Herbs - Delicious, Fresh and Smell Gorgeous! - Part 5 - Basil

Basil
Image source: Hardy Herbs

Herbs are a very useful culinary aid. They are easy to grow in pots outdoors in summer and indoors all year round. They look fresh and smell nice too.

In this article I would like to talk about Basil.

Image source: Eden Bros

There are at least fifteen different types of basil. Some of them are shown above.

It is an aromatic and flavourful herb, the mainstay of pesto. It's also useful for alleviating stings and insect bites.

Basil can be used as a garnish but try this basil recipe by the Hairy Bikers on BBC Food Recipes.

It's that is quick and easy to make:

Summery Green Coleslaw

For the coleslaw:

100 g/3½oz peas or broad beans

1 small green cabbage, shredded

1 large courgette, grated or cut into matchsticks

1 large fennel bulb, finely sliced into matchsticks

1 bunch spring onions, finely sliced

2 celery sticks, finely chopped

1 green apple, grated

½ lime, juice only

1–2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

For the dressing:

2 tbsp plain yogurt

2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise

1 lemon, zest and juice

1 tbsp fresh basil

pinch sugar

• To make the coleslaw, bring a pan of water to the boil.

• Add the peas or beans, bring the water back to the boil and cook for 2 minutes.

• Refresh in cold water, drain and set aside.

• Place the peas or beans, cabbage, courgette, fennel, spring onions, celery and apple into a large bowl and mix. Finish with the lime juice and fresh herbs.

• To make the dressing, mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.

• Pour over the coleslaw just before serving.

Enjoy!

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