Need Basil Recipes

[Raene]

Just got a whole bunch in my CSA and am very tired of pesto. Other ideas? Thanks!!!

[robhealthy]

5 or 6 carrots shredded
1/4 - 1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2-3/4 cup finely chopped basil
2 T evoo
1/4 t sea salt

basil is measured before chopping

mix all together and enjoy.

[freespirit]

Victoria Boutenko's fav green smoothie!
i do :
1/2 head red leaf lettuce
a bunch of basil-to taste for me, i love basil
1/2 red onion
1/2 lime juiced
2 stalks celery
1/4 avocado
2 cups water

i also add cayenne and sometimes salt- depends on how salty my celery is. This is my fav smoothie and I drink it more often then sweet smoothies. Maybe try a strawberry and basil smoothie too.

[raweater]

You can try my filling tomato soup meal with basil blended in:
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=43089

[Eva]

Don't forget about Alissa's tomato, mushroom, basil salad! Mmmmm... I actually don't know the quantities off hand, but I make it all the time eyeballing how much I need:

-Some tomatoes, chopped
-Some fresh basil, chopped super fine
-Some mushrooms, chopped
-Lots of olive oil

Let it sit for a little while so the flavors can mingle. I LOVE this. It's so easy and simple, and the basil wafts through the air. Mmmmmm...

Ah, and if you're into avocados, you could chop one of those up too. Not in the recipe, but I've had it that way a bunch and it was GOOD when I was craving fat. :)

[brownies]

I love using my basil in fresh spring rolls (these are also good with mint)
There are lots of how to videos on youtube if you arn't sure how to make these.

I also tend to chop some up and throw them in my salads.

When I have a bunch that I know I wont use in time I dehydrate it and crush it to make small flakes to add to recipes.

[heatkins]

Here is my favorite dressing receipe that includes basil, I don't know the amounts so you just have to use however much you think will be good :)

Basil (a few sprigs)
nama shoyu (about a tablespoon or two)
lime juice (a whole lime)
olive oil (a tablespoon or two)
a little garlic (I use half a clove)
ginger (1 teaspoon grated)
dates (3-4 chopped)
water (1/4 to .5 cup)

I blend it up in the vitamix and it is great on salad with cashews and veggies.

[Jennifer N]

Caprese salad! Layers of thinly sliced tomato, avocado and basil leaves, dresses with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Also, you can make big batches of pesto and freeze it for winter.

[Rawkinlocs]

I really love this Pomodora sauce posted here from Sweetgoddess (a former The fresh basil is what REALLY brings this sauce out! I also add a little agave just to give a hint of sweetness for a more "balanced" flavor:

Cappellini Pomodoro

3 or 4 large ripe tomatoes diced quite small -make sure you use ripe, yummy tomatoes!
1 cup raw cold pressed olive oil
2 t fresh minced or ground garlic
sweet onion diced (to taste)
oregano, fresh basil, thyme & rosemary (or Italian Seasoning)
Celtic Sea Salt to taste

Mix in a bowl and cover, you can also pulse quickly in the food processor if you dont want it too chunky. Fresh basil is yummy in this. Let sit at room temperature 3-5 hours.

Serve on zuchinni angel hair pasta. (note: I've also used this sauce on pizza or just spread on any flax cracker or bread (great on onion bread) and dehydrate for a bit).

[MiahTay]

My favorite latest salad dressing (with a little tweaking could be a great soup)

2 medium tomatoes (or 4 roma tomatoes)
2 oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 oz Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1 tsp or equivalent sea salt
2 stalks of Basil (leaves only)

Blend until smooth.

Blessings,
Heather