Anise basil, also known as Licorice basil, or Persian basil is a herb used majorly in stirred fried dishes, including vegetables, poultry, and egg dishes. It is freshly used in sauces, and for garnishing salads, stews, and soups. The leaves of this herb are purple colored with rose colored stems. It has a sweet mild licorice fragrance which makes any dish flavorsome. It is commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Popular Anise Basil Recipes
Anise Basil Biscotti: The biscotti are made of the basil, unbleached flour, sugar, eggs, almonds, and vanilla extract. These are low calorie, Rusk kind biscuits, a little different in taste due to the unusual taste of the herb.
Anise Basil Tomato Sauce: The sauce is made of fresh anise basil, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and black pepper.
Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup: The soup is made of beef broth, herb leaves, rice noodles, freshly cut ginger, sirloin steak, mint, lime juice, and green onions.
Nutritive Value
Basil herb is very low in calories, and rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. The herb also consists of high levels of magnesium, copper, potassium, and manganese. The leaves also contain good amount of Iron, which helps in the smooth functioning of red blood cells.
Buying and Storing
Anise basil is readily available in the markets, or super markets. Fresh leaves of the herb are to be kept at room temperature in a bowl of water for a longer use. Dried basil leaves can be kept in an air tight container in cold dark place, which keeps it fresh for upto six months.