Savory Basil Biscuits

Savory basil biscuits are a delicious and aromatic snack, perfect for an aperitif or as a tasty appetizer. Here I describe how to prepare them with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 250 grams of type 00 flour
• 100 grams of cold butter, cut into pieces
• 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons of cold milk (if necessary)
• A bunch of fresh basil
• A pinch of salt
• Pepper to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. In a food processor, place the flour and the cold butter and pulse until the mixture becomes sandy.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper (if using), and the previously washed and dried basil leaves. Pulse again until the basil is finely chopped and blended with the other ingredients.
4. Add the egg and pulse until a dough begins to form. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and briefly knead until a smooth ball is formed.
6. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 5 mm.
7. Cut out the savory biscuits with a cutter into the desired shape and transfer them to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until slightly golden.
9. Let the savory biscuits cool on a wire rack before serving.

Fun Fact

Basil is one of the most used aromatic herbs in Italian cuisine, especially in Mediterranean cooking. It not only provides a fresh aroma and a slightly piquant taste to dishes but is also associated with various health benefits, including the presumed ability to act as a natural anti-inflammatory.

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can try substituting it with Pecorino Romano or another type of grated aged cheese. Bon appétit!