of people for whom marjoram is contraindicated, due to some peculiarities of the composition.
So, the spice can do harm:
- Hypotonic … The spice has a vasodilating effect, and therefore there is a risk of excessively lowering the already low pressure.
- Pregnant … It is better for expectant mothers to stop eating marjoram in order to avoid negative effects on the fetus.
- For children … Children under 5 years of age are a contraindication to eating spices, although as a component of medications it is often used to treat the common cold and prevent sinusitis in the smallest.
- Allergy sufferers … In case of individual intolerance to the spice, its use, of course, is prohibited.
- People with chronic diseases … In the presence of a particular disease, especially associated with the gastrointestinal tract and / or the cardiovascular system, you should consult your doctor before using the spice.
When adding marjoram to food, it is important to observe the measure. Long-term use of the spice in large quantities can lead to headaches and negatively affect the nervous system, despite the fact that moderate use of the spice, on the contrary, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and relieves headaches.
Marjoram recipes
Marjoram is a spice that has made a reputation for itself in the cuisines of all countries of the world. This spice was appreciated at all times. And then, and today it "decorates" meat and fish dishes, salads, soups, sauces. The spice is actively used in the sausage industry, cheese making. It is also used by winemakers and brewers. An irreplaceable spice for canning. And some housewives even add marjoram to sweet drinks - compotes and jelly. This, of course, must be done very carefully and with knowledge of the issue, in order to emphasize and enhance the taste, and not spoil it.
The use of dried marjoram in recipes is relevant even in the diet of patients with gastrointestinal diseases. The spice is recommended as a substitute for salt when prescribing a salt-free diet.
In which dish is it better to put the spice? Here are just a few great recipes using dried marjoram:
- Spicy potato soup … In a saucepan, melt butter (40 grams), put chopped garlic (3 cloves) in it, after a couple of minutes - chopped onions (1 head) and leeks (1 stalk). Stir everything thoroughly and simmer for a couple of minutes. Add potatoes cut into small cubes (0.5 kg), pour over water or broth (0.5 liters). A couple of minutes before the potatoes are ready, add cream (250 ml), chopped celery root (50 grams), grated horseradish (30 grams), marjoram (1.5 teaspoons), bay leaf (2 leaves). Beat the finished soup with a blender, add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste.
- Chicken with honey crust … Wash and dry the chicken thoroughly, rub well with salt. Put marjoram and lavrushka inside the chicken (to taste and depending on the size of the carcass), stab the hole with a toothpick. Mix honey (2-4 tablespoons) and lemon juice (1 tablespoon). Lubricate the chicken with the mixture, place it in a pre-oiled mold and pour over with white wine (300 ml). Bake for an hour, large chicken may take longer to bake.
- Pita with chicken and vegetables … Pour flour (200 grams) into a deep bowl, add dry yeast according to the instructions on the package. Add olive oil or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons), salt to taste. Gradually pour water into the resulting mixture and shape into a dough. You should get a cool, but viscous mass. When the desired consistency is obtained, set the dough aside and cover with a clean towel. Now let's get down to stuffing. In a skillet, fry finely chopped onions (1 head) - preferably red, but ordinary onions will do. Add to it the chicken fillets cut into large cubes (0.5 kg), eggplant (1 piece), tomatoes (2 pieces), Bulgarian pepper (1 piece). When the vegetables are almost ready, add balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons), cumin (2 teaspoons), marjoram and rosemary (half a teaspoon each), salt. Now let's get back to the test. Divide the mass into several parts, roll each into a "pancake" and fry in a pan on both sides. During the frying process, large bubbles will appear in the dough, from which you need to form voids and fill them with vegetables and chicken filling.
- Tomato salad with herbs … Chop the tomatoes (500 grams). If you want the salad to be brighter and richer in flavor, let half the tomatoes be red and half yellow. Cut olives in half (10-15 pieces). Tear the basil pour with your hands (1 small bunch). Mix all the ingredients, add crackers (you can buy it, you can cook it yourself). Prepare the dressing: mix chopped garlic (1 clove), salt and pepper a little, add olive oil or vegetable oil (50 ml), red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon). Whisk the dressing thoroughly. Add the dressing and marjoram (1 tablespoon) to the rest of the ingredients. After 15-20 minutes, the salad can be eaten.
- Pizza with turkey and canned vegetables … Mix tomato paste (600 grams) with marjoram (2 teaspoons), salt and pepper. Add vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) and lightly heat the mixture in a skillet. Take pizza dough (you can buy it at the store, you can make it yourself), brush it with the resulting tomato sauce. Cut the turkey into small pieces and fry in a pan until tender. Combine 1 can of chopped bell peppers with 1 can of canned corn and 1 can of red beans. Put meat on the dough with sauce, then vegetables, sprinkle with your favorite cheese on top (100-150 grams). Bake at 200 degrees for 20 minutes.
Note! If you like fatty meats, adding marjoram to your dish is always a great idea. The spice helps the heavy meals to be absorbed better.
Interesting facts about dried marjoram
The word "marjoram" is of Arabic origin and translates as "excellent, unsurpassed." In ancient Egypt, there was a special attitude towards spices. It was used not only as a seasoning and for the preparation of medicines, rooms were also decorated with spices. The plant was considered a symbol of delight, a bouquet of fragrant marjoram was presented to a person if they wanted to express admiration.
The ancient Greeks and Romans were convinced that the plant had miraculous properties. They assured that the spice awakens courage and feelings. The spice was added to wine and drunk before battles and important dates. It was also believed that the plant helps to preserve and return love. Marjoram wreaths were worn on the heads of newlyweds so that they always live in harmony. Another interesting spice legend is related to the origin of the spice aroma. It was believed that the goddess of love herself, Aphrodite, endowed the plant with a delicious smell. The French were the first to come up with the idea of using the spice in winemaking. Later this tradition was adopted by other European countries. Then the spice began to be used by brewers, it replaced hops.
In the 16th century, the spice was used as tobacco. It was ground into powder and inhaled, it was believed that this procedure strengthens the heart, invigorates and clears the airways.
The most unusual uses of marjoram: in ancient times - the production of flavored water, with which hands were washed not only before, but also after eating; in modern times - adding a plant to paints and varnishes.
Watch a video about dried marjoram:
Marjoram is a healthy spice with an interesting history. It is in perfect harmony with any dish and, thanks to its unique composition, has many positive effects on the body. So any sensible housewife should have a spice in her kitchen and use it regularly. It is difficult to find fresh marjoram in Russia, but a bag of dry seasoning can be found in any supermarket in the seasoning department. Fortunately, the benefits of dried seasoning are no less, the main thing is not to allow long heat treatment and add the spice a couple of minutes before the dish is ready.
