BS, Dietetics and Nutrition
Have you ever wondered what gives certain dishes their unforgettable flavor? Sometimes, it’s the vibrant touch of fresh herbs. Thai basil, mint and lemongrass are key to the bold, aromatic tastes of Southeast Asia. The best part is you don’t have to travel far to enjoy them.
With a little care, you can grow them right at home and bring their flavors straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re curious if you can combine mint and basil or looking for new ways to elevate your dishes, here’s everything you need to know about these herbs.
1. Thai Basil
Thai basil is a popular herb in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. It has a robust, almost peppery flavor with a hint of licorice and anise. Its spicy overtones are recognizable in Thai and Vietnamese dishes, lightly fried, or added raw to salads, soups and fresh rolls.
Unlike the floppy leaves of sweet basil, Thai basil leaves are sturdier and hold up well to heat. They’re easy to plant at home, even if you’re new to gardening. They require four to six hours of direct sunlight or six to eight hours of indirect sunlight. Plant in pots with good drainage and loamy soil around 15 centimeters deep to prevent root rot.
2. Mint
Biting into a fresh mint leaf leaves a tingling coolness on your tongue, making it a perfect complement to spicy foods. Aside from its refreshing sensation, it has a lively and bright aroma that can instantly make a dish lighter.
Mint leaves are commonly linked to two varieties — peppermint and spearmint. Fresh peppermint contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, offering more than a burst of flavor. Mint is famously resilient and forgiving. If you’re concerned about leaves spreading, keeping it in a pot is a smart way to contain its growth.
3. Lemongrass
Lemongrass offers bright, citrusy notes with a slightly ginger-like undertone. It’s not sour like lemon but has a more subtle citrus essence. Also known as citronella, this tall, stalky plant is a common ingredient in Thai dishes and is commonly used as a bug repellent.
Add lemongrass to your soup for that uplifting aroma. If you want to eat it, sprinkle thinly sliced lemongrass into salads or dips. Many Asian households pound it into fine substances and use it as a marinade for chicken. It’s a striking addition to any garden, thriving best when planted directly in the ground rather than in containers, as it naturally grows tall, deep and wide.
Can You Combine Mint and Basil?
Yes — combining mint and basil creates fresh, vibrant flavor profiles that are great for various recipes. Basil brings a warm, peppery aroma, while mint offers a cool and refreshing quality. When you mix them, they complement each other, with the mint brightening basil’s robust notes.
When to Use Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
Choosing between fresh and dried herbs can feel confusing at first, but with a few tips, you’ll feel confident in no time:
- Fresh herbs: Added at the end of the cooking to brighten the dish’s flavor
- Dried herbs: Added during the cooking process so they release the flavors into the dish
If you ever run out of one, don’t stress. Substituting is easy with the right ratio. One tablespoon of fresh herbs is equal to one teaspoon of dried herbs, since the latter are more potent and concentrated.
Cooking With Thai Basil, Mint and Lemongrass
Ready to experiment with these herbs? Explore these recipes and feel free to tweak them to make them your own.
Pesto Butter Beans With Roasted Tomatoes
This easy, comforting recipe transforms a tin of butter beans into a hearty meal. Start the dish by roasting cherry tomatoes in the oven until they’re soft and caramelized. Slice asparagus stalks into 1-centimeter rounds, halve the tips, add oil to the pan and fry over a medium heat for a minute before removing from the pan.
Add more oil to the pan and fry the shallot for 5 minutes until brown. Pour in the beans and then toss with a generous amount of pesto. Once the tomatoes are ready, add them and the asparagus to the pan. Squeeze in the lemon juice and scatter over fresh mint, basil, chili and pine nuts.
Summer Asian Slaw
This is another recipe that combines mint and basil. The summer Asian slaw blends charred peppers, green onions, peaches, nuts, seeds, and red and green cabbage, which have cancer-fighting sulforaphane and phytonutrients, such as anthocyanins. Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint and basil for that light, refreshing flavor.
Lemongrass Mint Tea
If you want something quick and invigorating, create a lemongrass mint tea. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it perfect for any season. This recipe only requires lemongrass stalks, fresh mint leaves, water, and a sweetener such as brown sugar or honey.
Combine lemongrass and mint in a pot of water, bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. After simmering, stir in your preferred sweetener. Serve warm or chilled over ice, depending on your preference.
Have a Herb-Fully Ever After
Let your kitchen and garden grow together as you explore these essential herbs. Start planting them in your garden, watch them flourish and bring their freshness straight to your table. Try out new recipes, experiment with combining herbs, and enjoy the journey of making your meals healthier and more flavorful.
