Beat summer blues with basil

Exotic herb

Some ingredients play a secret role in a dish. They have a certain aroma and taste that linger on in our memories. They are exotic but not out of reach, easily available in the market if you wish to go on a cooking spree!

One such ingredient which chefs of various restaurants swear by is basil. A member of the mint family; basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known as Saint Joseph’s Wort, imparts a slightly sweet Mediterranean flavour to a dish. The quintessential herb of summer, basil spins its subtle magic on just about every kind of dish, from appetisers to salad to dessert.

Chef Pankaj Rana from Club Rhino says, “The versatile property of basil can be used a little to add a hint of flavour. Some common dishes are Tomato Basil Salad, Chicken and Basil Stir Fry, Basil Pasta, Pesto Chicken Tart, Pesto sauce, Grape Basil Mocktail, Chicken Salad with Pesto sauce, basil soup and basil ice cream to name a few.”

“It has a peppery flavour. At home it can be used to add a subtle flavour to many savoury dishes such as meat, sauces, dressings and desserts. Basil is often consumed to ease cough and cold. One can consume a strong tea with ginger and basil to get relief from the same. The best way to use basil is definitely pesto (a kind of sauce). Tossing pesto with warm pasta, or tossing it with potato salads and sprinkling it over fish will add flavour to the dish. A little pesto mixed with mayonnaise also gives sandwiches an amazing flavour,” says Chef Gurmeet Singh of Pind Balluchi restaurant.

Chef Harish Thukran, London Kitchen Co. uses basil in mocktails and cocktails. He says, “Fresh basil has a sweet taste. You truly can't go wrong with a batch of Strawberry-Basil Mocktail. Basil also goes well with fruits like watermelon, lime, lemon, mango and strawberries. Combine for a variety of mouthwatering frozen treats.”

Chef Karan Talwar, from Kitchen Kraft Catering Co. says, “Basil is a favourite amongst health connoisseurs, since it reduces stress and is a very good remedy for skin problems like acne. Add a bunch of basil in your favourite tomato soup to kill boredom and enjoy the benefits of basil.”

Many of us feel this ingredient is used in oriental and international cuisine, but basil is actually a native to India, Asia and Africa. It is prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian. Hence, international cuisines can be prepared at home now, with a tinge of basil!