topic Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When? in Recipes

FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

Flatbush — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 07:23:49 GMT

I still have some fresh basil leaves growing and I want to use them for a tomato sauce I am making for spaghetti and meatballs ( the meat balls are already made ).

But, I don't know if I should put the basil in while I am simmering the sauce ( will the basil flavor dissipate) ? Or, should I sprinkle the basil leaves on the top of the sauce after I plate the spaghetti with the sauce on top?

I hope this post is clear lol

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

mizree — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:19:06 GMT

@Flatbush basil can be in the sauce (about half cup per 28 ounce can of tomatoes) but we enjoy it best added fresh on top of each plate of pasta. Fresh basil will be missed once freeze hits. you can freeze basil in olive oil in ice cube trays then transfer to freezer bag to add the basil flavor to sauce throughout the winter.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

Group 5 minus 1 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:42:44 GMT

To me NEVER! Do not care for basil fresh or dried.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

PA Mom-mom — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:50:27 GMT

@Flatbush I usually add a little fresh basil halfway through cooking down the tomatoes and then add most of it at the very end. Basil will tend to lose ifs flavor when cooked for any length of time. I think adding some during the cooking process does add some depth of flavor, but it is best used at the end. Also, remember to slice the leaves you are adding at the end. Otherwise you may get them stuck to the roof of your mouth or at the back of your throat. (in my experience). I just made what I thought was my last marinara from my cherry tomatoes and basil, but it looks like I'll be able to do one more batch.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

riley1 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:19:26 GMT

I add the basil toward the end of cooking to keep the flavor. Or, cut it in thin ribbons and add to pasta when serving.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

Bri369 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 17:51:21 GMT

I don't care for it cooking in the sauce. It can sometimes get bitter.

I finely slice it and put it on the pasta right before serving.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

ciao_bella — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:38:10 GMT

Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking the sauce... about 5 minutes before shutting the sauce off. At that point, the basil will flavor the sauce.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

nycalady — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:03:15 GMT

Love it roughly ripped on top after the pasta is plated & with some sprinkled parma cheese - the color combo is very appealing & it's all super yummy.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

ECBG — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:19:22 GMT

Put your spices in at the beginning fo the best flavor.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

layla2450 — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:03:35 GMT

@ECBG wrote:
Put your spices in at the beginning fo the best flavor.

For dried spices -YES. For fFRESH spices or herbs - NO. They should be put in the sause EITHER 5 minutes before the sauce is ready OR sprinkled on top of the sauce.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

Flatbush — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:59:08 GMT

I'll add the basil toward the end of making the sauce and also sprinkle some on the spaghetti before putting on the sauce and then on the sauce over the spaghetti. That should do it!

Also will freeze the last of the leaves for the winter as suggested.

Thank you everyone who posted .

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

panda1234 — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:45:48 GMT

@PA Mom-mom wrote:
@Flatbush I usually add a little fresh basil halfway through cooking down the tomatoes and then add most of it at the very end. Basil will tend to lose ifs flavor when cooked for any length of time. I think adding some during the cooking process does add some depth of flavor, but it is best used at the end. Also, remember to slice the leaves you are adding at the end. Otherwise you may get them stuck to the roof of your mouth or at the back of your throat. (in my experience). I just made what I thought was my last marinara from my cherry tomatoes and basil, but it looks like I'll be able to do one more batch.

@PA Mom-mom Just made cherry tomato sauce last night.Do you add cloves of garlic in your?

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

PA Mom-mom — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:51:38 GMT

@panda1234 wrote:
@PA Mom-mom Just made cherry tomato sauce last night.Do you add cloves of garlic in your?

@panda1234 I do add minced garlic to my sauce at the beginning of cooking down the tomatoes. It isn't necessary if you don't like garlic, and it gives the sauce a completely different flavor. If you aren't sure how you will use the sauce, it is probably best to leave it out and have the option of adding it if your future recipe calls for it. I also add some red pepper flakes.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

panda1234 — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:09:05 GMT

@PA Mom-mom wrote:
@panda1234 wrote:
@PA Mom-mom Just made cherry tomato sauce last night.Do you add cloves of garlic in your?
@panda1234 I do add minced garlic to my sauce at the beginning of cooking down the tomatoes. It isn't necessary if you don't like garlic, and it gives the sauce a completely different flavor. If you aren't sure how you will use the sauce, it is probably best to leave it out and have the option of adding it if your future recipe calls for it. I also add some red pepper flakes.

@PA Mom-mom Never thought of the red pepper flakes, will try that.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

Dazlin — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 17:20:06 GMT

@Flatbush , I love fresh basil...I put mine in as I'm adding all the ingredients/spices. Sometimes I add a little to meatballs, and fresh parsley. You can always sprinkle additional basil when your ready to serve...looks appealing and adds freshness.

Re: FRESH BASIL IN TOMATO SAUCE...When?

drizzellla — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 21:09:23 GMT

Last night we had our favorite pizza. Thin crust with their tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. After it has cooked and comes out of the oven, they put fresh basil leaves on the top.

Your tomato sauce will be warm so the basil leaf will wilt a bit and be nice and tender and tasty.