Cooking with herbs offers an incredibly diverse range of flavors and textures, and basil stands as a fragrant and versatile addition to many culinary creations. Its distinct aroma and slightly peppery taste make it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Basil puree is a particularly flavorful herb paste that not only adds depth and complexity to dishes but also serves as a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing garnish. In this article, we'll explore the world of basil puree, offering tips on choosing the freshest basil, discussing various culinary applications, and providing a collection of delectable recipes that highlight the unique qualities of this vibrant herb.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
POTATO BASIL PUREE
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Add the basil leaves to the boiling water and cook for exactly 15 seconds. Remove the basil with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge the leaves into the ice water to set the bright green color. Drain and set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them in quarters. Add the potatoes to the same pot of boiling water and return to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender. Drain well, return to the saucepan, and steam over low heat until any remaining water evaporates.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese until the cream simmers. Place the basil in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and puree. Add the hot cream mixture and process until smooth.
- With a handheld mixer with the beater attachment, beat the hot potatoes in the pot until they are broken up. Slowly add the hot basil cream, the salt, and pepper and beat until smooth. If the potatoes need to be reheated, cover and cook gently over low heat for a few minutes. Pour into a serving bowl, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, season to taste, and serve hot.
ROASTED GARLIC AND WHITE BEAN PUREE WITH THAI BASIL SHRIMP SALAD
Provided by Ming Tsai
Categories main-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a casserole on medium heat, cook the bacon crisp then drain on paper towels. Leave bacon fat in casserole and add onions to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Season and add thyme, roasted garlic, and beans. Stir, then add stock and chopped bacon, and bring to a boil. Check for flavor. Place cover ajar and simmer for 45 minutes until beans are very soft. Using a hand blender, puree the soup until smooth. Check again for seasoning.
- In a large pasta bowl, ladle soup and place crouton in the center. Place a small mound of the salad on the crouton and garnish with basil chiffonade.
- Wine Recommendation: Grosset, Clare Valley Riesling, Polish Hill, Australia, 1998
- In a hot skillet coated with oil, saute the shrimp and season. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until done and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together, juice, chiles, shallot, fish sauce, sugar, and oil. Toss with warm shrimp and basil. Check for flavor.
CONVENT GARDEN ROASTED TOMATO SOUP WITH BASIL PUREE
i really like eating and making soup. its ace my mate at work duncan bought me the covent garden cookbook and this is my favourite soup recipe so far. I reckon you make this slimming world freindly by using spray cal or fry light instead of oil and leaving oil out of the basil puree but ill give its pure unadulterated beauty without changes i reckon. It cost me about a £5 to make and it made a lot of servings
Provided by cakeinmyface
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h10m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- preheat grill to hot hot hot. cut the tomatos in half and place cut side up on a baking sheet gril until soft and beginning to darken at edges. this took me 30min approximately when softa little dark take out and preheat oven to gas mark 5.
- heat the olive oil with the garlic and herbs in a large saucepan. when hot add teh other veggies. cook over a moderate heat for a few minutes stirring now and then until the veg begins to soften. transfer these veggies onto a raosting tin and roast in oven til soft. it took me about 40min approximatley.
- remove from oven and puree in liquidiser with tomatoes, lemon juice, tomato puree and sugar add water if you need to to make a smooth pouring consistency.
- to make the baisl puree pound the basil leaves in a pestle and mortar with salt until smooth add the olive oil and vinegar and stir well. dollop a heaped teaspoon of the pureee on the soup and eat with bread and stuff yummy!
SPINACH, BASIL RICOTTA PURéE
Categories Milk/Cream Cheese Side Sauté Valentine's Day Vegetarian Ricotta Basil Spinach Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring 2 cups water to boil in large pot. Add spinach leaves and stir until tender and bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain. Squeeze out excess water. Transfer spinach to processor. Add basil and ricotta to spinach. Blend until smooth. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden, about 3 minutes. Add spinach mixture and cream. Stir until mixture is just heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl and serve.
POTATO BASIL PURéE
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories Dairy Potato Side Thanksgiving Quick & Easy Parmesan Basil Fall Winter Christmas Eve Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Serves 4 to 5
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Add the basil leaves to the boiling water and cook for exactly 15 seconds. Remove the basil with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge the leaves into the ice water to set the bright green color. Drain and set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them in quarters. Add the potatoes to the same pot of boiling water and return to a boil. Cook the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender. Drain well, return to the sauce- pan, and steam over low heat until any remaining water evaporates.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese until the cream simmers. Place the basil in a food processor fitted with the steel blade and purée. Add the hot cream mixture and process until smooth.
- With a handheld mixer with the beater attachment, beat the hot potatoes in the pot until they are broken up. Slowly add the hot basil cream, the salt, and pepper and beat until smooth. If the potatoes need to be reheated, cover and cook gently over low heat for a few minutes. Pour into a serving bowl, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, season to taste, and serve hot.
BASIL PUREE
Simple to do, and a delight to add as a garnish to other dishes. My favorite is to swirl it into my Roasted Tomato soup just before serving.
Provided by Swiss Phil
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Make a paste by crushing basil leaves and salt with a mortar and pestle. Stir in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 66.4 calories, Carbohydrate 0.7 g, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 146.5 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh, aromatic basil leaves for the best flavor. Look for leaves that are deep green and free of blemishes.
- Wash the basil leaves thoroughly before using them. Remove any tough stems.
- Use a food processor or blender to puree the basil leaves. Add a little bit of water or olive oil to help the puree come together.
- Season the basil puree to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
- Basil puree can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, pestos, soups, and stews. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Basil puree is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. With its bright green color and aromatic flavor, basil puree is a great way to add a fresh and vibrant touch to your cooking.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love