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Herbal Oils in the Kitchen

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In this age of whirling, swirling daily schedules, getting into the kitchen can feel like a challenge. But with a solid plan in place ahead of time, the process of preparing flavorful, healthy meals becomes more doable. I’d like to share a pair of dōTERRA® recipes inspired by Basil, a fresh, herbaceous oil that enriches every savory dish it touches. Later on this month, we’ll be talking about a completely different kind of basil - Tulsi, or Holy Basil. For now, these recipes can help clarify the difference between the two! The herb basil as it is known in the West, also known as sweet basil, is famous for its presence in Italian cuisine. So grab your Basil oil from the cupboard and let’s get cooking!

Showcase Basil’s fresh flavor beside a nutty cheese in either cold sandwich or panini style. This tasty sandwich is flavorful, bold, and perfect for entertaining a group. To make Red Pepper and Manchego Sandwiches, you’ll need:

• 4 whole roasted peppers

• 1 large loaf ciabatta bread, halved horizontally

• 1 12-ounce wedge Manchego cheese at room temp, or goat cheese

• 2 cups baby arugula

For the marinade:

• 3-5 drops Basil oil

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 teaspoon pepper

First, prepare the marinade by combining oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and Basil essential oil in a small, container. Whisk to combine. Add roasted peppers to the mixture and swirl around until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors time to develop. Then, assemble the sandwiches: first add a layer of arugula to your bread, then a layer of Manchego, then roasted peppers. Top with more arugula before drizzling with the marinade. Top with your other ciabatta slice, then cut loaf into individual servings.

With a little grocery planning and staging of ingredients ahead of time, those sandwiches will be ready in a snap! Now, we’ve all heard someone speak warmly of their homemade marinara sauce recipe. If you already have one, great; if you’re not sure where to start, you can adopt the following recipe as your own. Homemade marinara sauce instantly ups the fancy factor of any dish. With simple ingredients and the powerful herbal flavors of Basil and Oregano oil, this sauce is the perfect companion to pastas, casseroles, and more.

To make Roasted Marinara Sauce, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds Roma tomatoes, halved

• 1 onion, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves

• Olive oil

• Sea salt

• Pepper

• 1 drop Basil oil

• 1 toothpick Oregano oil

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sliced tomatoes, onions, and garlic on a baking sheet. Add a generous amount of sea salt, pepper, and olive oil on top of them. Cook for 1-2 hours or until vegetables begin to darken around the edges. Remove from the oven and transfer to food processor or blender. Pulse until sauce reaches desired consistency. Then add Basil and Oregano oil and stir.

Enjoy this homemade Roasted Marinara Sauce with spaghetti squash and chicken meatballs for a deliciously healthy meal, or pair with another favorite Italian dish for a special meal with the ones you love. Sustaining your people with nourishing meals can be a challenge amid the flurry of daily life, but it’s a challenge worth accepting. My hope is that between these two simple recipe ideas, you’ll find the time and energy to spend a few well-planned minutes in the kitchen incorporating dōTERRA Basil and other herbal oils into your family mealtimes!