Anybody have any tasty recipes that involve basil? I'm growing a basil forest in my house. I put a few leaves in a bowl of soup yesterday. I still have about 485 basil leaves left. Any recipes suggestions are highly appreciated. :)
Make a bunch of pesto - you can store it and use it any time. Google recipes or here's what I have in a Rachael Ray book: Toast a handful of pine nuts until golden brown. Heat 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil and 2 cloves garlic in a small pan on low heat. Put the above, 1/4 lb grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and about 40-50 leaves of basil in a blender and pulse until a paste forms. I'm pretty sure there are pesto recipes without cheese. Also, I'm not really sure the best way to store (freezer?), so look that up.
You could also saute some basil and tomato (I'd do cherry) in some olive oil and put it and some extra olive oil over pasta. If you're doing dairy, you could put parmesan on it too. Also, if you're doing dairy, basil, tomato, and mozzarella on pizza (a little olive oil on the crust, nothing else) or as a toasted sandwich (maybe on pita?).
I've also seen it served in drinks lately. I haven't done much with it, but you could experiment with probably almost anything!
So that's how basil grows! How cool! I'd love to have my own. I mostly like to make margarita pizza. just had it a couple nights ago actually. Directions: Crust brushed with olive oil, then add mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, pieces of basil, sprinkle on quite a bit of garlic powder, add some globs of ricotta cheese (opt'l), a little more mozzarella cheese. Bake until melted and golden a little. So good, I just love it.
Also made this Creamy Tomato-Basil Chicken this summer and it was yummy. http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/02/tri-color-pasta-salad.html And also super yummy was this Tri-Color Pasta Salad http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/02/tri-color-pasta-salad.html
Chop some with EVOO in a food processor, scoop into ice cube trays, add some water. Freeze and drop in zip block bags, store in freezer. Pull cube or two out when you are making stews, soups, slow cooker meals. It works SO well for storing all those extra basil leaves you know you'll never use:)
Make a bunch of pesto - you can store it and use it any time. Google recipes or here's what I have in a Rachael Ray book: Toast a handful of pine nuts until golden brown. Heat 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil and 2 cloves garlic in a small pan on low heat. Put the above, 1/4 lb grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and about 40-50 leaves of basil in a blender and pulse until a paste forms. I'm pretty sure there are pesto recipes without cheese. Also, I'm not really sure the best way to store (freezer?), so look that up.
ReplyDeleteYou could also saute some basil and tomato (I'd do cherry) in some olive oil and put it and some extra olive oil over pasta. If you're doing dairy, you could put parmesan on it too. Also, if you're doing dairy, basil, tomato, and mozzarella on pizza (a little olive oil on the crust, nothing else) or as a toasted sandwich (maybe on pita?).
I've also seen it served in drinks lately. I haven't done much with it, but you could experiment with probably almost anything!
Good luck!
My favorite kind of sandwich!
ReplyDeleteTomato slices, basil leaves, cheese (provolone or mozzarella slices) on a baguette! So easy and so delish!
So that's how basil grows! How cool! I'd love to have my own. I mostly like to make margarita pizza. just had it a couple nights ago actually. Directions: Crust brushed with olive oil, then add mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, pieces of basil, sprinkle on quite a bit of garlic powder, add some globs of ricotta cheese (opt'l), a little more mozzarella cheese. Bake until melted and golden a little. So good, I just love it.
ReplyDeleteAlso made this Creamy Tomato-Basil Chicken this summer and it was yummy. http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/02/tri-color-pasta-salad.html And also super yummy was this Tri-Color Pasta Salad http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/02/tri-color-pasta-salad.html
Basil. I love it!
Chop some with EVOO in a food processor, scoop into ice cube trays, add some water. Freeze and drop in zip block bags, store in freezer. Pull cube or two out when you are making stews, soups, slow cooker meals.
ReplyDeleteIt works SO well for storing all those extra basil leaves you know you'll never use:)