Remember when Simon and Garfunkel sang about “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme”?
Of course, you do. But we have one question regarding those famous lyrics: What about basil?
After all, is there any food “condiment” more simple to make and yet more enjoyable than pesto? Simply combine basil, Parmesan cheese and oil, and… presto!… you have pesto.
Basil is easily grown in most home gardens, and it’s not at all out of place in a flower garden. There are many types of basil, but the one most commonly used in cooking is Italian, a.k.a. Genovese.
For a fun meal, try Basil Burgers. Here’s how to make them:
1. Heat 4 to 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan, and add 3 finely chopped cloves of garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds, constantly moving it around the pan, and then add some cold water to stop the cooking.
2. Reduce the heat and add 1/4 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, which had been soaked in water, wine or olive oil overnight. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of chopped basil during the last minute of cooking, along with sea salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine with 2 pounds of ground beef, and form into patties. Cook the patties on a grill under the desired doneness, and sprinkle some crumbled Pecorino Toscano on top during the last minute of cooking.
4. Serve the patties on buns with your favorite garnishes… and, of course, your favorite wine.
