There is controversy surrounding the usefulness of the bay leaf, as some love it and others hate it. Chef Ina Garten doesn’t pick a side and isn’t sure the herb makes a difference.
Bay leaves put people off because they remain stiff, tough, and sharp no matter how long they are cooked. They also add layers of subtle flavors to a dish rather than overpower it.
On the “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” Garten said, “I always also wonder whether a bay leaf makes a difference.” She said she uses them in recipes but wanted to try excluding them.