Basil Coulis Recipes

BASIL COULIS

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Process in short pulses until smooth. Taste and add a little more sugar if desired, but the coulis shouldn't be too sweet. Pour into an airtight container and chill for up to a day, or freeze.

ASPARAGUS WITH TOMATO BASIL COULIS

Steps:

• In a skillet, saute the shallots and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about two minutes or so.
• Quarter 3 of the tomatoes and add to the saute pan along with the juice, parsley and basil.
• Season to taste and cook for about five minutes or until heated through.
• Whirl in food processor or blender.
• Pour wine into saute pan and stir over medium heat to deglaze.
• Add this liquid to the blender and whirl.
• Add the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil slowly and process for two minutes.
• In a large saute pan, saute the asparagus in butter until tender crisp.
• To serve, cover the bottom of four salad plates with pureed mixture; arrange five asparagus in a fan shape over the top.
• Mince the remaining tomatoes and arrange equal portions at the base of the asparagus.
• Garnish as desired with chives, scallions and basil leaves.

SPINACH COULIS

Steps:

• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine spinach and 1 tablespoon water. Cook until just wilted. Add cream, chives, and tarragon. Bring to a boil. Transfer to a blender, and puree until very smooth. Add salt to taste.

TOMATO COULIS WITH BASIL (STEWED TOMATOES WITH BASIL)

Steps:

• Drop tomatoes into boiling water for 12 seconds to loosen skin. Peel tomatoes with a paring knife, cut them in half and squeeze to extract seeds. Chop tomatoes coarsely. There should be about 2 cups.
• Heat the butter in a small saucepan. Add shallots, cook briefly and add the tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste. Add the basil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Serve immediately with the fish.