Easy ways to cook with African sweet basil
What's the story
African sweet basil, with its fragrant leaves, holds a cherished place in the hearts (and kitchens!) of many across the continent. This versatile herb effortlessly infuses a touch of Africa into any dish, bridging the gap between traditional flavors and contemporary culinary creations. Perfect for soups, salads, and everything in between, African sweet basil truly is a secret weapon in the kitchen. Discover the magic of African sweet basil today!
Tea time
Flavorful basil tea
You can use African sweet basil to prepare a delicious and refreshing herbal tea. Simply steep a handful of fresh basil leaves in boiling water for five to seven minutes. This tea not only provides a wonderful aroma but also offers numerous health benefits like aiding digestion and reducing stress. It's a great way to experience the herb's flavor in a more subtle form.
Kitchen basics
Basil-infused oil
Combine one cup of olive oil and one-fourth cup of chopped African sweet basil leaves in a saucepan to create basil-infused oil. Gently heat the mixture on low for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool, strain it, and transfer the oil to an airtight container for storage. Drizzle this flavorful infused oil on salads and pasta for a delicious twist.
Fresh eats
Tomato and basil salad
A super easy and yummy recipe that lets the African sweet basil shine is tomato and basil salad. Simply combine sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, sliced onions, a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The sweet juiciness of tomatoes combined with the fragrant basil makes for a light and refreshing salad, ideal for warm summer days or as a starter before any meal.
Comfort food
Creamy basil soup
On a chilly evening, nothing beats a bowl of warm, comforting creamy basil soup! Saute onions and garlic in butter until soft, then add vegetable broth and chopped sweet basil leaves. Blend everything until smooth, return to heat and stir in cream for extra richness. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy a heartwarming soup that brings out the best of this fragrant herb.
Pasta night
Pesto pasta with sweet basil
Fresh basil leaves blended with pine nuts or other nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and pepper create a smooth and flavorful sauce for pasta. Simply toss the pesto with cooked pasta and enjoy a delicious meal. The strong flavors of sweet basil are sure to impress guests and family members!