Dried basil - benefits of Indian spice. How to use basil in cooking, what dishes to add to and what spices to mix with

In the article we discuss basil - how to use the plant. You will find out what seasonings the spice goes with. We will tell you how to add basil to meat dishes, winter preparations, sauces and desserts.

How to use basil in cooking

Fresh and dried basil is used in cooking

Basil is called the royal herb. It is widely used in cooking, adding to main dishes, salads, snacks, sauces and drinks.. Basil greens are popular in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.

Fresh or dried basil leaves, as well as its seeds, are used as an aromatic seasoning. The taste of the spice in the finished dish reveals itself gradually - first the basil gives a bitterness, then a sweetish aftertaste appears.

What to eat basil with:

• meat;
• fish;
• vegetables;
• legumes;
• dairy products;
• eggs.

What dishes do you add fresh basil to?

Young basil leaves are added to appetizers, salads and sandwich mixes. Greens are used for canning and making marinade. Basil goes well with meat, fish, vegetables and legumes.

It is added to tomatoes, eggs, sauerkraut, spinach and cheese. Various sauces are prepared based on basil, for example, the famous Italian pesto.

What dishes are dried basil added to?

Dried basil is used as a seasoning. At the same time, it can be an independent spice or a component of ready-made seasonings: suneli hops, Provençal herbs, Italian herbs and bouquet Garni.

Basil - what is the seasoning for:

• salads;
• meat dishes;
• fish dishes;
• beverages.

Dried basil adds a bitter taste and spicy aroma to dishes.

Basil seasoning - application:

• The basic rule in using seasoning is to add it to the dish at the final stage of cooking. This way the basil will retain its beneficial substances and rich aroma.
• The spice is added to the minced meat at the kneading stage. On average, you need to put 0.5 grams per serving of food. dried basil.

How to use basil in meat dishes

Basil goes well with meat

Basil gives meat dishes a unique taste and spicy aroma. Greens are added to meat salads and main dishes of pork, beef and poultry. These basil dishes combine thyme, lemon and walnuts.

Fresh leaves are added to meat goulash and gravy. In tandem with tomato and garlic, basil emphasizes the taste of meat and makes it more piquant. Consider a recipe for pork with basil.

You will need:

• pork - 1 kg;
• basil - 7 leaves;
• rosemary - ½ teaspoon;
• paprika - ½ teaspoon;
• onion - 1 pc.;
• olive oil - 1 tablespoon;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• tomato paste - 2 tablespoons;
• salt and pepper - to taste.

How to cook:

1. Cut the meat into pieces, marinate in olive oil and spices.
2. Wash, dry and finely chop the greens.
3. Place the meat over medium heat.
4. Add finely chopped onion, garlic and tomato paste to it.
5. Simmer covered for half an hour.
6. Add chopped herbs and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Calorie content: Calorie content per 100 g. product 185 Kcal.

How to use basil for winter preparations

Basil is used for preserving vegetables and fruits. Fresh leaves are added to berry compotes and jams.

To prepare cucumbers or tomatoes for the winter, a combination of basil and horseradish root is suitable. Place 5-6 leaves of the plant on a three-liter jar.

The most popular jam using basil is raspberry with mint. It strengthens the immune system and eliminates the symptoms of colds.

You will need:

• raspberries - 1 kg;
• basil - 5 leaves;
• mint - 7 leaves;
• lemon zest - 20 g;
• granulated sugar - 500 gr.

How to cook:

1. Rinse the raspberries, add sugar and leave for 20 minutes to release the juice.
2. Place the container with raspberries on the fire and bring to a boil.
3. Remove from heat, cool. Repeat the heating procedure 2 more times.
4. Place the mint and basil leaves in a gauze bag, add the lemon zest and place them into the jam during the final heating.

Calorie content: Calorie content per 100 g. product 159 Kcal.

How to use basil to make sauces

Basil is used to prepare ketchups, sauces and various dressings. They make the dish more harmonious, adding piquancy and aroma.

