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Monday, July 30, 2007

Ahimsa - Vegetarian

Basil: The smell, the smooth leaves, the taste, what's not to love? This wonderful herb is one of my favorites, with cinnamon coming in a close second.

Basil is one of joys of a Wisconsin summer and the recipes are endless. You can put basil on your scrambles eggs, in a salad, on a pizza, and, of course, the heavenly pesto sauce!

Over the weekend, my kids were thrilled to learn that Basil got it's name from the believe that this magical herb could protect you from the Basilisk, a fire-breathing dragon. Also, did you know that Basil was originally from India--not Italy?

In following with the first Yama in the Yoga Sutras, Ahimsa or Non-Violence, here is a vegetarian recipe using this fabulous spice. Use organic ingredients to stay even more with the idea of Ahimsa. This recipe is derived from my favorite cook book, Quick Vegetarian Pleasures, but with my own modifications.

Tortellini Tomato Pesto
1/3 c Toasted Pine Nuts
6 oz Tomato Paste (I love Muir Glen products)
1 c or more (I do love my basil) finely chopped basil
1/2 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 c Romano or other sharp hard cheese
2, or more if you're daring, cloves of Garlic
Salt to taste (optional)
Fresh ground Black Pepper
1 pound frozen Tortellinis

Boil the Tortellinis. While boiling, mix remaining ingredients in a bowl. Add a few tablespoons of the boiling pasta water to the mixture and stir. Drain tort's when done (after all of them are floating) and combine with sauce. Eat and enjoy!

Love Much,

Kris
www.TotalHealthYoga.com
www.LearnYogaOnline.Blogspot.com

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

3 comments:

Regina said...

Hi Kris! It's;s been a while since I've visited and after scrolling down, I see all the wonderful posts I have missed! I love the baby picture post- as you can tell I really like my baby picture as it is my profile picture.
I also agree about the Sean Corne ads... how does she practice with all that hair? Sexy ads are not what yoga is all about to me...
And... I didn't know what basil was named after! So interesting! It's my favorite herb and I look forward to making this recipe!
I'll be sure to visit more often now that things have settled down somewhat for me...
Thanks!

Mary said...

Yum! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I love using fresh basil.

Gypsy Girl said...

I love basil. And especially pesto!! Usually I have a garden full of basil, but this year we didn't plant a garden, so right about now when the bail would be flourishing...I am missing it!!