Basil is one herb I try and have on hand at all times. You can use it in so many dishes, including appetizers, soups, breads, main dishes such as chicken and even desserts. Plant this herb in a pot, great in garden boxes or among your flower beds. Mostly used in the Italian Diet, and often seen in sauces such as pesto, and used as a garnish in salads, pastas, and meats. There are many varieties of this herb, as they vary in flavor, color and size. I often plant several types, depending on my recipes and how I want it flavoring my dishes. Herbs are very easy to grow by seed, and Renee Garden Seeds is an organic company, one I can trust and which has excellent products.
When using as a topping on your roasted vegetables, soups, or pasta dishes, gently tear into pieces and add to your dish. Or you can roll the leaves up, use a sharp pairing knife and cut thinly into strips. This is called “chiffonade” in culinary terms.
Basil Oil
1 oz. basil leaves
1/2 oz. parsley leaves
1/2 cup olive oil.
Blanch the basil and parsley in salted water for 20 seconds. Place in a bowl of ice cubes to keep their color, drain well. Combine the blanched herbs with oil in a blender and puree until smooth.
Try drying your herbs to preserve them!
Recipe for Basil Salt
1/4 cup coarse salt
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Place salt and the herb in a small processor, pulse until finely chopped.
Spread mixture on a 15×10 parchment lines sheet pan.
Bake until mixture appears dry, about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, cool completely in pan.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Other types of this herb is my Greek variety in my garden. It has more of a cinnamon flavor which is perfect for our Greek sauces, grilled vegetables, salads and soups.
You may enjoy more of my recipes:
Cold Lentil Salad with Tomatoes, Basil and Feta
Chilled Cucumber Soup with Avocado, Tomato and Basil
Savory Basil Cheesecake Appetizer
Pot up a plant and enjoy your summer,
© 2025, Mary Papoulias-Platis. All rights reserved.
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Hello from California Greek Girl. I’m the owner of Ethos Culinary located in the beautiful city of Carlsbad. Join me as we explore California’s bounty of foods, farmlands, and culinary experts. I’m looking forward to bringing you Greek, Mediterranean and Plant-Forward Cuisines. OPA!
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