Basil
By: Haley Wood
Basil
The earliest records of basil being used goes 4,000 years back Egypt with its 1st use of embalming. Now the leaves are used as a seasoning herb. In the kitchen chefs usually add basil in the last minute while the end of the cooking process for taste and season. Basil can be added to basically any dish because of its mild flavor and is used in general cooking most of the time. Basil will be used for savory dishes and can be used dry or fresh.
Recipe
1 (9 inch) pie shell
7 ripe tomatos sliced
1 yellow onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Ground black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons fresh basil
2 teaspoons fresh oregano
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bake the pastry shell for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned.
- Slice onion and place in the bottom of pastry shell. Slice tomatoes and arrange over onions. Add black pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, parmesan and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture evenly over tomatoes.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooked, garnish with fresh herbs.
Health benefits and interesting facts
Basil is rich in:
- Vitamin K
- Copper
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- etc
- Fresh basil’s flavor has a clove accent while dried basil has a curry-like flavor
- Ancient herbalists believed placing basil leaves on the bites or stings of insects would draw out the poison.
- Can be grown indoors or outdoors.