10 Great Ways to Use Up Fresh Basil
- Pesto.
- Infused Oil.
- Appetizers.
- Vegetable Soups.
- Salads.
- Pizza.
- Fish & Seafood Dishes.
- Sides.
How is basil commonly used in cooking?
This popular herb is used in a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, ranging from creamy sauces to light, herbaceous salads and spicy curries. Ingredients that are complimented by the addition of basil include meats like chicken and beef, olive oil, eggs, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
How is basil most commonly used?
Being among the most popular of herbs, basil is used in Italian foods, salad dressings, and drinks, as well as medicines such as cough syrups and other natural elixirs.
What does basil add to a dish?
Basil is a fresh herb that makes the flavor in several iconic dishes, and it’s a perfect backup character in others. You can add it to pizza, pasta, sauces, cocktails, and salads to add a burst of peppery, fresh flavor.
What should I do with my basil?
How to Use Basil
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
Can you put basil on pizza?
The best time to put the basil on your pizza is after it’s been baked, and it’s also best to do it right before serving. If you’re unsure, wait a few minutes and add the basil. If you’re using fresh basil on your pizza, it’s best to use it right after you’ve baked the pie.
Is eating basil good for you?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Should you cook basil?
If a recipe simply calls for “basil,” sweet basil is the way to go. Other varieties can have stronger flavors that can give you an unintended result in your recipes. 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.
Can you eat basil raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
What meat goes well with basil?
Sweet and fragrant basil complements tomato-based dishes including pizza, pasta and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with vegetable, chicken, pork or seafood.
Does basil make poop?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study.
Does basil taste like pepper?
1. Sweet basil/ Regular basil. Regular basil has a sweet and savory taste profile with peppery and minty undertones. Some also say it has a hint of anise.
How long does basil last in the fridge?
How long does basil stay fresh in the fridge? This depends on how you store it. It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.
Can you put basil in salad?
Peppery basil is an easy way to enliven a standard green salad. To cut basil, stack a few basil leaves (of similar size). Roll into a tight cylinder; with a sharp knife, slice crosswise into thin strips.
How much fresh basil do you put in spaghetti sauce?
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 medium onion, chopped, about 3/4 cup.
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes.
- 1 – 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper.
- pinch of red pepper flakes.
- 8 – 10 basil leaves, either chopped or left on the stalk.
Do Italians put basil on pizza?
9 Definitely In Italy: Basil Leaves
What you will find on your pizza in Italy is basil. Sweet and delicious basil is commonly used in many Italian dishes, particularly in the south of the country. It goes into pasta sauce, summer salads, and of course, on pizza.
Is basil similar to oregano?
Basil is a delightful alternative for oregano. Like oregano, it has a distinct flavor profile that is often associated with Italian cuisine. As a result, basil is best used as a substitute for Italian and other Mediterranean-inspired cuisines. Basil is an easy substitute for oregano in a 1:1 ratio.
Does basil go on pizza before or after?
Fresh basil should go on pizza after it’s baked, not before. Dried basil can go on before and/or after baking.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Does basil cause diarrhea?
If you’re not sure where the basil is from, you should avoid eating basil from Mexico. If you do not know what country it’s from, you should avoid eating any basil. Cyclospora is a parasite that usually causes diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.