Basil

[donna]

Basil, the older name for which was "Sweet Basil" is an herb which is an annual plant of the mint family. Basil is a native of India and Persia but its pleasant flavor caused it to be transplanted to the North Mediterranean shore. A substantial quantity is now grown in the U.S. Most of the suppliers are now from Arizona. Some housewives grow the herb in their own gardens during the summer months.

The word 'Basil" comes from the Greek language and means King____King Herb. The herb is of ancient origin. In India, the Hindus planted it around their homes and temples to insure happiness. An Italian suitor would signify his matrimonial intentions by wearing a sprig in his hair.

The newly picked green leaves measure up to 1 1/2 inches in length. When dried, they turn to a brownish olive green. The flavor is sweet and warm with a pungent undertone.

In Italy, Basil is an important seasoning used particularly with tomato paste products, In France it is known as the "herbe royale". Sometimes it is used in conjunction with Oregano for sprinkling on Pizza Pies. It is increasing popular in modern cooking.

A skillful chef uses Basil in soups, meat pies, stews, tomato cocktails, cooked peas, squash and string beans. It adds a superb flavor to lamb. It is also used in the manufacture of Chartreuse and other liquors.

From: "A Handbook of Spice" by Durkee.

 

[donna]

My Mom always used Basil in many dishes. She was Italian and learned to use from her mother. This is a delicious recipe for peas that she made.

Italian Style Peas

1 tablespoon minced onions
1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
1/4 teaspoon Basil Leaves
2 slices boiled ham, shredded (About 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon Chicken Seasoned Stock Base
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 10 ounce package of frozen peas or 2 cups fresh or canned peas
1 tablespoon butter

Sauté onion, parsley flakes, basil leaves, and shredded ham in olive oil over low to medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water, seasoned stock base, and pepper; stir. Add peas and butter. Cover. Bring to a boil and simmer slowly 25 minutes or until peas are tender. These peas are especially good with chicken, veal, beef or omelets. Serves 4.

 

[CSA Today]

Basil, the older name for which was "Sweet Basil" is an herb which is an annual plant of the mint family. Basil is a native of India and Persia but its pleasant flavor caused it to be transplanted to the North Mediterranean shore. A substantial quantity is now grown in the U.S. Most of the suppliers are now from Arizona. Some housewives grow the herb in their own gardens during the summer months.

The word 'Basil" comes from the Greek language and means King____King Herb. The herb is of ancient origin. In India, the Hindus planted it around their homes and temples to insure happiness. An Italian suitor would signify his matrimonial intentions by wearing a sprig in his hair.

The newly picked green leaves measure up to 1 1/2 inches in length. When dried, they turn to a brownish olive green. The flavor is sweet and warm with a pungent undertone.

In Italy, Basil is an important seasoning used particularly with tomato paste products, In France it is known as the "herbe royale". Sometimes it is used in conjunction with Oregano for sprinkling on Pizza Pies. It is increasing popular in modern cooking.

A skillful chef uses Basil in soups, meat pies, stews, tomato cocktails, cooked peas, squash and string beans. It adds a superb flavor to lamb. It is also used in the manufacture of Chartreuse and other liquors.

From: "A Handbook of Spice" by Durkee.

Like Basil, grow it in my garden along with Rosemary and that Southern favorite -- Sage.

 

[BelleBlackburn]

Have to have basil in the kitchen garden. When I was in France I would see tables set with a pot of basil so patrons could use it as they wished on their food.

 

[MRB1863]

MrsMRB has a wonderful recipe for pesto using Basil, Garlic, Parmesan, Olive Oil, etc. She puts it on pasta to serve as a side dish or entree. It is delicious. If any interest in her recipe, I'll ask her to dig it up for posting.

 

[donna]

Please post recipe. I know many are interested.

