7 Comments

As a gardener, I do wish you could tell us the variety of basil.

Expand full comment
author

Hello! The variety here is really the ‘Italiano’. If you look into the Ocymum Basilicum varieties, this will be sold as Genovese or Italian which has large leaves. Otherwise, you will find ‘basilicum crispum’ or common basil, with the same slightly curly round leaves, but smaller. These are my favorite varieties for Italian and Mediterranean cooking and the varieties that really have the right flavor.

Greek basil (Basilicum minimum) also has the right flavor but comes in tiny leaves.

I’ll add this info into the post later, thanks for asking!

Expand full comment

Gnam gnam. Opinion on using pecorino instead of parmi?

Expand full comment
author

Go for it! Personally I love it. I am assuming you're talking about pecorino romano? Will get you a bit of a stronger flavor but personally I'm a fan!

Expand full comment

Yeah, we use it for preference - stronger, but also saltier some people aren't keen.

Expand full comment

Interesting post, but please double check your claim that Grana Padano is vegetarian. I don't believe it is and can't find any evidence supporting the claim online. Thanks!

Expand full comment
author

Fair! Grana padano can be vegetarian, as it can be made with vegetarian rennet, while Parmigiano can't be (though in Bologna I've seen it along with the Kosher and Halal versions). Usually when you buy it there will be the V symbol on the pack if it's guaranteed to be vegetarian!

Expand full comment