Showing posts with label basil leaves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basil leaves. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2026

Fresh Summer Tomato Bruschetta

 Glistening red and yellow tomato chunks with basil chiffonade on toast. 

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds (680g) best-quality, in-season fresh tomatoes, preferably a mix of varieties, cored and diced (see notes)

15 large basil leaves, thinly sliced into a chiffonade *

Extra-virgin olive oil, for the tomatoes and toasts

Red or white wine vinegar or true balsamic vinegar, to taste (optional; see notes) 

medium slices freshly toasted bread 

medium cloves garlic, halved

Finishing sea salt , kosher salt, or flaky salt  

*How to Chiffonade
  • Stack flat leaves on top of each other.
  • Roll the leaves tightly into a tube or cigar shape.
  • Slice across the roll thinly with a sharp knife to create shreds.

 

Preparations

 In a large bowl, combine tomatoes with basil and enough olive oil to generously coat. If using wine vinegar, add a splash. Toss gently, taste, and add more wine vinegar if desired. 

Rub garlic cloves on top surface of each toast; rub only as much as you want. (More will make the toasts more garlicky, while a lighter hand will deliver a milder flavor.) Drizzle olive oil on each toast and season with salt. 

Spoon tomatoes onto each toast, including any liquid that has accumulated. Season generously with salt. If using true balsamic vinegar, drizzle it sparingly on top. Serve right away. 

Notes

Use whichever ripe varieties you can find, including cherry tomatoes (cut them into wedges instead of dice).

If you have true balsamic vinegar, drizzle it on top of the toasts; if not, it’s better to add a splash of wine vinegar to the tomatoes, since it has better flavor than faux balsamic.

 

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Classic Basil Pesto: The Italian Favourite

 Latest and Breaking News on NDTV 

 

Fresh basil pesto is one of those spreads that makes you wonder why anyone buys the jarred version. When you make it at home, the basil's bright, almost minty flavour shines through instead of being dulled by preservatives. The garlic adds punch, the nuts bring creamy richness, and the Parmesan ties everything together with its salty, umami depth. The result is a vibrant green spread that smells like summer and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though you spent five minutes. It's perfect for those days when you want your sandwich to taste gourmet without any actual effort.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts (or cashews/walnuts for budget-friendly)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:
Add basil, nuts, and garlic to the food processor. Pulse 5-7 times until roughly chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube. Add Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. That's it.

Pro Tips:

  • Toast the nuts first in a dry pan for 2 minutes—deeper flavour
  • Mix with cream cheese for a milder, creamier spread
  • Use half basil, half spinach if basil is expensive
  • Store in fridge with a thin layer of olive oil on top (prevents browning), lasts 7 days

Uses:
Grilled chicken sandwiches, caprese sandwiches, veggie wraps, or mix into pasta

 

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Monday, February 9, 2026

Cauliflower Crusted Pizza

  

Cauliflower is an excellent alternative to many unhealthy carbs. You can prepare your delicious pizza base easily using cauliflower. This is a low-carb and low-calorie option that can also be suited to the pizza cravings of vegans. 

Serves: 4-6 servings

Ingredients: 

1 small cauliflower head

1 egg

1 cup mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup pizza seasoning 

½ cup toppings of choice

½ tsp olive oil

½ tsp mixed herbs

3-4 fresh basil leaves

 

Preparations

Preheat the oven to 300’C. Grate the cauliflower to get a fine powdery texture. Flash-boil the cauliflower in salted boiling water for not more than 1 minute. Strain the cauliflower and drain out all extra water. 

Transfer the cauliflower to a mixing bowl, and add an egg and half the quantity of mozzarella cheese to it. Season it with salt and pepper. Take a baking dish and line it with butter paper, brush the paper with some olive oil.

Now using a spatula or your fingers, flatten some of the cauliflower mixture on the paper. Shape it like a pizza. Add the baking tray to the oven and bake the cauliflower crust for 15 minutes or until it forms a crust-like texture. 

Remove from the oven and add the pizza sauce, toppings of choice and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Put the tray into the oven again and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts. 

Remove from the oven and tear some fresh basil leaves on it and sprinkle some mixed herbs. Cut into 4-6 pieces and enjoy hot. 

 

 

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https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Chickpeas Gravy With Spinach

 a wooden spoon stirring a batch of Marry Me Chickpeas in a large skillet. 

