Maybe the most famous herb in the world, the hearty basil plant’s wide, tender leaves are a symbol of prosperity and a powerful source of aromatherapy. Though basil is most closely associated with classic Italian dishes like Genoa pesto, it actually originated in India, where some varieties have a stronger, more acidic flavor. Easy to grow in kitchen gardens, basil’s fragrant leaves can be dried and added to pistou, salads, soups, and so much more.
About Spicewalla
In 2009, Meherwan Irani quit his day job in sales to open his first restaurant – Chai Pani, a unique Indian street food joint in downtown Asheville. Whether it was a midlife crisis or a stroke of genius is debatable. Since then, the self-taught chef has opened four restaurants, one bar, and now, Spicewalla. With four James Beard Award nominations for Best Chef in the Southeast under his belt, he’s finally confident this might just be working out. His restaurants have been written up in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, GQ, Food & Wine, Saveur, USA Today, and Bon Appétit, among others.