Basil

Basil is a highly aromatic herb with a flavor profile that can be described as sweet, slightly peppery, and with subtle notes of mint, anise, and clove. It's a staple in Italian cuisine but is also used widely in Southeast Asian dishes. Here's how basil is used in cooking:

Pesto: One of the most popular uses of fresh basil is in making pesto, a sauce made from crushed basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pesto is often served with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or used as a topping for pizzas.

Tomato Dishes: Basil pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes, making it a common addition to tomato-based pasta sauces, bruschetta, caprese salad (a simple Italian salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil), and tomato soups.

Salads: Fresh basil leaves can be tossed into salads to add a burst of flavor. They complement a wide variety of salad ingredients, from leafy greens to fruits like watermelon and strawberries.

Marinades: Basil can be included in marinades for meats, poultry, and seafood, imparting its distinctive aroma and flavor to the dish.

Soups and Stews: Basil is often added to soups and stews, particularly those featuring Mediterranean or Southeast Asian flavors. It's typically added towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and color.

Infused Oils and Vinegars: Basil leaves can be steeped in oils and vinegars to create flavorful infusions that can be used in dressings, marinades, or as a finishing oil for various dishes.

Herbal Teas: Fresh or dried basil leaves can be steeped in hot water to make an aromatic herbal tea, often enjoyed for its purported health benefits.

Desserts: While less common, basil can be used in sweet applications, such as in basil-infused ice creams, sorbets, or in combination with fruits in desserts, where its herbal notes complement the sweetness.

Cocktails: Basil is used in a variety of cocktails and mocktails, where it adds a fresh, herbal element. It's often muddled to release its flavors and can be found in drinks like the Basil Smash or incorporated into lemonades and mojitos.

Rice and Grain Dishes: Chopped basil can be stirred into rice or grain dishes, such as risottos or quinoa salads, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.

Egg Dishes: Basil can be added to omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs, where it provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Pizza: Fresh basil leaves are a classic topping on pizzas, particularly the traditional Margherita pizza, where they are added after baking to preserve their flavor and aroma.

Basil is best used fresh to take full advantage of its vibrant flavor and aroma, but it can also be found dried for use when fresh isn't available. However, dried basil has a different flavor profile and is more muted, so it's typically used in cooked dishes where it has time to rehydrate and infuse its flavor. Fresh basil should be added towards the end of cooking or used raw to preserve its delicate flavor, as prolonged heat can cause it to lose its characteristic taste and aroma.