Would one use holy basil to make pesto sauce? Are there other culinary uses?
I got some holy basil seeds (via mail) from a guy on an internet forum. I planted them and they are growing nicely. They taste similar to thai basil. Would one use holy basil to make pesto sauce? Are there other culinary uses for holy basil?
Best Answer
Use it the same as you would thai basil, or even "normal" basil. It's a little more strongly on the licorice flavor side of things than lettuce leaf basil, but it still works nicely in conjunction with tomatoes, garlic, and other "italian" flavors.
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Quick Answer about "Would one use holy basil to make pesto sauce? Are there other culinary uses?"
Use it the same as you would thai basil, or even "normal" basil. It's a little more strongly on the licorice flavor side of things than lettuce leaf basil, but it still works nicely in conjunction with tomatoes, garlic, and other "italian" flavors.Which basil is best for pesto?
Italian Large Leaf Italian Large Leaf Basil is the most commonly used in pesto. This variety offers a strong flavor for a robust fullness. When using fresh basil to prepare pesto, crush the leaves first to release the flavor, then add them to the olive oil.Can you mix different types of basil for pesto?
This pesto is made with a mix of sweet basil, Greek basil, Thai basil and cinnamon basil \u2013 a taste sensation. I didn't even need to add any cheese. I've been growing my own basil this summer and it has been super successful \u2013 lush, abundant and incredibly flavourful.Can you use holy basil in pasta sauce?
leave it out entirely (so the sauce will only contain garlic, onion, tomatoes, evoo and salt. replace with indian holy basil or tulsi (ocimum tenuiflorum) which is widely available - even have some in the garden.Can I use tulsi instead of basil in pasta?
Since both Tulsi and Thai holy basil (Kaphrao) is actually the same species, eventhough there might be some diffrences in under level, there may be no other better a substitute than it. However, Food can be adapted.Basil and it's Culinary Uses
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Answer 2
There was an article on pesto in the recent Saveur magazine. Here is what they wrote about Thai basil:
There are many varieties of Thai basil, which has a light anise flavor that doesn't dissipate when heated. Often used in stir-fries and curries, it makes for a gorgeously perfumed pesto.
Here is a link to the Thai basil reference: http://www.saveur.com/gallery/Many-Shades-of-Green/4 Here is the article itself: http://www.saveur.com/article/Kitchen/Glorious-Pesto-1000088723
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