Bouquet garni

Bouquet garni is a traditional French herb bundle added to soups, broths, sauces, and braised dishes to impart deep aroma and flavor. The classic composition includes parsley, thyme, and bay leaf, tied together with kitchen twine or wrapped in cheesecloth. Depending on the recipe, rosemary, celery, leek, or dill may also be included. The bundle is placed whole into the pot and removed after cooking, eliminating the need to strain out the herbs. This technique is especially popular in French and Mediterranean cuisine. Bouquet garni is a key element in many classic dishes, such as bœuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and Provençal ratatouille.