Table of Contents
What is basil good for in cooking?
The most common use of basil is for cooking, such as in tomato sauce, pesto, or vinegars. But it also can be sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes, either whole or chopped. To make oil for salads, pound the fresh leaves and mix with a good salad or vegetable oil.
How do you add fresh basil to a dish?
Add basil at the beginning of a long simmer and by the time you serve your dish, you’ll only taste a shadow of what it once was. That’s why it’s best to add the basil only in the last minute or so of cooking.
How do you prepare basil to eat?
How to Harvest Basil
- Start picking the leaves of basil as soon as the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall.
- Once temperatures hit 80°F (27°C), basil will really start leafing out.
- Harvest in the early morning, when leaves are at their juiciest.
- Make sure to pick the leaves regularly to encourage growth throughout the summer.
Is it OK to cook basil?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. Thai basil is stronger, with an anise flavor, while lemon and cinnamon basil are aptly named for the flavors they bring to the table.
Do you put basil on pizza before or after cooking?
Fresh basil should go on pizza after it’s baked, not before. Dried basil can go on before and/or after baking.
Should I pick basil from the top or bottom?
Harvesting Larger Amounts: Harvest the leaves from the top down, cutting back up to a third of the total plant height. Be sure to cut or pinch right above a leaf pair rather than leaving a stub. In a few weeks, your basil plants will be ready to harvest again.
What foods go with fresh basil?
Strawberries aren’t the only fruit that pairs well with basil. Basil also goes well with fruit like watermelon, lime, lemon, oranges, mango and other stone fruits. You can simply slice fruit, sprinkle a bit of sugar and grated ginger over them and garnish with torn basil leaves.
What can you make with Basil?
Basil can be used to jazz up everything from pasta and risotto to stir-fries and pork chops. Stuffed Eggplant Parm. Creamy Corn and Basil Orzotto . One-Pan Basil-Plum Pork Chops. Pesto Chicken Tart. Eggplant Caponata Sandwiches with Mozzarella and Basil. Squash, Bacon, and Goat Cheese Pasta with Basil. Quick and Easy Basil Beef.
What is Basil used for in cooking?
Basil is a very common ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese and chinese cooking . Due to its strong flavor similar to the anise (Pimpinella anisum), it is used as a condiment for curry and soups. It is often used in Mediterranean cooking , where it is used in various meat stews.
How do you cook Basil?
Place the basil leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for 2-4 hours, until the leaves are crumbly. Crumble & store: Remove the basil from the oven and cool. Crumble the basil leaves and store in airtight containers.