by Sweetu
(Bangalore,India)
Basil is an herb which is a classic accompaniment to tomato dishes and important in Italian cooking. It enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish. I do a lot of Italian cooking at home and use basil leaves as an ingredients. The recipes that I cook are Penne with broccoli and raisins, pasta with tomato and basil and pasta with basil.
I am writing the recipe for Penne with broccoli and raisins which serves four people.
2 cups broccoli
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped,
¼ tsp saffron
½ cup raisins
½ cup blanched almonds
500 grams penne (flat tube pasta)
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tbsp basil leaves, finely chopped
Method: Wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water and divide it into florets. Cook in boiling salt water for sometime and remove it from water when still firm. Keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and add the onions .Sauté it till it turns pale brown in color. Add the saffron dissolved in warm water and cook for 10 minutes. Add the broccoli florets, along with the raisins and blanched almonds. Stir fry well and remove from heat and keep it covered. Cook the penne in boiling salted water till done but not soggy. Drain the pasta and keep aside. In a separate pan, add pasta and stir in the broccoli sauce. Add the parmesan cheese and basil leaves and toss it well. Serve hot.
Basil blends well with the pasta and cheese and the food taste good with an aromatic flavor.