Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves. Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto, an Italian sauce with olive oil and basil as its primary ingredients. Many national cuisines use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods, such as to thicken soups. Basil is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create flavor in ice cream or chocolate truffles.