Tag: Basil

Summer-Proof Herbs Every Louisiana Gardener Should Know

Anyone who has gardened in Louisiana knows that summer can be unforgiving. High temperatures, intense humidity, and frequent rainfall create challenging conditions for many popular herbs. While cool-season favorites such as thyme, parsley, sage, lavender, and French tarragon often struggle through the hottest months of the year, plenty of herbs actually flourish in the subtropical climate that defines south Louisiana, according to this article from Nola.com.

One of the best performers for Louisiana gardens is garlic chives (Allium tuberosum). While traditional chives often slow their growth during the hottest months, garlic chives continue producing throughout the summer. Their mild garlic flavor makes them useful in many recipes, and the clusters of white flowers add ornamental value to herb gardens and flowerbeds alike. Because the plants readily self-seed, gardeners should remove spent blooms if they want to limit spreading.

For gardeners looking to add fragrance to their landscape, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) remains a reliable choice. A member of the mint family, lemon balm produces bright green foliage with a strong citrus aroma. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade and can be used in teas, desserts, and herbal remedies. Many gardeners also appreciate its traditional reputation as a natural mosquito deterrent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on exposed skin.

No Louisiana herb garden would be complete without the versatile bay tree (Laurus nobilis). Known by names such as true bay, bay leaf, and French bay, this evergreen shrub is a staple ingredient in countless Cajun and Creole dishes. Bay trees can be grown in containers or directly in well-drained garden beds, and their leaves can be harvested and dried for year-round use in soups, stews, and gumbos.

Another excellent summer performer is lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a favorite ingredient in many Asian dishes. Its citrus-flavored stalks are commonly used in soups, marinades, and teas. Lemongrass grows into attractive clumps reaching several feet in height and width, making it equally useful as an ornamental landscape plant. Although winter freezes may damage the foliage, established plants typically return from their roots each spring.

Among culinary herbs, basil remains the undisputed star of Louisiana’s summer gardens. Sweet basil varieties thrive in the heat and produce abundant harvests when grown in sunny locations with well-drained soil. From pesto and pasta dishes to salads and sauces, basil’s versatility makes it one of the most popular herbs for home gardeners throughout the state. New transplants can often be added well into early fall for an extended growing season.

For those interested in fragrant plants rather than culinary herbs, Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) offers highly aromatic foliage that retains its scent long after being dried. The plant is often incorporated into wreaths, sachets, and potpourri projects, making it a popular choice for craft enthusiasts.

Gardeners seeking bold flavor may want to consider Mexican oregano (Poliomentha longiflora). Unlike traditional oregano, this heat-loving shrub produces attractive lavender-colored flowers while delivering an intense flavor prized in both Tex-Mex and Italian-inspired cooking. Its ornamental appearance makes it especially well-suited for containers and decorative beds.

Finally, Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida), sometimes called Mexican mint marigold, offers a practical alternative to French tarragon, which struggles in Louisiana’s climate. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Mexican tarragon thrives in heat and humidity while producing flavorful leaves throughout the growing season. By late summer and fall, clusters of bright golden flowers transform the plant into a colorful garden feature.

Louisiana’s climate may challenge many traditional herbs, but it also creates ideal growing conditions for a unique collection of plants that actually welcome the heat. By selecting varieties adapted to long summers and high humidity, gardeners can enjoy fresh herbs, beautiful foliage, and abundant harvests throughout the season.

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Basil Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Feast in Minutes

There’s something utterly satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly without compromising on flavor. Epicurious’ recipe for Basil Chicken Stir-Fry that’s modeled after the iconic Thai pad kra pao, perfectly fits that bill. Ideal for summer evenings and equally wonderful throughout the year, this recipe replaces fresh chiles with sambal oelek, ensuring that it remains pantry-friendly while still delivering a savory-spicy punch. The combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a hint of sugar creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting. Additionally, the use of baking soda in the meat mixture guarantees a juicy and tender result, transforming a typically lean protein into something delightfully springy and moist.

Ingredients for Basil Chicken:

Basil Chicken Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, vigorously mix 1 lb. ground chicken with 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, ½ tsp. baking soda, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to stick to the sides of the bowl. Set the chicken mixture aside to rest.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup oyster sauce, 3 Tbsp. hot chili paste, 1 Tbsp. fish sauce, and 2 tsp. light or dark brown sugar. Stir well and set the sauce mixture aside.
  3. Heat the remaining 3 Tbsp. of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula, until softened and golden in spots, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add the prepared ground chicken mixture to the skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed until it begins to set, about 4 minutes. Then, break up the meat with a spoon into small pieces. Pour the reserved oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and continue to cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce clings to the meat.
  5. Incorporate 6 oz. of holy basil or sweet basil leaves into the pan. Although it may seem like a large quantity at first, the basil will wilt down significantly. Remove the pan from heat and toss until the basil is completely wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.
  6. Serve the basil chicken stir-fry with steamed rice and lime wedges for squeezing over. The lime adds a refreshing citrusy tang that complements the dish’s bold flavors beautifully.

This flavorful stir-fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
  • Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce make for a delightful appetizer or side.
  • Pickled Vegetables: Pickled carrots, radishes, and cucumbers add a tangy crunch that balances the savory notes of the dish.
  • Garlic Noodles: Lightly seasoned garlic noodles can serve as a complementary carbohydrate option alongside the steamed rice.
  • Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, serve traditional Thai mango sticky rice. The sweet, sticky rice paired with fresh mango slices provides a delicious contrast to the savory main course.

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