Basil is a great herb to grow indoors or out, and the abundance of leaves often leaves us wondering what to do with them all.
Basil is a great herb to grow indoors or out, and the abundance of leaves often leaves us wondering what to do with them all. There’s much more to basil than tasting great with tomatoes or being turned into a pesto, and here’s 20 ways you can use up your extra basil leaves.
Pesto has to be one of the best-known basil-based recipes, and is great on pasta, pizza and salads, or with meat and fish. The classic pesto uses fresh basil, raw garlic, parmesan, pine nuts and extra-virgin olive oil.
There are many ways to use basil in cooking. Here are a few ideas: Use it as a garnish: Basil leaves can be used to garnish a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Add it to sauces: Basil is a popular ingredient in many pasta sauces, and it can also be added to homemade pesto or tomato sauce.
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As I said above, basil is cold-sensitive, so pick it right before you want to use it. Otherwise, store stalks at room temperature in a glass of water. You can also freeze it for longer storage – read more about freezing herbs on page 94 of Love & Lemons Every Day.
If you have a few sprigs of basil on hand that you don’t know what to do with, you can never go wrong by topping them onto avocado toast. I’ll also add whole leaves straight to sandwiches or blend them into a creamy spread to make a vibrant, hearty vegetarian sandwich filling.
With its sweet, fresh flavor, basil is a wonderful unexpected addition to desserts, especially when it’s paired with summer fruits. Try stirring it into the filling of strawberry shortcake or blending it into a berry sorbet. Or keep things simple – just sprinkle it over berries with a dollop of coconut cream.
After a few years of trial and error, Jack and I can safely say that, as long as you have access to a good sunny spot, growing basil is something everyone can do. More importantly, I think that it’s something everyone should do, especially if you enjoy cooking. Buying those small packets of herbs in the store is far more expensive than growing your own, and I’ve found that when I have basil, thyme, and mint right outside my back door, I toss them onto everything. Growing herbs has become my go-to strategy for making easy meals into elevated ones – a handful of fresh herbs can transform a simple pizza or pasta into something bright, flavorful, and delicious.
Fresh basil is a pizza essential! I like to blend it into pesto to dollop on generously along with the veggie toppings. I also almost always finish pizzas with a few whole leaves. Be sure to add these right before serving so that they don’t get brown and lose their flavor in the oven.
Sauces and Soups
Tomato and basil are a classic pairing, which is why adding some fresh or dried basil to tomato-based pasta sauces is a great idea.
Basil is also great when added to soups. The obvious choice is tomato soup, but try adding basil to carrot, zucchini, pea, broccoli, vegetable or chicken soups.
5 Uses of FRESH BASIL
FAQ
What foods does basil go with?
What are the most common uses for basil?
What is the main use of basil?
Does basil add flavor to food?
What can I do with Basil?
Heck, you can even add basil to summer desserts, like the lemon-basil shortbread cookies, for a bright, herby, and delightfully surprising treat. Whether you’re growing basil or just picking up a bunch from the store, there are so many basil recipes to choose from!
What are the uses of sweet basil?
The roughness of the leaves resembles those of mint. Fresh, it can be used to prepare fish, salads, pizza, pasta, mushrooms, meat, sandwiches and soups. In addition to helping to relieve intestinal colic and improves digestion.
What are the different types of Basil used in cooking?
There are different types and varieties of basil used in cooking, each with its unique flavor and aroma. The most commonly used type of basil is sweet basil, also known as Genovese basil. It has a sweet and slightly minty flavor and is often used in Italian cuisine, especially in making pesto sauce.
Why should you use Basil in regional cuisine?
The use of basil in regional cuisine highlights its crucial role in enhancing the flavor and aroma of various dishes. Basil not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.