 

[MRB1863]

PESTO SAUCE
2 cups firmly packed fresh basil, washed and drained
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup olive oil
In food processor blend basil and garlic until pureed. Blend in cheese. Slowly add oil while blending on low speed. Pesto is ready to serve over pasta or freeze. (It also makes a delicious spread applied after baking garlic bread)

 

[BelleBlackburn]

After you make pesto and see how much basil it takes you begin to understand why it costs so much to buy. I have also made parsley pesto when I had an abundance of it and it was good.

 

[Awanita]

we grow basil, and two years ago when fall was coming I had a co working that loved basil. I dug up about three smaller plants and put them into a flower pot and told him he could keep them inside. So he did. for the last two seasons he is using the same basil plants. I guess they seeded and smaller ones came up with the larger ones. But he says the plants are still living and putting off basil.

 

[Rio Bravo]

Basil - promotes clarity,purposefulness and enthusiasm. Use when feeling indecisive or lacking in direction.

If only Gen. Bragg knew about Basil !!!

 

[pamc153PA]

I always plant lots of basil. It germinates easily from seed. For me, it's an annual, because it bolts to flower pretty quickly in the hot weather. I can't ever seem to winter a plant over inside--the leaves drop off!

I plant at least a dozen plants, and then when they're about to flower, I make pesto. My recipe is similar to Mrs. MRB's above, got it from The Frugal Gourmet years ago. I freeze a lot of it in two-serving packs for the winter time, and it keeps well. I use it on pasta, pizza, and make vinegrette with it.

During the summer, I plant mostly Genovese basil, but I also have Thai basil and lemon basil. I use the first two in pasta sauce, stir fry, and chopped up over fresh tomatoes sprinkled with olive oil. The lemon basil I use mostly in fruit salad, lemonade, and some desserts.

This winter, I wanted to have fresh basil for a special family dinner, so I had to give in and buy a plant at the grocery store. It cost $4.99! I can buy several packets of basil seeds for that! Highway robbery!

 

[John Winn]

We love basil and when the lettuce bolts we replace it with basil. We make large batches and freeze it to use in the winter in all sorts of things. My recipe:

6 cups leaves
heaping tablespoon chopped garlic (from a jar)
1 cup nuts (I use walnuts although pine nuts are good, just very expensive and now coming from China)

grate slowly in a food processor
turn off processor and scrape off the sides so as to make it all consistent (it will be dry at this point)

turn on the processor and slowly add 1/2 cup olive oil through the top "tube" thingy

turn off processor and add 1 cup parmesan or romano cheese and maybe 1 tsp pepper
(need to top on to prevent spattering)

turn on processor to mix

I don't add any salt as I find the cheese is salty enough.

In addition to using it straight on pasta we sometimes:

dilute with a little milk or cream to make a sauce;
spread on a pizza shell instead of tomato sauce;
use in salad dressing with oil & vinegar;
mix with some cream cheese and use to stuff chicken breasts;
add to soups;
add to cooked vegetables;
in omelets;
add to spaghetti sauce.

 

[JeffBrooks]

I thought this was going to be about Basil Duke.

In any case, my two-year-old daughter won't eat scrambled eggs unless they have basil in them.

 

[Patrick H]

I have an herb garden just outside the kitchen door (where a good herb garden ought to be). In this garden, I have two varieties of basil...in addition to numerous other herbs. When the growing season is over, my wife makes pesto in freezer trays from the basil. We are never without it. I lived for decades without it. However, now that I'm accustomed to having it every year, I can't imagine how I got along without it!

If you do NOTHING else with basil, at least try this: On your next "from scratch" pizza, spread a bunch of freshly plucked basil leaves over the top before you serve it it. Or try a caprese salad made from sliced, vine-ripened tomatoes, cracked black pepper, fresh basil leaves and buffalo cheese. In either case, be prepared to be amazed and astounded.

 

[donna]

Pizza with Basil is delicious. As to Basil Duke, there are several threads on him. He has always been one of my favorites.

 

[donna]

Thought bump this older thread on Basil. There are some great recipes here for the herb.

 

[scone]

Have a Uncle named Basil... hmm