Basil is an herbaceous plant with a cylindrical stem that often branches from the top. Its leaves grow alternately along the stem, soft and with long, broad leaves that do not curl like some other vegetables.
This herb is usually grown in cool seasons and can be harvested after about 30-40 days. When young, the leaves are light green, and as they mature, they turn darker. If you’re growing it at home, you can pick the outer leaves as needed while ensuring the plant continues to thrive.
Basil is commonly used in salads, as a fresh garnish, or in sandwiches. It is also excellent for making soups, hot pots, or a variety of other dishes.
Aside from being delicious and aromatic, basil offers numerous health benefits, including:
4 Delicious and Nutritious Ways to Prepare Basil
1. Basil and Tofu Salad
Ingredients: 150g basil, 100g dried tofu, 20g chili oil, 2g seasoning.
Instructions: Soak the dried tofu in warm water to soften it, then cut it into strips. Blanch the tofu strips in boiling water and set aside to cool. Wash the basil, cut it into strips, and blanch them briefly as well. Drain the water from both ingredients. Combine the basil and tofu, drizzle with chili oil, and mix well. Benefits: Tonifying, soothing, moisturizing, and beneficial for kidney function.
2. Basil Salad with Dried Shrimp
Ingredients: 300g basil, 60g dried shrimp (soaked), 15g sesame oil, 6g vinegar, 6g seasoning, garlic, ginger powder, mustard.
Instructions: Wash the basil, cut it into strips, and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit to drain. Prepare the dressing by mixing sesame oil, vinegar, mustard, seasoning, garlic, and ginger powder. Place the basil and dried shrimp on a plate, drizzle the dressing over them, and toss to coat. Benefits: Refreshing, aids digestion, stimulates the appetite, and has a calming effect.
3. Basil Salad with Spicy Sesame Dressing
Ingredients: 500g basil, 30g sesame oil, 15g soy sauce, 3g fine salt, sugar, vinegar, dried chili powder.
Instructions: Wash and chop the basil, then mix it with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Drain the excess water. Add chili powder and a pinch of salt to the basil. Heat the sesame oil, pour it over the chili mixture, and add soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well. Drizzle the dressing over the basil and toss to coat. Benefits: Promotes digestion, warms the body, and aids sleep.
4. Spicy Basil Salad with Peanuts
Ingredients: 500g basil, 50g peanut kernels, 3 dried chili peppers, 20g peanut oil, 8g fine salt.
Instructions: Wash and chop the basil, then mix it with salt and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Drain the excess water. Clean and deseed the chili peppers, then fry them in hot oil. Soak the peanuts in water, peel them, and roast them until crispy. Toss the basil with the roasted peanuts, chili oil, and salt. Benefits: Improves blood circulation, aids digestion, and boosts immunity.
In conclusion, these basil dishes are not only simple and easy to prepare at home, but they also offer a plethora of health benefits, making them ideal for daily meals and a healthy diet.
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