Tuesday, May 17, 2011

BASIL: THE KING OF HERBS

Basil, from the Greek basileus, which means “King”, is a wonderful aromatic herb that adds flavour to many foods.

The most common use of basil is for tomato sauce and pesto. I like to sprinkle dried basil over salads and sliced tomatoes, for which it has a particular affinity.  Basil also pairs up alluringly with onions and garlic.

Since I use so much basil, when I saw a giant 26 ounce container of dried sweet basil selling for just a couple of dollars, I bought it. A friend calls it “a lifetime supply”, but I doubt it.

This wonderful king of herbs is widely used for Thai dishes as well as Italian cuisine. Soups, stews, compound butters, flavoured oils and of course Pizza, Focaccia and Bruschetta are all enhanced by basil.

I’m happily using dried basil every chance I get but if you don’t make use of it often, here are a couple of applications you might be interested in knowing about.

Simple Lemon Butter Sauce

This goes well on broiled fish fillets or blanched broccoli spears.

3 tablespoons of butter, melted
1 teaspoon of lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon of dried basil


Parmesan Basil Butter Sauce

This easy sauce is fabulous for corn on the cob.

3 tablespoons of butter, melted
1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil

For either sauce, combine all and heat in microwave or stovetop.



19 comments:

Leovi said...

I love basil. For sliced ​​tomatoes I use oregano and olive oil with some salt.

Wellington Artist said...

Okay so if you love basil so much you are doing yourself a disservice by using dried! Once you use fresh you won't be able to go back. It's easy to grow even on a window sill indoors in winter! By the way thank you for your concern about my Yorkie, Hershi. I didn't mean he was really in heaven only heaven on earth. He is very much alive and well at only two and a half. And boy does he love mommy's short rib bones!

Unknown said...

this is such a simple yet absolutely delicious, quick recipe with my hot favorite herb :)
Following you :)Look forward to see you on my blog too - your best stop for yummy & quick veggie recipes. Cheers priya

Torviewtoronto said...

i don't use it too much thank you for sharing will think of using it more

Gujjari said...

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aipi said...

I love love basil ~ a great informative post!
US Masala

Sylvia Ney said...

I use it quite a bit for Italian dishes. I wish I knew more about Thai food.

JL Dodge said...

Love basil, grow it fresh in my garden...so yummy !!

baygirl32 said...

lemon butter sauce... yummy!

love basil! funny thing, if you put basil on the bar-b-q is smells like a rock concert! lol

Joanne said...

I grow basil every year and it is wonderful! Blessings, Joanne

Kathy said...

Wow that is a lot of basil. I've only ever grown it in a small herb container garden. We don't put our vegetables in until late may or early June. Even then the vegetable garden is small.Sounds like you've got a great crop growing. Nothing like fresh vegetables from your own yard!!
Thanks for stopping by Oak Lawn Images
Kathy

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Anthony, looks like you've conditioned me! Everytime I visit your blog, my mouth automatically waters! ;)

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend. :)

♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!

Stephanie said...

I also loved basil but never knew what to do with the dry stuff. Thanks!

Priya Sreeram said...

the parmesan sauce with dried basil keeps me hooked- good one !

Southpaw said...

I love fresh basil, but dried basil not so much. However, I can't do without it when making pasta sauce.

Margo Kelly said...

and ... now ... I'm hungry.

Uh - YUM! thanks for the ideas.

Mehjabeen Arif said...

Love the Basil..

New to your space and Happy to follow u :)

Do visit mine as time permits
http://comeletseat.blogspot.com

the Junkie book said...

cant believe five days have passed so fast...

this is a simple superb post...i love the lemon butter sauce; yes a terrific topper for fish.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I don't use basil as much as I used to. I really should get it out more :)

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