Bas Leaves

about bas leaves!

Bas leaves, also known as Thai basil, are a popular herb commonly used in Thai cuisine. They are a variety of sweet basil, known scientifically as Ocimum basilicum, that is native to Southeast Asia. The leaves are distinctive for their slightly spicy and slightly sweet flavor, which is often used in Thai dishes such as curries, stir-fries, and soups.

In the United States, bas leaves can be found in many Asian grocery stores, as well as in some larger supermarkets that carry international ingredients. They are typically sold fresh, wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a plastic bag, and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

To use bas leaves, simply rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to your dish. They can be used whole or chopped up, depending on your preference. They pair well with ingredients like garlic, chilies, and fish sauce, and are a key component of Thai dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup.

If you're looking to incorporate bas leaves into your cooking, here is a simple recipe for Thai basil chicken that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the chopped bas leaves to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until they are slightly wilted.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet, and toss with the basil and sauce until the chicken is fully coated.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over rice.

I hope this helps you get started with cooking with bas leaves! Do you have any other questions about this ingredient?