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Uses of Basil

9 Uses of Basil 

Basil, or Tulsi, is an herb that is used for culinary purposes i.e. for cooking. Even though associated mostly with Italian or Mediterranean cuisines, it actually originated in India. Apart from these cuisines even Thai and Vietnamese cuisines use basil to flavor their food. In India, basil is also known as Tulsi.

1. The best way to use fresh basil is to tear it into pieces and add it at the last moment to salads, pizzas or pastas. The reason behind this is that basil contains volatile oils which get destroyed on over cooking.

2. Generally basil is associated with Italian food because one of the most famous dishes, Pesto pasta, has originated in Italy. It is a basil, cheese, pine nut, garlic and olive oil sauce used in Italian cooking for pastas, pizzas, dips etc. 

3. Basil is also used to flavor soups, whether crushed or freshly torn, is also put over salads, starters and main course. 

4. Basil can be used as a dressing for salads or also as a marinade for cottage cheese. Simple Mozzarella and tomato salad becomes more exciting with a dash of fresh basil. 

5. Basil lends a unique flavor for ice creams and chocolates. The fresh leaves are steeped in milk and then made into ice-creams. 

6. Basil can be added to healthy stir-fries, especially those that include eggplant, cabbage, chili peppers, tofu etc. to give them a Thai flair. 

7. Enjoy a warm cup of Basil tea by infusing chopped basil leaves in boiling water. This is beneficial for one's health.

8. It is used in the preparation of infused oils, such as the basil oil used in making stir-fries.

9. Basil also adds a spark of freshness to different kinds of smoothies. These smoothies are perfect for rejuvenating on a hot summer's day or providing a kick start to the day. 

Uses Of Basil



1

basil and tomato pasta recipe | tomato basil pasta | spaghetti with tomato basil sauce | Indian tomato spaghetti | with 38 amazing images. basil and tomato pasta recipe | tomato basil pasta | spaghetti with tomato basil sauce | Indian tomato spaghetti is a perfectly pepped up pasta. Learn how to make spaghetti with tomato basil sauce. To make basil and tomato pasta, heat the olive oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the garlic and onions and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté on a high flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato pulp and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes or till the sauce thickens, while stirring occasionally. Add the chilli powder, tomato purée, sugar, salt and ¼ cup of water and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Switch off the flame, add the cream and basil leaves and mix well. Just before serving, re-heat the tomato basil sauce, add the spaghetti in it and toss well. Cook on a medium flame for 1 minute or till the sauce coats the spaghetti well. Serve hot garnished with the cheese and basil leaves. Pasta is always served with a sauce in southern Italy and the sauce invariably includes tomatoes, onions and garlic amongst its ingredients. Basil and tomato sauce is arguably one of the best known pasta sauces of Italy. In tomato basil pasta, spaghetti is accompanied with this famous basil and red tomato sauce. You can prepare larger quantities of this sauce and freeze it. Parboiled vegetables can also be added to this recipe. Indian tomato spaghetti is a perfect one dish meal which not only looks attractive and tempting to indulge into, but also has a burst of flavours. Basil is the taste enhancer, while fresh cream adds a luscious mouthfeel which kids and adults will enjoy alike. Tips for making tomato and basil pasta. 1. We have used readymade tomato puree as we need only 2 tbsp. The remaining can be removed from the tetra pack and stored in an air tight container in the freezer, it will lasts for 2 months. 2. The quantity of the sugar will depend on the sourness of the tomatoes. 3. We suggest that you make the tomato basil sauce and boil the spaghetti in advance, but mix and toss just before serving. This is to prevent the drying of the pasta and also for best texture and flavour. Enjoy basil and tomato pasta recipe | tomato basil pasta | spaghetti with tomato basil sauce | Indian tomato spaghetti | with step by step photos.

2

Genovese is one of the great sauces of Italy. The city of Genoa in Italy takes the credit of creating this sauce which uses the famous "pesto" (also originated in Genoa). This sauce is traditionally served with pasta. The addition of mushrooms enhances the taste of this already flavourful sauce. Pesto can be easily made at home - by pounding basil, garlic, walnuts and olive oil or you can buy ready-made pesto, available at speciality gourmet stores. Also try these recipes Fettuccine in Tomato Sauce and Fettuccine with Baby Corn and Walnuts .

3

Touched by the herby notes of basil and sweetened lightly with honey, pineapple gives us a really awesome smoothie that is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages. A pinch of salt is essential to balance the tartness of pineapple and highlight its sweetness instead. This amazing Pineapple Basil Smoothie has the refreshing flavour of pineapple, which seems to taste even better when flavoured with basil. You can garnish this drink with pistachios because the contrasting colour makes the smoothie even more tempting! If you love pineapples, then you must try out other options like the Peach Pineapple Smoothie and the Mango and Pineapple Smoothie too.

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