Recipes

[Flatbush]

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

[mizree]

@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.

[Group 5 minus 1]

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

[PA Mom-mom]

@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.

[riley1]

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.

[Bri369]

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.  

[ciao_bella]

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.  

[nycalady]

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.

[ECBG]

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

[layla2450]

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@ECBG wrote:

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

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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.