• The most common type of basil is sweet (or Italian) basil; Thai basil is more strongly flavored.
• Smaller leaves of basil have more flavor than larger ones, plus the ribs are much smaller, so look for small basil leaves.
• Chop basil just before using, and with a very sharp knife, to avoid it turning a dark, unappealing color.
• A common way of chopping basil is the chiffonade, which entails stacking several leaves on top of each other, rolling it up tighly, and thinly slicing crosswise down the roll.

Basil

Vegetarian recipes with basil

• Classic Margherita Pizza
• Meatless Muffaletta Sandwiches
• Mixed Vegetable and Quinoa Stew
• Spring Vegetable Ragout with Fresh Pasta
• Risotto with Sundried Tomatoes, Asparagus, and Mushrooms
• Trenette with Pesto, Beans, and Potatoes