How do you replace fresh basil with its dried version?
If the recipe calls for 2 leaves of fresh basil, you can assume that this is approximately 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh basil. In this case, use about 1/3 teaspoon of dried basil.
When will dried herbs work well in place of fresh?
You can confidently use dried herbs in place of fresh ones in:
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Sauces, soups and stews, where they have time to release their flavour during cooking.
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Marinades and stews, where the intense flavour of dried herbs can be an advantage.
When not to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Not all dishes are suitable for replacing fresh herbs with dried ones. Fresh herbs are essential in:
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Salads and fresh salsas, where their texture and flavour play a key role.
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Pesto dishes, where the freshness of the basil is fundamental to the flavour.
Remember to always start with a smaller amount of dried herbs and add more to taste.