Fresh herbs are chopped and mixed with the remaining ingredients for the sauce. Basil is often combined with tomatoes, cheese, olive oil and other herbs. Such dressings are suitable for pasta, meat and fish dishes. Consider the recipe for the popular Pesto sauce.

You will need:

• basil - 1 bunch;
• parmesan - 50 gr.;
• pine nuts - 30 gr.;
• garlic - 3 cloves;
• olive oil - 100 ml.

How to cook:

1. Wash and dry the basil leaves.
2. Grate the cheese.
3. Peel and chop the garlic.
4. Mix all ingredients in a blender.

Calorie content: Calorie content per 100 g. product 675 Kcal.

For more information on how to make basil pesto, watch this video:

Using basil in desserts

Basil, along with mint, is often used to make desserts. Greens go well with fresh fruits, dairy products and baked goods. Basil is added to desserts in the form of a dry seasoning or fresh herbs. Fresh leaves are used to decorate cakes, pies and casseroles. Consider the recipe for basil cream.

You will need:

• milk - 150 ml;
• chicken egg - 1 pc.;
• corn starch - 5 g;
• cream - 100 ml;
• granulated sugar - 20 gr.;
• basil - 15 leaves.

How to cook:

1. Wash and dry the basil, chop finely.
2. Put the milk on the fire, add the basil and bring to a boil.
3. Beat the egg with sugar and starch.
4. Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the boiling milk.
5. Continue cooking the cream until it thickens. Stir constantly.
6. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Whip the cream to stiff peaks.
8. Add them to the cooled cream.
9. Stir, place in bowls and refrigerate for half an hour.
10. The finished dish can be decorated with basil leaves.

Calorie content: Calorie content per 100 g. product 114 Kcal.

What seasonings does basil go with?

When combined with rosemary, basil imparts a mild peppery flavor. The seasoning is combined with thyme, parsley, coriander, mint, marjoram and tarragon.

What to remember

1. Young basil leaves are added to appetizers, salads, meat and vegetable dishes.
2. Dried basil is used as a seasoning.
3. The spice is added to the dish at the final stage of cooking.

Basil has a spicy taste. The plant contains many useful microelements that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Dried basil is used as a seasoning in the preparation of various dishes.

Basil is a herb used as a dietary supplement. Initially it grew in Central Asia, but later spread to European countries, Russia and both Americas.

The maximum height of the crop is 30-60 centimeters. Essential oil gives the plant its spicy aroma. Basil blooms from June to September.

There are more than 70 varieties of basil. Based on the color of the leaves, the crop is divided into:

1. Green. This type is divided into Italian, South American (Evenolian), and broadleaf.
2. Purple. This type is divided into ordinary, Yerevan, red (Dark Opal), Tulsi, Osmin.

Depending on the aroma that the culture gives when added to dishes, the plant is classified into the following types:

• clove and clove aroma;
• clove-pepper (Basilisk, Marquis);
• pepper (camphor, Ruby Cairo);
• lemon and lemon aroma;
• caramel (Ruby Red);
• marinade;
• anisic;
• peppermint;
• menthol;
• vanilla.

There is also a gradation in size. Based on this characteristic, low-, medium- and tall-growing varieties are distinguished.

Composition and beneficial properties

The culture is considered rich in beneficial microelements. Basil contains:

1. Carbohydrates. Provides the body with energy.
2. Vitamins C, B2, A, K, PP. Supports the functioning of many organs and systems.
3. Essential oils. Restores water balance and prevents early aging of the dermis.
4. Rutin. Stimulates the synthesis of red blood cells, strengthens vascular walls.
5. Tannins. Suppress inflammation and normalize blood clotting.
6. Zinc, iron and other trace elements.
7. Flavonoids. They prevent the appearance of benign and malignant neoplasms and normalize metabolism.

Basil is useful, both dry and green. The plant strengthens natural defense mechanisms, reduces the risk of developing arthritis, colds and other pathologies.

Advantages and contraindications

The main advantage of basil, in comparison with other spices, is that this plant has a complex effect on the body, eliminating and preventing various diseases. The taste of the culture does not change when dried. Regular inclusion of spices in the diet helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body.

