Elbo Room Restaurant Celebrating Basil Festival in Mumbai

Do you know about the Basil festival? "The Basil Festival (Tulsi Mahotsav) has become the most-cherished festivals on the calendar of the Basil farmers in Azamgarh India since they began cultivating Basil. It is held every year at the end of the Basil harvest in Azamgarh. People brought together from all over the world to carry on the mission of health and wellness globally on this occasion.

Basil is one of the most easily available herbs in an Indian kitchen garden. We worship it and hence the easy accesses. And when it comes to Ayurveda there is a plethora of illnesses that these little leaves can cure. However, Basil these days is used more in Italian and Northeast/ Southeast Asian cooking.

So if you are looking to eat something that is Basil friendly and not the same Old Italian Pesto, then here is something for you!

Elbo room has a Basil festival going on. They are serving their patrons a few interesting dishes innovated with a dash of basil. We managed to sneak out a few recipes for you to try at home. So let’s start with refreshing drink

From The Bar: Senorita Surprise

Ingredients

One cup Fresh Watermelon (Cut pieces)

1/2 Cup red wine

3 tablespoons vodka

Fresh basil leaves 2-3 nos

2 teaspoons sugar syrup

Glass Chilled margarita or martini glass

Garnish Fresh basil leaves & watermelon slice

Method

Muddle the watermelon with a dash of sugar syrup. Add the basil leaves and lightly muddle. Add the wine and shake. Double strain into the chilled margarita or martini glass

Before we start sharing the recipes, here’s a tiny tip that you might want to know: In cooking the basil used is typically referred to as “sweet” basil. Basil is mostly used freshly in cooking and added almost at the last moment. This is done as cooking too quickly would destroy the flavor.  

Basil, Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich

Ingredients

1 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread

6 fresh basil leaves, chopped

2 tomatoes, sliced

4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Method

Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Layer the basil, tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese between the two halves of bread. Cut into four sandwiches. In a small dish, stir together the balsamic vinegar and red pepper flakes. Use as a dipping sauce.

Insalata Caprese:

Ingredients

4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1/3 cup fresh basil leaves

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

fine sea salt to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

On a large platter, alternate and overlap the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.

Basil Pesto Pasta:

Cooking Time 15 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)

375g dried linguine pasta

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Shaved parmesan cheese, to serve

Method

Cook pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water, following packet directions until tender. Drain. Return to pan.

Meanwhile, process basil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan, scraping down sides occasionally, until almost smooth.

With motor running, add oil in a slow, steady stream. Process to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Add pesto to pasta. Toss to combine.

Notes Serve with salad leaves and crusty bread.

Would you like to know more about festivals and events at Mumbai restaurants?

Leopold Cafe, Mumbai

Happy Hours at Escobar - VN Sphere Mall

Wine Tastings at Out of The Blue, Bandra

Special soup at Ankur Restaurant