Posts
Summer Herbs
Three different types of basil
I only use the last one pictured, the smaller leaf basil when cooking
They all have a slightly different taste
I use basil in most summer dishes along with
Mint and
Parsley
Those are the taste of summer. A refreshing taste combo for
Stuffed tomatoes
Anything with zuchhini and aubergines
Just about anything with tomatoes
Stewed green beans
Okra
And in meatballs and bifteki. Bifteki is the greek hamburger on every taverna menu along with fried potatoes. They are a favourite of mine along with most of the family.
Ks meatballs are more popular though. He puts lots of mint and parsley. No basil
20 years ago basil was not used in cooking. It became popular when Greek cuisine branched out and Italian sauces started being used with pasta.
My very traditional Greek m-in-law would never have used basil to cook so neither does her very traditional Greek son.
She always had a pot or two in her yard. Basil was supposed to, still is thought to, repel mosquitoes and flies. I disagree. Neither does lavender. Nice to smell, they all let out a delightful aroma when given a shake, but mosquitoes just hold their noses and fly straight through to the target. Someone's bare flesh. Not often mine. Ks neck or arms are more likely to be their destination. Zoom in, probiscis sharpened and in stabbing mode.
Oregano and thyme are used a lot but more for heavier dishes, meat and fish.
Basil does NOT go into a greek salad, not a traditional one. And neither does lettuce
Karpouzi
Watermelon time
We buy the minis, about the size of a basketball
They haven't been very flavourful but delightfully refreshing when cold
I cut them up into chunks ready for eating
The rind is cut into small pieces. I don't have a compost bin at the moment but put them round the trunk of the grapevine. So far they've been devoured by some nocturnal animal. A weasel or stoat maybe. Or a rat
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I love basil and always try to grow some each year, although mine has to be in a pot on the kitchen windowsill. It wouldn't thrive outside 🫤
ReplyDeleteThe basil is amazing in the garden. I love the greenery and the smell. I'd love to have a pot inside in the winter
DeleteI love basil just for the smell, though I do use it in food as well. Watermelon is sitting ready sliced in the fridge right now, a delicious snack.
ReplyDeleteWith watermelon you don't need sugary desserts. And cut up in the fridge it's a the best summer snack!
DeleteI always grow and use basil. That watermelon looks good.
ReplyDeleteI love basil and mint in the garden. They offer greenery in summer and their aroma is lovely
DeleteWe have two types of Mint; cultivated and wild. Both are excellent. We have just finished a Watermelon. As usual it claimed to be pip-less; and IT WAS!
ReplyDeleteOne of our mini watermelon had no pips but the one I cut today was full of them. The pip less are a little more expensive.
DeleteI love mint and it never seems to die out
I love the smell of basil. I tend to use it most with fresh tomatoes cut up in an oil and balsamic dressing. I ripped out my oregano because it was trying to take over the world! Ha ha. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteI've never had a lot of luck with oregano although it grows wild all around us. I do have one pot which has lasted a while with a bit of care. You're lucky
DeleteWell looks like I’m a traditional Greek. I don’t use basil in my cooking.
ReplyDeleteI do like basil pesto, I use it as a sauce for a simple quick meal. And on salmon.
It does smell lovely
You're one of those traditional Greeks lol. K would be very proud of you.
DeletePesto has become very popular here over the last years. I don't particularly like it myself
The herb I use most of is mint because I like to eat lamb. I also use rosemary in the cooking of lamb. I occasional use coriander if roasting a chicken if I have some available. But I don't grow it. I have thyme growing in the garden mainly because I like to see and smell it but I don't cook with it. I don't really know why. I have never been particularly keen on basil.
ReplyDeleteMint has always been my favourite and it grows here all year round, with a lot of watering just now.
DeleteI have thyme and rosemary too. Rosemary can be a bit strong. I prefer thyme
I have a vintage wheelbarrow that holds all of my growing herbs, basil, rosemary, thyme,sage, and mint. When I'm not using them for cooking, I enjoy gently swiping my hand through the leaves, and smelling the wonderful aroma.
ReplyDeleteJo
Mmmmm that's the best thing about those aromatic herbs. The smell is lovely
Deletelavender and thyme are my favourite, I have a vege garden full of herbs, watermelons are expensive here, they are about $15 per kg, have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteYour watermelon are incredibly expensive! Ours are about 40cents a kilo. One of summers affordable delights.
DeleteJust remember I have lavender too. Another aromatic delight
Someone gave me a jar of melon rind spoon sweets - sweet but not really interesting. Watermelon is definitely best fresh. Neighbour told me trad Greeks don't cook with basil its a relugious herb - but she used the one with truly huge leaves for making dolma
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks!!! I'd forgotten about the religious part of basil. The priest uses a bunch at some rituals. He dips a bunch of basil in holy water and sprinkles the faithful.
DeleteCan't imagine dolmathes with the big leaf basil. Too aromatic
I've thought of making a sweet with watermelon rind. Too much trouble in the summer heat. I've never tried it though
Delete