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What to do with Basil.


This post expired on November 11, 2023.

Basil has been used for more than 2,000 years in medicine, spiritual ceremonies and of course cooking. One medicinal variety originating in India is actually a 6 foot tree with 7 inch leaves. To make things even more confusing, varieties with the same name but from different countries, may be totally different. The first mention of culinary basil was written by the poet Virgil around 19 BC. when he spoke of Pesto. What to do with Basil? Make Pesto. Think of it as ancient convenience food. You can find a basic pesto recipe under the recipe tab and a fantastic chicken vegetable soup with basil pesto recipe here along with a few suggestions for more uses.

Chicken-Vegetable Soup with Basil Pesto

2 t olive oil
1c diced onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c water
1 c sliced carrots
28 oz chicken broth
4 small red potatoes, quartered
1 c diced zucchini
2 1/2 c diced cooked chicken breast
2 T basil pesto (or more to taste)
2 T lime juice
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper

Heat oil in Dutch oven over med-high heat. Cook onion about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add water, carrot, broth and potatoes; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook until heated through.