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • (2) 15-ounce cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup vegan cream See Notes
  • 2 cups baby spinach sliced
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese
  •  

    Preparations In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Now add the chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, cream and spinach and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste; add more salt, pepper or red pepper flakes as desired.    Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, roti, puri, dosa or on to of cooked rice, pasta or even a baked sweet potato. 

    NOTE

     For the cream, you can use any store bought dairy free creamer , full fat coconut milk, another unsweetened plant milk or best of all, homemade cashew cream.

    To make cashew paste – Bring 2-3 cups of water to a boil . Pour the hot water over ¾ cup raw cashews and let soak for 5 minutes or up to an hour. Drain the cashews and add to a high powered blender with 1 cup of fresh water and blend until creamy and smooth.

    If you use a store bought cream or coconut milk, you may want to thicken the chickpeas as the sauce won’t be as thick. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch/ atta ( whole wheat flour)and 3 tablespoons water in a bowl, then stir it into the chickpea mixture at the end. It should thicken up nicely.

    You can use fresh tomatoes, in case you don't have sun dried tomatoes, then cook the tomatoes till soft before you add the other ingredients. 

     

    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

     

    Saturday, December 6, 2025

    Summer Squash Salad

    Ingredients

    1/4 Cup white balsamic vinegar
    1/4 cup lemon juice
    2 tsp lemon rind
    2 Red chilies
    2 Garlic cloves (crushed)
    1 tbsp olive oil
    150 gm summer squash (zucchini)
    salt and black pepper pdr to taste
    basil leaves 

     

    Instructions

    1. Crush the 2 cloves of garlic.
    2.Now, in a bowl add the white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, lemon rind, red chilies and olive oil. Add the crushed garlic along with salt and freshly crushed black pepper. Mix to combine.
    3.Add the thinly sliced summer squash to the mixture and toss to coat.
    4.Keep aside and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
    5.Place the marinated summer squash on a serving plate and garnish with the baby basil leaves.

     

    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

     

    Saturday, November 15, 2025

    Spinach Pesto Sandwich

     

    Ingredients: 

    1 cup fresh basil leaves

    ½ cup fresh spinach leaves

    3-4 garlic cloves

    2 tsp pine nuts/ walnuts 

    1 tsp lemon juice

    1 tsp Parmesan cheese

    2 tsp olive oil

    8-10 slices fresh bread slices

    4-5 sliced tomatoes 

    8-10 pcs of sliced mozzarella

    Salt and pepper to taste

    Method: 

    Take a mixing jar, to it, add the garlic, basil and spinach leaves, olive oil, walnuts or pine nuts, salt and lemon juice. Finally, add some Parmesan cheese to it. Blend it well to get delicious fresh pesto. 

    Now take bread slices of your choice (sourdough, focaccia, or simple brown whole wheat bread) Slather both sides with a generous amount of this spinach pesto, top it with fresh tomatoes, slices of buffalo mozzarella and some salt and pepper. Cover the sandwiches with other bread and enjoy fresh and healthy sandwiches as a breakfast item, or any time of the day. 

     

    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

     

    Friday, October 24, 2025

    Protein Mayo Toasts

      

    Ingredients


    Preparations

    Add the Greek Yoghurt, crumbled paneer, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and pepper to a blending jar and get a smooth creamy high-protein spread.
    Toast the multigrain bread slices using olive oil, and toast until crisp.
    Spread a generous layer of the high protein spread on the toasts.
    Top it with chopped cherry tomatoes. Drizzle some olive oil on them, sprinkle some salt and pepper and finally garnish with some fresh basil leaves.
    Serve immediately.

     

    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

    Wednesday, October 15, 2025

    East-West Spring Rolls

     spring roll 

    Ingredients

    1 1/2 tsp Olive oil

    2 small Spring onion bulbs

    1 Green bell pepper, chopped

    4 pieces Tomatoes (sun dried)

    2 tbsp Bread crumbs

    1 1/2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

    1/2 tbsp Ginger, grated

    1 tsp Chives

    60 gram Buffalo mozzarella cheese

    1 tsp Balsamic vinegar

    2 tbsp Corn flour

    1 tsp Stock

    For the dip:

    8 Basil leaves

    2 tbsp Olive oil

    1 tbsp Parmesan

    1 Garlic (smashed)

    1 Chili

    6 Green olives

    1 tbsp Mayonnaise/ yogurt

     

    Preparations

     In a hot pan add a dash of olive oil in which you can add the spring onions, green bell peppers and ginger.

