An aromatic herb with a spicy flavor and sweet scent, basil is used fresh or dried. Basil leaves vary from flat, small, round, green, red, and purple.
In Mediterranean cuisine, basil is used in tomato-based pasta sauces, salads, marinades, dressings, and cooked dishes, such as pizza, vegetable curries, meat preparations, etc.
Basil is the main ingredient in one of the most popular sauces, pesto sauce. Purple basil is a staple in Turkish cooking, adding flavor as a garnish to soups, stews, stuffing, and main dishes.
Basil is completely calorie-free, rich in fiber, has a repertoire of strong antioxidant propertiesand has medicinal properties and effects.
Tip: Basil can be used fresh or dried. However, dried basil is not as flavorful as the fresh version.
When using dried basil, use one-third of the amount you would use fresh basil leaves. For example, a tablespoon of fresh basil leaves would equal a teaspoon of the dried variety.