Basil (greens and seeds) should not be consumed if:

• coronary heart disease was detected;
• a person has previously suffered a stroke or heart attack;
• diagnosed with epilepsy;
• blood clotting is impaired, thrombosis or thrombophlebitis is present;
• low blood pressure.

The spice is not recommended to be added to dishes intended for children under 7 years of age. Also, adults should not consume basil frequently. The leaves of the plant contain small amounts of mercury, which accumulates in the tissues over time and provokes serious disturbances in the functioning of the body.

How to dry it at home?

By drying, you can preserve basil for a long time and use it as a spice in cooking. The procedure does not cause any particular difficulties and can be easily done at home.

When to collect?

The harvesting period affects the taste of the plant. Moreover, each person chooses when to cut the crop, taking into account his own preferences. Some people collect the leaves just before flowering. During this period, according to gardeners, more aroma is retained. Others collect leaves during flowering.

How to dry in the oven?

When drying in the oven, it is recommended to separate the leaves and stems. The plant is laid out on a baking sheet covered with paper. The branches must first be cut so that the length is 4-5 centimeters. The oven is heated to a temperature of 45 degrees. To ensure ventilation, leave the door slightly open.

Leaves are dried in the oven for 2.5 hours, branches - 3-4 hours. After completing the procedure, it is recommended to leave the basil for 8-10 hours, closing the door.

In an electric dryer

Before placing it in an electric dryer, the plant is crushed so that the length of the stems is 4-5 centimeters. Next, the device warms up to 40-45 degrees (or the “Herbs” mode is selected).

If you exceed the specified temperature, the oils that basil contains will evaporate.

Naturally

There are several options for drying basil naturally:

1. The plant is hung on a rope or elastic band.
2. The leaves are laid out on a sieve or mesh.
3. Place the basil on a tray covered with paper.

The culture must be laid out in a dry room with good ventilation.

Storage

Dried basil is stored in glass jars or bags. It is recommended to separate leaves and stems into containers. Jars should be kept in dark, dry and well-ventilated areas.

Application

The uses of basil are not limited to cooking. The plant is often used in the preparation of various folk remedies for the treatment of pathologies.

For women

Green and purple basil contain trace elements necessary to maintain women's health.

For PMS

Some components of the plant suppress the pain syndrome characteristic of PMS. Consumption of seasoning tones the body. In addition, basil contains iron, which is necessary for heavy blood loss.

For cystitis

To prepare the medicine, you need to take a tablespoon of leaves (purple is recommended) and mix with a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. The resulting composition is filtered and taken three times a day, 50 milliliters.

For weight loss

The seeds of the plant help in the fight against excess weight. The latter speed up metabolism. To prepare the medicinal composition, you will need a teaspoon of seeds and a glass of warm water. The container in which the ingredients are mixed is covered for 5 minutes. After swelling, the seeds are ready for use.

Baths with basil leaves are also used to reduce weight.

For men

The main benefit of basil for men lies in the ability of the plant's components to fight the first signs of erectile dysfunction. Acids stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic area, thereby increasing libido and erection.

In dried form, the plant helps to get rid of excess weight and strengthen the nervous system. With the help of spices, the body's tone increases.

In folk medicine

There are many recipes for using basil to treat diseases. The plant helps cope with the symptoms of colds, kidney and other pathologies.

For dry cough

To treat a dry cough you will need 100 milliliters of clean water and 7 leaves. The ingredients are mixed, 4 heads of garlic are added and cooked for 10 minutes. After cooling, the decoction should be drunk throughout the day.

When tooth enamel and gums are weakened

If the enamel structure is damaged and the first signs of gum disease occur, it is recommended to grind several basil leaves into powder and use the resulting composition to clean your teeth.

For kidney stones

Some components of basil stimulate the flow of bile. To cope with kidney stones, it is recommended to eat a mixture of plant juice and honey (combined in equal proportions) for several months before each meal.

