Oh…for the love of Basil!
Besides smelling and tasting wonderful…Basil is full of health benefits…so EAT your Basil…knowing you are doing good things for your physical health!
I have included a few tasty recipes starring Basil for you to prepare and enjoy…but first…a few facts about this amazing herb for you.
BASIL…(ocimum basilicum)…known as the King of Herbs…is part of the Mint family. Basil contains vitamin A…K…iron…manganese…and calcium…as well as antioxidants. Basil has flavonoids which boosts your immune system…and also contains eugenol…a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties that helps your digestive system.
There are over 64 species of Basil…but sweet Basil is the most common culinary Basil used.
HISTORY OF BASIL
The Romans believed the fragrance of Basil…stimulated love. Roman women seeking true love merely had to hand a sprig of Basil to their intended and he would forever be hers.
Roman men used Basil in courtship as well…signaling matrimonial intent by wearing a sprig of Basil in their hair.
In the Middle Ages Basil was thought to create scorpions.
BASIL PESTO WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES
Makes 1 1/2 cups
1 8 ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes… drained
2 cups fresh organic Basil
1 clove garlic
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy…taste…adjust seasonings. Eat right away…or place in glass container with lid…and store in fridge for up to 1 week.
CHICKEN PESTO PASTA
A tasty comfort food!
Makes 6 servings
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup parmesan cheese…plus more for serving
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes…drained if packed in oil
½ cup Basil pesto…homemade or a quality store bought Basil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Handful of torn fresh organic Basil leaves for serving
In a bowl…season the chicken…with Italian seasoning…salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
In a medium pot filled with water and 1 tablespoon salt…bring the water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high. Once the olive oil is hot…add the chicken and cook…stirring occasionally until golden brown on the outside and cooked through…about 7-8 minutes.
Drain the cooked pasta…reserving 1 cup of the cooking water and drain.
To the pan with the chicken…lower the heat and stir in the cooked pasta…the heavy cream…parmesan cheese…and the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until everything is well combined. If it looks a bit dry…add a splash of the pasta cooking water…a few tablespoons at a time until the pasta is glossy and coated in the creamy sauce.
Turn off the heat and take the pan off the burner. Stir in the Basil pesto…and red pepper flakes. To serve… finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh organic Basil. Enjoy a big plate or bowl of this herbal comfort food!
Happy Basil eating,
Victoria