Basil Salsa Recipes

BASIC HERB SALSA

Steps:

• Combine parsley, zest, salt and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir to combine.
• Just before serving, stir in vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and acid as needed. (Acid will dull the vibrant flavor and color of the herbs over time, so if you plan to store some of the sauce for future use, add acid to only the portion you're using. Sauce, without vinegar, will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using.)

GRILLED SWORDFISH AND FIDDLEHEADS WITH TOMATO BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• To marinate the fish: Microwave the limes in a small bowl to release the essential oils. Set limes aside until just cool enough to handle. Through the feed opening of a running blender, add 1 at a time, garlic, ginger, vinegar, soy sauce, and scallions. Then, leaving the blender running, squeeze in the juice from the microwaved limes. Place the swordfish in a nonreactive container and pour the marinade over. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours.
• To marinate the fiddleheads: Place the fiddleheads in a nonreactive bowl. Make the vinaigrette, by adding, 1 at a time, through the feed opening of a running blender the vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Then, leaving the blender running, add the olive oil in a slow thin stream. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and pour over the ferns. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for about 6 hours. (Marinating them this way is an alternative to cooking them.)
• Make the salsa while you are heating the grill for the fish. Whisk together the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and add the olive oil in a slow thin stream while continuing to whisk. Chop the basil leaves and add to the bowl along with the tomatoes, shallots, and scallions. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. (Be sure to taste before seasoning, because the soy is likely to lend saltiness.)
• Brush the marinated fish with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the fish, leaving each side undisturbed for the first few minutes to prevent tearing of the flesh. Let rest, then transfer to a cutting board and carve into slices.
• Place some salsa in the middle of a serving dish, top with sliced fish and garnish with marinated fiddleheads.

TOMATO-BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

BASIL SALSA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients together in a bowl.
• Cover and chill several hours in the refrigerator.
• Serve.

BASIL CHICKEN SPIRALS WITH MANGO SALSA

Steps:

• Flatten chicken to 1/4-in. thickness. In a small bowl, combine the basil, cilantro, oil and 1 teaspoon garlic; spread over chicken. Roll up each from a short side and secure with toothpicks. Place seam side down in a greased 11x7-in. baking dish., Combine the teriyaki sauce, ginger and remaining garlic; pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°. Discard toothpicks., Meanwhile, combine the salsa ingredients. Cut chicken into slices; serve with salsa.