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What to do with Oregano

Teresa Cheely (Slow Dog Seasoning)

The word “oregano” is Greek for “delight of the mountains”, where it grows wild in many forms. True Greek oregano has a spicey aroma with notes of peppermint, pine and clove. It became popular in the U.S. when returning servicemen brought it along with them in the 1940’s. Pizza is the dish mostly associated with oregano and it is currently the most commonly purchased spice in the U.S. It is used medicinally for its antioxidant properties, both the flowers and the leaves can be used to make tea.

Simple Tomato Sauce

2 1/2 lbs. peeled, diced tomatoes
1 1/2 Tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram
1 cup finely diced onion
2 gloves minced garlic
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (scant)

Combine all in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and add a small amount of sugar if the tomatoes were acidic. Use as is or puree.