B is for Basil A commonly used culinary herb for cooked dishes. There are many varieties of Basil and the most common used in the States is sweet. Basil is native to India, Southeast Asia, China and New Guinea. It is rich in Fiber, Vitamins A,C,K and B6 as well as Calcium,Zinc and Iron. Basil can lower anti-anxiety levels as well as inflammation. Basil is particularly tasty with tomatoes, but also works well in salads, chicken dishes or meat sauces. Recipe: Pesto with Pine Nuts Prep Time 5-6 mins Makes about 1 cup 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup pine nuts 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese (Optional) Prepare: Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 2/3 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Fun Tip: Pour into an ice cube tray, freeze and use to cook as needed. Whats your favorite Basil dish?
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 19:43:45 +0000