Basil is an aromatic herb that is used for culinary porpuses. It is mainly used to season salads, pizzas and pasta dishes.
Under the scientific name Ocimum basilicum, it is an aromatic plant native to Asia whose cultivation extends practically all over the world. The variety known as purple basil, bighorn basil or tulsi, is characterized by having striking purple leaves more curly than common basil.
Apart from being popular, this herb is a very versatile ingredient in cooking. It has become part of appetizers and starters, as an accompaniment or side dishes for fish, meat and sauces. It even has a presence in syrups, ice cream, custards, slushies and other refreshing desserts.
There are countless recipes that incorporate or could include this fragrant herb: vegetable panini with basil, eggplant parmigiana, tomato soup with mozzarella and basil, bread with tomato and basil, salad, caprese, mashed potatoes with basil.