Spice Rack Basil
Spice Rack: Basil
Basil marinated chicken breast on a grilled chicken sandwich
When it comes to herbs and grilling, basil has a wide and varied range of uses, making it a key ingredient in any master griller’s spice rack. Whether it’s being used crushed in marinades or rubs for poultry or fish or as a whole leaf in a rollup, Panini or kebab, basil brings a distinctive taste and phenomenal flavor to almost any dish.
As a brief history, basil began its ascent into spice rack stardom as a native plant in India, Asia and Africa. The name is derived from a Greek word meaning “royal”, which gives insight into how the herb was thought of in ancient times. In India, it’s a symbol of hospitality, while in Italy it’s a symbol of love. As far as cooking goes, it’s commonly found and plays a major role in Italian, Vietnamese and Thai cooking.
On the grill, basil finds a number of applications in a wide range of forms. Steve Raichlen’s Barbeque Bible recommends using crushed basil in wet rubs, spice pastes and marinades to preseason meat before you place it on the grill – particularly poultry and seafood. You can also do basil oil or a basil cream sauce to finish a poultry or seafood dish to add additional flavor.
As for the whole leaves, large basil leaves are one of the few herbs that can almost be used like a leafy vegetable. They are one of the three key ingredients in a classic Italian Capressa Panini, along with mozzarella and tomato. You can also use a basil leaf to do a rollup, where you take a flank cut or flattened piece of meat and roll it up with vegetables and cheese for a main course dinner. In addition, whole basil leaves can be used in between the meat and vegetable pieces in kebabs; by using them as separators, you impart the flavor and aroma of the basil into your kebab.
Finally, as one part of a standard pesto (basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese), basil helps instantly bring a taste of Italy to your table as a stuffing in everything from burgers to pork chops. You can use a freshly prepared pesto that you make at home for a truly fresh taste or use a store-bought pesto for a quick and easy meal with a touch of sophistication.
