When you incorporate tulsi powder in your cooking, you don’t just enrich your dish with flavors but also add health benefits to it. Tulsi is known for its unique flavor profile and is used in both sweet and savory recipes. It is slightly bitter in flavor with peppery taste and features hints of mint and clove.
If you are clueless about using tulsi powder in cooking, then we bring you interesting ideas to use this spice in your dishes. Read on to learn about tulsi powder across different cuisines, complementing herbs and spices, and delightful cooking ideas using this unique spice.
Complementing Spices to Tulsi
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Black Pepper
- Cloves
- Cumin
- Coriander
Complementing Herbs to Tulsi
- Mint
- Basil
- Lemongrass
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Tulsi Across Different Cuisines
Here are some of the cuisines in which tulsi has been used for years:
- Indian Cuisine: Tulsi is commonly used in traditional Indian cooking. It is often added to herbal teas along with other spices. It is also used in curries and lentils for its unique flavors.
- Thai Cuisine: Tulsi has been an important spice in Thai cuisine. It is added to soups like Tom Kha and is used for flavoring stir-fries. It tastes incredible with garlic, chili, and lemongrass.
- Middle Eastern Cuisine: Tulsi is used in traditional Middle Eastern herb mixes like za’atar. It is also added to Moroccan tagines along with various other spices.
- Mediterranean Cuisine: Tulsi is often added to marinades for grilled vegetables and meat. It is a key ingredient in traditional pesto which is prepared by blending tulsi with olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
- Southeast Asian Cuisine: Tulsi is used for flavoring rice dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is also added to noodle dishes like pad Thai or pho for an added layer of flavor.
- Western Cuisine: Tulsi is mixed into softened butter to make herb-infused butter which can be used as a spread on bread. It is also added to herbal vinaigrettes or creamy dressings. Tulsi is also used for making herbal breads.
Interesting Ways to Use Tulsi Powder
Let us explore these wonderful ideas to use tulsi powder in cooking:
- Herbal Teas and Infusions: Simply add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of tulsi powder to a cup of hot water and allow it steep for 5-10 minutes and then strain it. Tulsi powder can also be combined with other herbs like mint, ginger, or chamomile for creating herbal tea blend at home.
- Smoothies and Juices: Blend ¼ teaspoon of tulsi powder in your morning smoothie along with complementing greens and fruits. It can also be added to fresh fruit juices to spike their nutrition quotient.
- Soups and Broths: Add a small amount of tulsi powder to your chicken broth or vegetable soup. There are various Indian and Thai soups in which tulsi powder is added for its subtle, earthy flavors that fantastically complement the dish.
- Curries and Stews: Tulsi powder can be added towards the end of cooking in Indian-style vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. This spice also makes a healthy addition to soups with beans, vegetables, and lentils.
- Rice and Grain Dishes: Adding a pinch of tulsi powder while the rice is cooking along with other spices like cloves and cardamon is a great way of incorporating this spice. It can also be mixed into various other grains like millets, quinoa etc. for a healthy twist.
- Sauces and Dressings: Tulsi powder can be blended with fresh basil, olive oils, nuts, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan cheese to prepare herbal pesto. Spice up salad dressings with pinch of tulsi powder for a unique earthy flavor.
- Baked Goods: There are various flatbread recipes and bread dough recipes in which a pinch of tulsi powder along with rosemary or thyme can enrich the taste. It can also be added to cake batters and cookies for a healthy finish.
- Marinades and Rubs: Mixing tulsi powder with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and other spices creates flavorful herbal marinades. Combining tulsi powder with other complementing spices is an easy way of making dry rub for meats and grilled vegetables.
- Herbal Butter or Ghee: Blend tulsi powder with softened butter and use this herbal butter on your toast or grilled fish. You can also make tulsi powder infused cooking oil by infusing this herb in oil and use it for drizzling over finished dishes.
Tips for Cooking with Tulsi Powder
We have come up with a few handy tips for cooking with tulsi powder:
- Start with small quantities of tulsi powder, for it has potent flavors which can empower the whole dish.
- Always add tulsi powder towards the end of the dish to preserve its flavor and health benefits.
- There are lots of herbs and spices that pair well with tulsi powder. Make sure that you use them along with tulsi powder to enjoy symphony of flavors.
Choose from the list of cooking ideas shared above to prepare your own dish using tulsi powder. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas and create unique recipes.
At Spice Profile, we offer premium quality tulsi powder. Sourced all the way from India, our tulsi powder is 100% natural and flavorful. Indulge in the authentic flavors of tulsi powder with our USDA certified tulsi powder.