Basil

Basil is often used as a seasoning and garnish in Indonesian cooking, and there are several types. The most commonly used basil is Asian basil or selasih and is fairly similar to European and American sweet basil. It is used liberally as a seasoning and sprigs of it are often added to platters of fresh raw vegetables. Lemon basil or kemangi is similar but paler and with a distinctive lemony fragrance. It is used in soups and salads. Holy basil, known as kaprow in Thailand, has a fragrance redolent of cloves. Its taste is sharp and hot and it is mainly used in spicy stir-fries. Asian basils are commonly available in Asian food stores and many supermarkets, but sweet basil makes an acceptable substitute.