Funky Soul

Funky Soul is a herb and spice label, and its range on our shelves is dried European herbs. Drying concentrates the flavour of leafy herbs, so a pinch of the dried version can stand in for a handful of fresh, and the jars keep far longer than a bunch from the fridge.

The Funky Soul herbs sit in our kasuri methi and dried herbs collection, part of the spices and masalas department. The range includes basil, with its sweet, peppery aroma; parsley, which is mild and fresh; and thyme, earthy and slightly lemony. In the same collection you will find kasuri methi, dried fenugreek leaves, for Indian cooking, as well as seasonings nearby.

Basil is the herb of Italian tomato sauce, pizza and pesto style dressings, and it works well in a masala pasta or a paneer and tomato bake. Parsley goes into garlic butter, couscous, tabbouleh style salads, omelettes and fish dishes, and is a gentle garnish for soups. Thyme is made for slow cooking: roast chicken and potatoes, stews, lentil soup and Sunday gravy. British Asian families increasingly mix these with Indian spices, for example thyme with black pepper and garlic on roast potatoes, or basil with chilli flakes on a tandoori pizza. Add dried herbs early in cooking so they have time to soften and release their flavour.

Crush dried herbs between your fingers as you add them to wake up their oils. Keep the jars closed and away from the steam of the hob, as moisture makes herbs clump and fade; most keep their best flavour for several months once opened. To compare Funky Soul with other dried herbs, browse the full dried herbs range or our herbal spices.