Dill Leaves Overview
Dill leaves, also known as Suva or Shepu in India, are feathery, aromatic herbs widely used in various cuisines. Dill is appreciated for its fresh, grassy flavor and slight anise-like sweetness. Commonly used in Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Indian cooking, dill leaves pair well with both fresh salads and rich, creamy dishes.
Health Benefits of Dill Leaves
- Rich in Antioxidants: Dill contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells.
- Aids Digestion: Dill is known to reduce bloating and aid digestion due to its essential oils that soothe the stomach.
- Supports Bone Health: High in calcium, dill can contribute to strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Boosts Immunity: The herb has antibacterial properties and can help strengthen the immune system.
- Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: Dill may aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, beneficial for people with diabetes.
Nutritional Value (Per 100g of Fresh Dill Leaves)
- Calories: 43 kcal
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Fat: 1.1 g
- Vitamin C: 85 mg
- Calcium: 208 mg
- Iron: 6.6 mg
How to Eat Dill Leaves
- In Salads: Dill leaves add a fresh, tangy taste to salads.
- In Soups: Add to soups at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
- As a Garnish: Sprinkle on top of cooked vegetables or fish for a flavor boost.
- In Parathas and Curries: Dill pairs well in Indian parathas and mixed vegetable curries.
- In Dips: Blend into yogurt or cream-based dips for a refreshing twist.
Flavor Profile of Dill Leaves
Dill leaves have a grassy, tangy flavor with hints of lemon and a slight resemblance to fennel or anise. Their unique taste is refreshing and adds depth to both light and rich dishes.
Recipes Using Dill Leaves
Indian Recipes
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Dill Leaves Paratha
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Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour: 1 cup
- Chopped dill leaves: 1/2 cup
- Carom seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Oil or ghee: for cooking
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Steps:
- Mix flour, dill leaves, carom seeds, and salt; knead with water into a soft dough.
- Divide into balls, roll out each ball, and cook on a griddle with oil or ghee.
- Serve hot with yogurt or pickle.
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Ingredients:
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Dill Leaves and Potato Curry
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Ingredients:
- Chopped dill leaves: 1 cup
- Cubed potatoes: 2 cups
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Chopped onion: 1
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and chili powder: to taste
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Steps:
- Heat oil, add cumin seeds and onions, and sauté until golden.
- Add potatoes, turmeric, and salt; cook until potatoes are soft.
- Stir in dill leaves and cook for 3–5 minutes before serving.
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Ingredients:
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Dill Rice
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Ingredients:
- Basmati rice: 1 cup
- Chopped dill leaves: 1/2 cup
- Ghee: 1 tbsp
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
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Steps:
- Heat ghee, add cumin seeds, and then stir in dill leaves.
- Add rice and salt, and cook until rice is tender.
- Serve with curry or raita.
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Ingredients:
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Dill Moong Dal
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Ingredients:
- Yellow moong dal: 1/2 cup
- Chopped dill leaves: 1/2 cup
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Curry leaves: a few
- Salt and turmeric powder: to taste
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Steps:
- Sauté mustard seeds and curry leaves, add moong dal, dill leaves, salt, and turmeric.
- Add water, simmer until dal is soft, and serve warm.
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Ingredients:
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Dill and Fenugreek Pakoras
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Ingredients:
- Chickpea flour (besan): 1 cup
- Chopped dill leaves: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fenugreek leaves: 1/4 cup
- Salt, chili powder, and carom seeds: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Oil: for frying
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Steps:
- Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
- Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden.
- Serve with chutney.
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Ingredients:
Non-Indian Recipes
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Creamy Dill Dip
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Ingredients:
- Fresh dill: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Greek yogurt: 1 cup
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp
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Steps:
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve with raw veggies or pita.
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Ingredients:
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Dill-Infused Lemon Salmon
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Ingredients:
- Salmon fillet: 2 pieces
- Fresh dill: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
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Steps:
- Marinate salmon with lemon, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes.
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Ingredients:
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Dill and Cucumber Salad
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Ingredients:
- Sliced cucumber: 1 cup
- Fresh dill: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
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Steps:
- Mix cucumber, dill, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve chilled.
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Ingredients:
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Dill Pesto Pasta
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Ingredients:
- Fresh dill: 1/2 cup
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup
- Pine nuts: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Salt and pepper: to taste
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Steps:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Toss with cooked pasta.
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Ingredients:
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Dill and Potato Soup
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Ingredients:
- Potatoes (cubed): 1 cup
- Fresh dill: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Vegetable broth: 3 cups
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
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Steps:
- Sauté onion in olive oil, add potatoes and broth, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in dill and season before serving.
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Ingredients:
Dill leaves are a versatile herb that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with them in your cooking to bring a fresh and unique flavor to your meals!