To strengthen vision

Regular consumption of plant leaves normalizes the functioning of the visual organs. To relieve eye fatigue, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of the plant (dry or green) with 1.5 liters of boiling water. After infusion, the composition in the form of a compress is applied to the eyes twice a day. The course of treatment lasts no more than 12 days.

Under stress

By consuming 12 leaves of the plant per day, you can strengthen the nervous system. Along the way, harmful toxins will leave the body.

For heaviness in the stomach and problems with the gastrointestinal tract

For dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of a decoction of 1.5 teaspoons of seasoning leaves and 250 milliliters of boiling water is indicated. The product should sit for 15 minutes. After cooling, the mixture should be drunk in 2 doses. Treatment is carried out for 8 days, after which it is necessary to take a two-week break.

For immunity

To strengthen the immune system, grind 15 grams of the plant and mix with 200 milliliters of boiling water. The product is infused for 20 minutes. After filtration, the medicine should be taken 3 times a day, 50 milliliters.

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Basil is a spicy aromatic seasoning that has been known since ancient times and came to us from eastern countries. In India, basil was revered as a sacred plant and was called the favorite plant of Vishnu. Hindus believed that basil bestowed divine power, and the inhabitants of Ancient Rome believed in its ability to bring wealth and prosperity to the home. Basil was brought to Europe in the middle of the 4th century and quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean.

There are dozens of types of basil, but the most common of them is common basil, or, as it is also called, sweet basil. This basil is familiar to everyone with its green or dark purple leaves. It is noteworthy that green basil has a rich, bright aroma, while purple basil thins out the subtle smell of cloves. Basil perfectly retains its taste and aromatic properties even in dried form, which is why it is widely used in cooking.

Basil contains B vitamins (such as B1, B2, B6 and B9), vitamin A, vitamin C, as well as vitamins K and PP. Among the microelements in basil are zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, phosphorus and potassium.

Beneficial features

Basil improves digestion, tones the body, strengthens the immune system and allows the body to quickly recover from stress. Thanks to its ability to fight free radicals, basil slows down the aging process in the body, which has a good effect on the condition of the skin and the functioning of internal organs.

The B vitamins contained in the composition promote energy production, strengthen hair and nails, and ensure the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems. In addition, dried basil has a bactericidal and antispasmodic effect, helps with insomnia and colds.

Application

Dried basil is used in the preparation of various dressings, sauces and gravies. It is used to flavor salads, soups and pates. Thanks to its unique aroma, basil perfectly complements fish, meat and egg dishes. It also adds an original taste to pasta, so it is often used as a seasoning for pasta or lasagna.

Dried basil is indispensable for salting and pickling tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. It goes well with mint, coriander or parsley. When combined with thyme, basil can add spiciness to dishes, and when mixed with rosemary, it acquires a rich peppery smell.

It is used as a flavoring in the preparation of drinks. Dried basil leaves are used to make a tea that lowers blood pressure.

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Spicy basil is a popular seasoning, widely used by both chefs in high-end restaurants and housewives. Cooks from all over the world have a very positive attitude towards this spice, which is why it stands at the forefront of the most exquisite spices. Dried basil is a unique food additive that can make any dish taste simply amazing. By the way, you can do others.

Adding basil when preparing homemade pates and sausages will give these dishes a piquant and unique touch. It can be found in almost all Mediterranean dishes. By adding a pinch to pickled cucumbers or zucchini, these vegetables will become a real masterpiece. True gourmets value basil for its unique and very rich taste, which combines various shades: pungency, pungency, notes of camphor. We also advise you to pay attention to the methods, quickly and correctly.

Beneficial properties of dried basil

In addition to its amazing taste and aroma, basil is endowed with a lot of useful substances, which determines its use not only in cooking, but also in medicine. Dried basil has a number of beneficial properties, some of which are similar to the effects of antibiotics. This spicy herb is recommended as an excellent remedy for preventing colds, relieving headaches and reducing body temperature. In addition, it can be used to cope with inflammatory processes of the skin, eyes and internal organs.

