Africa

Ethiopian Basil

Ocimum basilicum var. or a related sacred/holy basil type distinct from Mediterranean sweet basil.

Leaf and flower.

Part Used

Fresh or dried.

Form

Besobela (Amharic).

Ethiopia.

Pungent, clove-and-anise forward, more intense than Mediterranean sweet basil.

Key flavoring herb for spiced butter and certain stews.

Niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced clarified butter); some wat preparations.

Garlic, ginger, korarima, niter kibbeh spices.

Add during the simmering/clarifying stage of niter kibbeh so its aroma infuses the butterfat.

Fresh keeps a few days refrigerated; dried keeps several months.

Holy basil (tulsi) or a mix of sweet basil and a pinch of ground clove.

Distinct from ordinary sweet basil and worth a dedicated entry given its central, specific role in niter kibbeh.

Niter kibbeh spice blend.