    Give it a good toss.

    Add balsamic vinegar to deglaze and put in another bowl.

    Blend the sun dried tomatoes with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

    Add some chopped chives and give it a nice mix, don't need to make it too smooth.

    Mix with the spring onions and bell peppers.

    In a small bowl make a paste with 2 tbsp corn flour and 1 tsp stock.

    Brush a spring roll sheet with the corn flour paste.

    Put a few basil leaves. Top them with the mozzarella and tomato mix.

    Roll the spring roll into long cylindrical shape.

    Using cornstarch and stock as a binding agent.

    Deep fry till golden brown and serve with the basil dip.

     

    Prepare the basil dip:

    In a mixer put basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, clove garlic, green chilly, green olives and mayonnaise and give a good blitz.

    Add a pinch of salt and serve with the spring rolls

     

    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

     

    Wednesday, September 10, 2025

    Eggplant and Ricotta Rolls

     Eggplant and Ricotta Rolls

    Stuffed with ricotta, Parmesan, and basil, these eggplant rolls are baked in a rich tomato and mozzarella sauce, and they can either be enjoyed on their own as a snack or combined with a side dish of your choice as a vegetarian dinner.

    Ingredients
     
    Olive oil - 1 tbsp. 
     
    Eggplant - 2 medium Big and round
     
    Ricotta cheese - 2 cups 
     
    Basil leaves - 1/2 cup (chopped) 
     
    Parmesan cheese - 3/4 cup, 1/4 cup (grated) 
     
    Tomato pasta sauce - 8 oz  roughly 230 gm
     
    Mozzarella - 3/4 cup (coarsely grated)


    Preparations
     
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease 2 baking sheets using about half of the olive oil. 
     
    Cut both eggplants lengthwise into thin slices - about 1/2-inch thick. Then arrange the eggplants on the baking sheets in a single layer. 
     
    Use the remaining olive oil to brush the eggplants. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. 
     
    While the eggplants are cooking, prepare the filling. 
     
    In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, chopped basil, and 3/4 cup Parmesan. Mix well, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. 
     
    Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool a little until you're able to handle them. 
     
    Take a slice of eggplant and place 1 tablespoon of the ricotta filling at one end. Then roll up the eggplant slice and place it in a deep baking dish seam-side down. 
     
    Do the same with the remaining eggplant slices, arranging the eggplants next to each other. 
     
    Pour the tomato pasta sauce over the eggplant rolls. Top the tomato sauce with the grated mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. 
     
    Bake the eggplant rolls in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce starts to bubble and the mozzarella melts. 
     
    Remove the eggplants from the oven. Serve hot, or refrigerate for up to 2 days in a sealed container.


    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs


    Tuesday, August 12, 2025

    Ayurvedic Drink to boost Immunity

    The importance of working on and improving our immunity has perhaps never been as important as it is today. This is because focusing on improving our immune system is one of the best ways to safeguard our body against the attack of the novel coronavirus. While we are trying different medicines and foods to build our immune system, there are many homemade food items from around the world that, while overlooked, can work wonders for your immune health.

    One such item is 'Kadha' – a traditional homemade medicinal drink used for fighting the cough and the cold and building your immunity. The drink originated in India and is an Ayurvedic concoction made with a number of herbs and spices that are boiled in water to extract their benefits.
     
    Interestingly, the practice of preparing kadha is almost five hundred years old. The spice and herbs mixture is considered one of the oldest forms of medicine invented in Ayurveda. When all of these herbs are mixed together they don’t just help you fight the cough and the cold, they will also help strengthen your immune system. 

    What are the ingredients required for preparing kadha?
     
    So, how do we make a kadha drink and what are the ingredients required for it? 
     
    The most essential herbs and spices that you would need to prepare a kadha drink are - raw turmeric, basil leaves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. All these herbs and spices are natural immunity boosters and are packed with various beneficial nutrients.

    Kadha ayurvedic drink

    Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
     
    Cardamom has several impressive medicinal properties and is known to relieve a sore throat while also having a cooling effect for the body. 
     
