Recipes


Our recipe collection is all about simple, nourishing food made with seasonal and local ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these recipes are easy to follow and designed to bring a bit of comfort and creativity to your kitchen. We’ll be adding new favourites as we go, feel free to try them out, tweak them, and share your own versions with us.

Incredible Edibles

We’re delighted to be running the Incredible Edibles – Garvagh project again in 2025, thanks to the support of the RiverRidge Environmental Trust. Around the town, you’ll spot our herb planters bursting with fresh, seasonal herbs for everyone to enjoy. These herbs are free to pick and use at home, and here on our website you’ll find delicious recipes to inspire you.

Click a button below to find recipes for every course – from fresh starters to flavour packed mains and more.


Starters

Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy butternut squash soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Lightly seasoned with fresh herbs, ginger, and a touch of honey, it’s naturally sweet, gently spiced, and perfect for warming up on a crisp day. Serve with crusty bread for a simple, satisfying meal.

Mixed Green Salad

A light and refreshing starter made with crisp baby greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, all tossed in a zesty lemon–tarragon vinaigrette. Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, this salad balances bright citrus with a subtle hint of tarragon, making it the perfect beginning to any meal.

Baked Stilton

A rich, comforting starter or side, this dish takes creamy Stilton and bakes it with garlic and rosemary until warm, gooey, and full of flavour. Perfect served with crusty bread, spooned over steak or roasted vegetables, or added to a cheeseboard as a molten centrepiece. Simple to prepare in just 15 minutes, it’s a crowd pleaser for both casual meals and special occasions.


Mains

Thyme Chicken Linguine

This Thyme Chicken Linguine is a beautiful balance of fresh, fragrant, and hearty flavours. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in thyme and garlic, then pan-fried until golden. They’re paired with linguine and a rich homemade tomato sauce, bursting with fresh herbs.

Roast Turkey

This roast turkey is simple, fragrant, and full of flavour. A thyme, garlic, and lemon butter keeps the meat tender and juicy, while the herbs and citrus lift the richness. Roasted until golden and served with pan juices or a quick gravy, it’s a centrepiece dish perfect for gatherings and family celebrations.

Slow-Cooked Beef

Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, parsley, anchovies, and capers for a rich, savoury dish full of flavour. The fresh parsley lifts the slow-cooked sauce, adding brightness to the deep umami base. Perfect served with mash, rice, polenta, or crusty bread, this comforting recipe is even better the next day, a true family favourite

Lamb Chops with mint & garlic

Tender lamb chops are marinated with fresh mint, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then grilled or roasted until golden and juicy. Rested for full flavour and served with simple sides like roasted beetroot, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad, this dish is a perfect balance of bright, herby freshness and rich savoury depth.

Thai Spaghetti Meatballs

This dish brings together the comfort of Italian pasta with a fragrant Thai twist. Juicy meatballs are packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a gentle kick of chilli, then simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce with earthy porcini mushrooms. Served over perfectly cooked spaghetti and finished with parmesan and basil.

Pork Chops with apple & Sage

Juicy pork chops are pan-seared until golden, then paired with sweet apples, caramelised onions, and crispy sage. A splash of cider or stock creates a light, flavourful sauce, making this dish the perfect balance of savoury and sweet. Delicious with creamy mash and roasted seasonal vegetables.

Baked Sea Bass

A light and aromatic main dish, this recipe pairs tender sea bass with fresh lemon slices and a hint of tarragon. Baked in parchment for 15 minutes, the fish steams gently in its own juices, creating a simple yet elegant meal. Perfect with greens, salad, or potatoes, it’s a fresh and dairy-free option that lets the herbs shine.


Sides

Roasted Carrots

Sweet, earthy carrots are roasted until golden, then lightly glazed with honey and fresh ginger for a warm, aromatic kick. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon, this simple side dish is bright, fresh, and the perfect complement to roast meats, fish, or festive vegetarian plates.

Roasted Beetroot

Earthy beetroot is roasted until tender and caramelised, with garlic, rosemary, and a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness. A splash of balsamic adds depth, while the vibrant colour makes it perfect alongside roast meats, tossed through salads, or even served chilled with cheese and bread


Sauces

Tarragon Sauce

This light and silky sauce is inspired by classic French cooking but can be made completely dairy-free and vegan. Fresh tarragon adds a subtle anise flavour that lifts simple ingredients, while cream (plant based) keeps it smooth and versatile. Perfect for spooning over beef, fish, vegetables, or plant based mains, it’s an easy way to add elegance to everyday meals.

Mint Yoghurt Sauce

This simple dip is a true kitchen staple, quick to make, endlessly versatile, and full of flavour. The creamy yoghurt base keeps it light, while fresh mint and a hint of garlic lift it into something special. Use it to cool down spicy dishes, drizzle over roasted veg, or spoon alongside grilled lamb and summer salads.


Desserts

Poached Pears

A simple yet elegant dessert, these gently poached pears are simmered in a light syrup of sugar, lemon, and warm spices. They can be made with water or a splash of white wine for extra depth, and served warm or chilled with a drizzle of syrup. A small sprig of tarragon adds a delicate herbal note for those who enjoy a subtle twist.

Apple & Thyme Pastry Squares

Crisp puff pastry topped with tender apple slices, cinnamon, and a touch of fresh thyme makes these simple squares a delicious treat. Baked until golden and flaky, they’re perfect served warm with ice cream, cream, or enjoyed on their own with a cup of tea. Easy to make from one sheet of pastry, they’re a rustic yet elegant dessert for any occasion.

Fruit Salad

Light, juicy, and refreshing, this fruit salad blends melon, strawberries, and fresh orange juice with the delicate flavour of pineapple mint. Half the melon is puréed into a bright fruit sauce, then spooned over diced fruit and berries for a vibrant summer dish. Perfect for brunch, picnics, or a light dessert.


Herbs

Herb Pairing

Our herb pairing chart is designed to help you make the most of fresh flavours. You’ll find simple suggestions on what herbs go best with meats, vegetables, and fruits, whether you’re roasting, making sauces, or mixing a summer cocktail, this guide makes it easy to discover the perfect pairing and bring your cooking to life.

Mint Guide

Mint is one of the most versatile herbs you can grow, adding freshness and flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes. From vibrant salads and cooling sauces to refreshing drinks, soups, and even desserts, mint brings a bright lift to everyday meals. Whether stirred into yogurt, steeped in tea, or sprinkled over fruit, this simple garden herb proves it’s far more than just a garnish.

Chives Guide

Chives may be small, but they pack a gentle punch of onion-garlic flavour that brightens up countless dishes. Easy to grow and endlessly versatile, both the slender green leaves and the purple blossoms are edible, making them as pretty as they are tasty. From eggs and salads to butters, oils, and even homemade vinegar, chives are the perfect finishing touch that turns simple food into something special.


Share Your Incredible Edibles Creations

We’d love to see what you’ve been cooking! If you’ve tried one of our recipes or created your own dish using herbs from the Incredible Edibles planters, why not share it with us?

  • Take a photo of your dish
  • Tell us which herbs you used and how you enjoyed it
  • Post it on social media and tag us using #GarvaghIncredibleEdibles

Your ideas and inspiration could be featured on our page, helping more people in our community discover delicious, seasonal ways to use fresh herbs.