Basil
Basil, a fragrant herb with vibrant green leaves, is a staple in many cuisines. Its flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and peppery notes, often with a hint of anise or mint. The leaves are tender and slightly glossy, making them ideal for both fresh and cooked applications. Discover the culinary versatility of fresh basil leaves, dried basil, Thai basil, and sweet basil, exploring their distinct flavors and uses in everything from pesto to pizza toppings. Learn how to grow basil, store fresh basil to prolong its shelf life, and find creative basil recipe ideas for your next kitchen adventure. Whether you're looking to enhance Italian dishes or explore Southeast Asian flavors, basil is the perfect herb to elevate your cooking.
Common Uses
- Making homemade pesto: Fresh basil leaves are the star ingredient in classic pesto. Combine them with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a touch of salt for a vibrant and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a spread.
- Flavoring Italian tomato sauces: Add fresh or dried basil to your homemade tomato sauce to impart a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. Basil complements tomatoes beautifully and enhances the overall depth of the sauce. Explore adding basil to marinara sauce or pizza sauce for authentic Italian flavor.
- Garnishing pizzas and salads: Fresh basil leaves make an excellent garnish for pizzas and salads. Sprinkle chopped basil over a freshly baked pizza for a burst of flavor and color, or add whole leaves to a salad for a refreshing and aromatic touch.
- Infusing oils and vinegars: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with fresh basil leaves to create flavorful condiments. Simply add basil leaves to a bottle of oil or vinegar and let it sit for a few days or weeks. The infused oil or vinegar can be used for dressings, marinades, or dipping.
- Adding to Thai curries and stir-fries: Thai basil, with its distinct anise flavor, is a key ingredient in many Thai curries and stir-fries. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and aroma. It pairs particularly well with coconut milk-based curries and spicy stir-fries.
- Preparing herbal teas: Fresh or dried basil leaves can be used to make a soothing and aromatic herbal tea. Steep basil leaves in hot water for a few minutes and add honey or lemon to taste. Basil tea is known for its calming and digestive properties.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.7kcal (0.03%)
Protein
0.1g (0.14%)
Carbs
0.1g (0.04%)
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.7kcal (0.03%)
Protein
0.1g (0.14%)
Carbs
0.1g (0.04%)
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- May provide antioxidants to combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Source of Vitamin K, important for bone health and blood clotting.
- Contains essential oils that possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Potential to support digestive health and relieve indigestion.
- May help to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Storage Tips
Fresh basil is best stored like cut flowers. Place the stems in a glass of water and cover loosely with a plastic bag. Keep at room temperature and change the water every 1-2 days. Avoid refrigerating fresh basil, as it can cause the leaves to turn black. For longer storage, basil leaves can be blanched and frozen or made into pesto and refrigerated or frozen.
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