You know how some people say “put a cherry on top”?
We say, put some dill on it.
Because if you’re Latvian, you know:
Dill isn’t a garnish.
It’s a way of life.
Potatoes? With dill.
Cucumbers? With dill.
Eggs, fish, cottage cheese, rye bread spread with something mysterious and creamy? Yup—dill.
Dill is comfort. It’s summer in a handful. It’s grandma’s kitchen, open windows, and a big enamel bowl full of new potatoes just dug from the garden.
And yes, I grow my own. Of course I do.
It self-seeds. It invades beds it wasn’t invited to. But honestly, I’m not mad about it. I pick a handful, sniff it like a herbalist checking for magic, and toss it into whatever I’m making—even if it wasn’t in the recipe. (Especially if it wasn’t in the recipe.)
The smell alone is enough to make me sigh.
Fresh dill smells like home.
And if someone ever asks, “Why is there dill in this?”
Well.
I’m Latvian.
Of course there’s dill.
Ilze
Discover more from a day in the life of a latvian mom
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Your food looks so healthy, Ilze. Where do Latvians usually live? I might need to Google it.🙈
And then, I googled and found out that there’s a Latvia country. Gosh, how little I know.🤭
That made me smile! Yes, Latvia is a tiny country by the Baltic Sea—lots of forests, lakes, and dill! Follow my blog to find out more 😄 Have you ever tried something similar to Latvian food?
I think I already followed you. Yes, I’m pretty sure Latvia is a beautiful country.
I haven’t tried any food similar to Latvian food yet, I think. I mostly eat what’s available in my garden and hometown like fish, meat, and veggies.
I love dill and use it a lot too…well, with a Swedish husband and Polish father dill is also a way of life 😀
With a Swedish husband and a Polish dad, it sounds like you’ve got dill in your DNA too! What’s your favorite dill-heavy dish?
I think a simple potato salad with lashings and lashings of dill.
Hello IIlze, Dill reminds me of my childhood, my mum used it a lot in salads and soups, and when I make Sauerkraut soup always have to put in a bit of Dill.
Oh yes, dill in sauerkraut soup! That’s such a comforting combination. Do you still make it?
Yes, but without the meat, mainly make a some in the colder months.
I love the photos! Wish I liked dill more, but it is definitely a pretty herb.
aha, fair enough! Even if you’re not a fan of the taste, you’re right—it’s a gorgeous herb to photograph! Do you have a favorite herb for flavor instead?
Well for fresh herbs, I love basil, cilantro, thyme, and parsley. For dried, I love thyme.
What quiet lives my wife and I have led! Dill on fish, yes, but you’re putting it on…everything! Wonderful. Must try! You are lucky to grow so much. Do you think it would grow in a pot? I will have to Google that one. Lovely photos,
Absolutely, dill grows wonderfully in pots! Just give it sun and regular trimming. Let me know if you try—you might catch the “dill fever” too!
😊🙏
I love dill too, Ilze. I don’t use nearly as much as you do, but then, I’m not Latvian, lol. I may just try introducing it into more recipes tho 🙂
Haha, exactly! Once you start sneaking dill into dishes, it’s hard to stop. If you try it somewhere new, tell me how it goes!
What the dilly! ☺️😊
What the dilly indeed! 😄
LOL!! An old insult we used years ago was to call someone a dill-weed. 😂
Looks so good! My husband is Iranian. They love dill too and now, so do I!
That’s so interesting! Do you and your husband cook with fresh dill together? I’d love to hear an Iranian dill recipe if you have one!
https://turmericsaffron.blogspot.com/2009/06/shevid-baghali-polow-dill-lima-beans.html
That is a nice recipe. I hope you will like it. I cook by myself.
‘Tere’ from an Estonian-born who has lived most of her life in Australia and just found you on the ‘Thistles and Kiwis’ blog from New Zealand. Just had to subscribe and pop in to say of course dill goes into absolutely everything and just happens to be my favourite herb! So, I am changing your utterance to ‘We are Baltic. Of course there is dill!’ Oh, my favourite auntie married Latvia’s Head of Police way back when – I do have a couple of Latvian cousins . . . and am so looking forwards to your posts :)!
Tere, neighbor! 😊 That’s so heartwarming to hear—yes, we’re definitely a Baltic dill-loving tribe. I love that you have Latvian cousins—do you still keep in touch? When was the last time you visited any of the Baltics? Europe?
Am laughing! There is a ‘wee’ age difference twixt us and my older Latvian cousins are no longer alive, I’m afraid . , , and I haven’t had the opportunity to be back awhile either 🙁 ! Life !!! Do keep in contact tho’ and have many friends all over the Baltic. Truly fun to have discovered you . , . . we just may have a few things in common . . .
Dill is expensive here. I’ve tried to grown my own, but without success.
I can’t believe what you are writing 🙂 Don’t start dill in the hot season, start it in cold 🙂 Try again, and collect the seeds, so the next ones are better for your climate! Dill is cheap here..