Topic “basil”

After much consideration, and plenty of bugging from Vilmali to spend some time together cooking something, we decided to get together to make pasta. From Scratch(tm)!

If I had to describe this dish to most non-vegetarians where I come from, I would call it a vegetarian fricassee. People would still be confused, but that's okay because it still tastes good. In all honesty, it cannot be called a fricassee for the simple reason that a fricassee, by definition, is a stew in which the meat is browned and simmered in its own juices along with the rest of the ingredients. I don't see any meat there.

According to Wikipedia, the word pesto comes from the word pestâ, which means to pound. Which means that to make real pesto, you have to pound your way into the sauce instead of using a food processor or any such contraption.

My arms were tired after using my trusty wooden mortar and pestle to crush the basil leaves; I should have used marble, but I don't have one of those. Even after all the work and its resulting pain, it's worth it. 

Ever since I saw the movie Ratatouille I wanted to cook one. You know how you sometimes say "I'd like to do this...I'll set some time for doing that" and you never do it? Well, cooking a ratatouille is one of those things you never set your mind to do even though it's really easy.

Really, Victor, what is a ratatouille? Good question. It could either be a bunch of overcooked vegetables thrown in together, or it could be a tasty medley of fresh veggies. One good thing about ratatouille, though, is that it's a very healthy and hearty dish. The meatiness of the eggplant, along with all the combined flavors, gives it a feeling that sets it apart from other vegetarian meals.