10 Classic European Chervil Uses

Chervil looks a little like flat leaf Italian parsley combined with cilantro. It has the same frilly leaves that can be either flat or tightly curled. The big difference is that chervil leaves are smaller and thinner than those of cilantro and parsley. You will see chervil used a lot in French cuisine; it has a licorice flavor profile that is reminiscent of tarragon. Let’s take a look at some of the classic European uses of this fantastic herb.

For egg dishes

Chervil goes well with egg-focused dishes. Egg dishes are usually mild and therefore serve as a great background for Chervil’s delicate flavor. Sprinkle chopped chervil (the finer the chop the better) atop your scrambled eggs or in your omelet. It also makes a great addition to quiche. 

In salads

Chervil is a great green element for tossed salads. Its flavor complements those of the more traditional salad greens. Chervil works well in potato salads as well — its flavors pair well with those of mayonnaise and it can add an appetizing green color to an otherwise pale dish. 

In a fines herbes blend

Chervil is one of the French fines herbes blend that also includes tarragon, chives, and parsley

In a Bearnaise sauce

Along with shallots and peppercorns, chervil is one of the main flavors in Bearnaise sauce. Bearnaise sauce is one of the fundamental French sauces and is derived from hollandaise sauce. Bearnaise is made from butter emulsified with egg yolks and has a thick, creamy consistency. Bearnaise sauce is traditionally used on steak. 

Ravigote sauce

Also known as sauce ravigote, ravigote sauce is another classic acidic French sauce that features the fines herbs; some recipes for it also call for mustard. Chervil is one of the key ingredients. You use the ravigote sauce on mild meats and shellfish. 

Chervil sauce

The most basic of all the chervil sauces, sauce cerfeuil involves combining the herb with cream. Chervil sauce is usually paired with chicken or other poultry. It is also a popular option for serving on scallops. 

In vinegar

Herbed vinegars are popular ingredients in French cuisine and chervil is one of the herbs that work best for flavoring vinegar. Placing the chervil in white wine vinegar preserves its flavors and increases the number of ways that you can use it. You can make mayonnaise with chervil vinegar, a vinaigrette, or use it as a condiment. 

With cooked vegetables

Chervil is commonly used to flavor vegetables like peas. Some cooks believe that it enhances the sweetness of carrots. As with any dish, it is best to add chervil near the end of the cooking time because of its mild flavor and sensitivity to heat. 

Compound butter

Chervil’s flavor does not stand up to long cooking times; in fact, even a short cooking time might degrade its flavor and aroma. It is best to eat it raw whenever possible so making a herbed butter with it is a good way to enjoy its flavors with grilled or steamed foods. Combine the chopped herb with softened butter and use that butter to top your fish or seasonal produce. It is great with asparagus, beets and even cabbage.

On fish

Bearnaise sauce and chervil sauce are great French options for using chervil with fish, as is a chervil compound butter; however, not all of the methods are French. A Swedish method of using the herb on fish involves combining it with creme fraiche.