    Turmeric has curcumin and is helpful at fighting off a variety of viruses, including herpes and the flu. It is also packed with anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly useful in boosting your digestion. 
     
    Cloves are loaded with strong antioxidants and are also a good source of a compound called eugenol. Consuming them regularly helps boost your immunity.

    Ginger is one of the healthiest roots on the planet. It has certain chemical compounds that help your body ward off germs and also in halting the growth of certain bacteria. 
     
    Black peppercorns are also high in antioxidants and can combat some respiratory conditions and rejuvenating the lungs. They also contain piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin and can help relieve nausea, headaches, and poor digestion. 
     
    Basil leaf is a healing herb that helps in treating the cold, nasal congestion, cough, and the flu. These leaves are also great for improving digestion and contain a range of natural antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system. 
     
    You can even add gooseberry to this drink if it is available in your area. Gooseberry is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts your immunity.

    What are the steps involved in preparing kadha?  
     
    Now, to prepare the kadha drink you will first need to fill a pot with 2 cups of filtered water. 
     
    Then, follow the instructions below. Allow the water in the pot (or pan) to boil for a few minutes. 
     
    Take 2 tablespoons of cardamom, 1 tablespoon of cloves, 2 tablespoons of black peppercorn, 1 tablespoon of raw turmeric powder, 3-5 cinnamon sticks, 5-6 fresh basil leaves, and 3/4 cup of dry ginger powder (or 1 inch of peeled ginger) on a large plate. 
     
    Crush all ingredients (except honey and basil leaves) properly. 
     
    Alternatively, you can also take half a tablespoon of each of these ingredients and mix it in boiling water. 
     
    All the ingredients, including the basil leaves, should then be cooked on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the decoction is reduced to half. Let the drink simmer down well and once done, cool it. 
     
    Lastly, strain the mixture into a glass or a cup and drink it while it is warm. That’s it! Your kadha drink is ready. 

    To improve or sweeten the taste of the drink, you can even add lemon, jaggery, and honey to the kadha. The best thing about this traditional drink is that you can warm it again and have it multiple times a day. Ideally, twice a day – once in the morning and once at night – should be good for you. Having kadha throughout the season is known to aid digestion, boost your immunity, and fight symptoms of the flu. 
     
    Do note, however, that avoid adding too much black pepper and ginger in the kadha. It can cause heartburn and a burning sensation in the throat. 
     
    Note: While there are various known benefits of kadha as mentioned above, it shouldn’t be a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist if you have any recurring health issues.


    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs


    Monday, August 4, 2025

    Mushroom Lasagna

    Ingredients

    For the Mushroom and Tomato Filling

    1 pound (450g) mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello), cleaned and sliced

    2 tbsp olive oil

    1 large onion, finely chopped

    3 garlic cloves, mince

    1 tsp dried thyme

    1 tsp dried oregano

    Salt and pepper to taste

    1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

    1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

    For the Bechamel Sauce

    4 tbsp unsalted butter

    4 tbsp all-purpose flour

    4 cups whole milk, warmed

    Pinch of nutmeg

    Salt and pepper to taste

    For the Lasagna Assembly

    12 lasagna noodles

    2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

    1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

    Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

      lasagna recipe

    Preparing the Mushroom and Tomato Filling

    First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 

    Then, add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

    Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8–10 minutes.

    Afterward, season with dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, pour in the white wine and cook until it evaporates, about 2–3 minutes.

    Then, add the halved grape tomatoes and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Set the mushroom and tomato mixture aside.

    2. Making the Bechamel Sauce

    Create the Roux

    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns a light golden color, about 2–3 minutes.

    Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

    Assembling the Lasagna

    First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

    To start, spread a thin layer of Bechamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Then, spread half of the mushroom and tomato mixture over the noodles.

    Sprinkle half of the chopped spinach over the mushrooms and tomatoes.

    Pour about one-third of the Bechamel sauce over the spinach. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers: noodles, mushroom and tomato mixture, spinach, Bechamel, cheeses.

    Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining Bechamel sauce, and the rest of the cheeses.

    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

     

    Suggestions

    You can use any type of mushrooms.

    You can use  add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted butternut squash. Just make sure to cook or roast them beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.

    Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave. 

     

    https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

    https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

    https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

    https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs