Basil is the most popular choice of spice for Middle Eastern cuisine. Basil spices are available both in their ground form as well as in capsules or bottled powders. It is a particularly good choice because it is relatively inexpensive and readily available at many health food stores. However, there are several differences between Basil and Mint. The following guide lists all of the main differences between Basil and Mint.
Basil seeds in Urdu called Tukh Malanga are the most common spice used for cooking. To cook with soaked basil seeds, simply add 8 ounces ( 237 ml or 1 cup) of liquid to a small saucepan or pot. Add basil seeds as they settle to the liquid. Use enough water to make sure that the seeds soak completely but not enough water to make the seed stick to the sides of the pan or pot.
To make a delicious pudding, soak one tablespoon of dried basil seeds and fifteen minutes before baking. Puree the pudding mixture into a blender or processor. When pureed, the pulp will separate from the seeds. You can strain the puree into a bowl and add sugar, cream, or milk. Pureed pudding can be served as a dessert or enjoyed as breakfast food. Diced cakes, cookies, and muffins are other great options for this popular pudding.
One of the popular Moroccan desserts is Tuna kutanga. Cooked white and yellow fin tuna is marinated in yogurt and then steamed to remove any scent. It is served with a sweetened curd called takrar. To prepare the kutanga, place three cups (8 ounces each) of dry tuna in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat as it cooks and blend in one tablespoon of sweet basil seeds and one tablespoon of takrar.
Sabja or tukh malanga are popular snacks in Morocco. The sweet, sticky fish is fried in olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper before being served with pickled cucumbers, mints, or cilantro. Sabja can also be eaten plain. To enjoy the health benefits of basil seeds and tukh malanga, use zesty lemon juice instead of the traditional mayonnaise and mix with honey. This condiment makes a tasty alternative to butter and sugar.
Besides their delicious taste, seeds are used in many cooking traditions as well. Tagine, a dish originating in Italy, is made with chick peas cooked with tomato sauce and topped with chopped, crumbled basil leaves. Moroccan lamb stew called lambaccha can be made with dry or sweet seedless kidney beans, cumin, and red pepper powder; it is served with Moroccan rice and dessert. And North African dishes often call for the dried seeds of the basil tree. Other seeds useful in Moroccan cooking include the kichir and the kahyma.
Natural Spices & herbs are generally used for flavoring agents in foods.
Find Natural Spices & Herbs, With so many different types of spices and culinary herbs, our list of spices.
This is why people who really enjoy the taste of authentic, fresh spices will go through many pots and pans before finding the exact flavor they want from one.BenefitA major benefit of using natural spices is their aroma and taste.
All natural spices are very aromatic.
When adding them to your recipes, remember that a small bit of their aromatic essence may be lost in the process of grinding them down.
You may wish to experiment with different amounts and powders depending on your recipe.
Natural blends of herbs and spices are also available in some specialty stores.
One of the most popular uses for dried ginger is in traditional Chinese recipes such as stir-frying and chicken dishes.