Recently, scientists have found that dried basil is a protective agent against radiation and diseases caused by its exposure.

The benefits of dried basil cannot be overestimated, since its antiseptic properties make drinking tea with its addition useful during flu and colds. In addition, it improves digestion and blood circulation and is used to relieve toothache. Gargling with a decoction of dried basil is often used to treat throat problems.

Dried basil can be used to make relaxing baths, soothing teas and drinks that enhance performance and brain function.

Using dried basil in cooking

In all restaurants around the world, basil is used in the preparation of the most unusual and expensive dishes.

Just a pinch of this seasoning can work real miracles. It changes the taste of soups, meat, fish and vegetable dishes for the better; preserves and omelettes will also acquire an original piquant taste and unique aroma thanks to basil. This seasoning is also suitable for preparing dressings and sauces. It is often added when preparing alcoholic beverages.

Basil goes well with rosemary, tarragon, coriander and mint, so we recommend using a mixture of these spices when preparing your favorite dishes.

Contraindications

It is worth remembering that the beneficial properties of dried basil appear only with moderate use, so you should not overuse it. It is not recommended for use by people suffering from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as well as by allergy sufferers and young children.

Basil is an edible annual herbaceous plant that has an amazing aroma and pleasant taste, has numerous beneficial properties and is therefore widely used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. The source of basil's benefits can be its racemose flowers, and, no doubt, elastic red-purple, green-violet, burgundy leaves.

You can store basil by first drying it outside under an awning or in a well-ventilated area. From this article the reader will be able to learn about benefits of dried basil.

As a rule, it is basil leaves that are dried, and the herb prepared in this way is widely used in cooking, this is especially true for French, Greek, southern and Western European cuisine. It goes well with fish, eggs, pasta, pizza, soups, lamb, green vegetables and tomatoes.

In terms of the presence of beneficial substances, basil can surpass most other herbs. It is very rich in various vitamins (among them vitamins A, C, E, K, beta-carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, pyridoxine, choline), microelements (such as iron, copper, zinc, selenium, manganese), macroelements (calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium), saponins, tannins, glycosides, simple sugars, phytoncides, and vegetable fats. At the same time, the energy value of dried basil is 251 Kcal per 100 grams.

Due to its rich and varied composition, as well as the presence of such a wide range of different minerals, dried basil is actively used in dietary nutrition. During a diet, the body suffers from a lack of vitamins and other beneficial substances, which these dried greens are quite capable of replenishing.

However, the use of dried basil is not limited to cooking. You should know that dried basil is not only a spicy seasoning, but also a medicine that has anti-inflammatory, astringent, cleansing, and wound-healing effects.

Benefits of Dried Basil cannot be overstated. Its active antiseptic properties make it useful to drink tea from this herb or dried basil infusion during flu epidemics. In addition, basil can help improve the functioning of the digestive system and improve blood circulation. Often dried basil is used to relieve toothache using basil infusion as a mouth rinse. In the same way (gargling) with the help of dried basil, throat diseases are treated. This herb, which can rightfully be called medicinal, helps relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and eliminates bloating.

Basil tea is a very popular remedy. It is prepared simply: pour a tablespoon of chopped dry herbs into a large glass of boiling water, cook for 10 minutes, leave for half an hour, then filter. This tea is used for diseases of the digestive tract, nervous system, as an antitussive, as well as for asthma, low blood pressure, intestinal colic, inflammation of the genitourinary organs in men and women, and to enhance lactation in nursing mothers. And if you add honey to this tea, you can stimulate brain activity and performance.

Basil can also be used to prepare a bath. To do this, you need to tie a gauze bag with crushed dry herbs (these can be leaves, stems and flowers) of basil to the tap, and fill the bath first with hot water, and then dilute it with cold water through the bag. The temperature of the finished bath should be 37 degrees. This bath will calm the nervous system and relieve irritation.

Remember to store dried basil only in dry, cool places, as sunlight and moisture can destroy the color, flavor and beneficial properties of the herb.