basil
Basil is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, and provides vitamin K, vitamin A, and trace minerals. Essential oils in basil, including eugenol and linalool, contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
About
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender annual herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to central Africa and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by soft, aromatic leaves that range from bright to deep green, with smooth to slightly ruffled margins depending on cultivar. The flavor profile is warm, peppery, and slightly sweet, with subtle notes of anise and clove. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the most common culinary variety, though Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), and African blue basil represent distinct cultivars with different flavor intensities and aromatic compounds.
Culinary Uses
Basil is fundamental to Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines. In Italian cooking, it anchors pesto and garnishes Caprese salads, pasta dishes, and tomato-based preparations. Southeast Asian cuisines feature Thai and holy basil in curries, stir-fries, and aromatic broths. The herb is best used fresh, added at the end of cooking to preserve its volatile aromatic oils, though it may be incorporated into oils, vinegars, and dried applications. Basil pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes, garlic, lemon, mozzarella, and coconut, making it versatile across both raw and cooked applications.
Recipes Using basil (345)
Adrian Steak and Rice
Makes 6 servings.
A Humble, Dorm-Made Pasta with Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce
Submitted by Rasheed Uploaded by Schpyder Just a disclaimer, after looking at the other ICSA dishes made so far, this is nothing in comparison.
Antipasto Salad I
Antipasto Salad
Artichoke Tomato Alfredo
Source: Fatfree Digest, Volume 10 Issue 33, Sept. 13, 1994 * Serves 2
Asian Grilled Duck Breasts
A Mandarin orange glaze adds a nice charred crust to the duck seasoned with Asian spices.
Avocado Niçoise Salad
Avocado Niçoise Salad from the Recidemia collection
Back on the Commune Spinach Lasagna
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Baked Bean Creole
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Baked Bulgur with Pecans
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Baked Italian-style Tofu
Baked Italian-style Tofu from the Recidemia collection
Baked Ratatouille
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Baxter Estate in Heath, Texas in 1984.
Baked Snapper Verde Citrus Sauce
Baked Snapper Verde Citrus Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Baked Tofu & Vegetable Casserole
Submitted by criscodisco Uploaded by Jiran Also known as "Tofu veggie hippie crap". I'm not much of one for vegetarian food. I love veggies, but I like them to be my steak chaser.
Bangkok Rice and Shrimp Salad
Makes 6 servings.
Basil Bean Dip
Basil Bean Dip from the Recidemia collection
Basil Cherry Tomatoes
Basil Cherry Tomatoes Serve these pretty little, zesty tomatoes on a leaf of lettuce for a nice presentation. The basil gives them a lovely taste.
Basil Cream Chicken
This is the easiest and one of the most impressive Chicken dishes I make. Serve with grated parmesan at the table.
Basil Pork Chops
Basil Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection
Basil Shrimp
Contributed by user Awrigh01 * Preparation Time: 25 minutes * Cook Time: 5 minutes * Ready In: 1 h
Basil Veal and Pasta
Basil Veal and Pasta from the Recidemia collection
Bass with Basil
Bass with Basil from the Recidemia collection
Bean-stuffed Tomatoes
Bean-stuffed Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection
Beef Burgundy Stew with Rice Verte
Makes 4 servings
Belgian Endive stuffed with Crab
The Belgian endive are also great stuffed with egg salad. In this recipe crab is used which is also an excellent choice. This is for 8 servings.
Bittersweet Chocolate Basil Tart with Honey Grapefruit Sauce
Bittersweet Chocolate Basil Tart with Honey Grapefruit Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Black-eyed Pea and Texmati Rice Salad
Black-eyed Pea and Texmati Rice Salad from the Recidemia collection
Bolivian Cream Soup Mix
Bolivian Cream Soup Mix from the Recidemia collection
Bolivian Pita Snacks
Bolivian Pita Snacks from the Recidemia collection
Bolognese Sauce by Jerkstore77
Bolognese Sauce by Jerkstore77 from the Recidemia collection
Bread Salad
Something different for your next cookout right|bread salad
Broad Bean and Tofu Dip
Broad Bean and Tofu Dip
Broiled Eggplant with Provolone and Tomato
Broiled Eggplant with Provolone and Tomato from the Recidemia collection
Broiled Marinated Chicken Breasts
Makes 2 servings.
Brown Rice Rapture
Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com
Bruschetta with Plums and Fresh Basil
Bruschetta is typically served with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, but plums are a sweet surprise in this tasty Italian inspired side.
Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew
Bulgarian Red Pepper Stew from the Recidemia collection
Cabbage Manicotti
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 10 – 12
California Avocado Ceviche
Makes 12 appetizer servings
California Avocado Fettuccine
California Avocado Fettuccine from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado-Glazed Chicken Breasts
California Avocado-Glazed Chicken Breasts from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado with Tomato Relish
California Avocado with Tomato Relish from the Recidemia collection
California Chicken Salad
Makes 6 servings.
California Thai Flank Steak
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is
Caponata
Caponata from the Recidemia collection
Cashew Chicken-Avocado Wraps
Cashew Chicken-Avocado Wraps from the Recidemia collection
Cashew-crusted Catfish with Tomato Basil Cream
A Catfish recipe.
Catfish Jambalaya
A Catfish recipe.
Cathy's Garlic Bread
This recipe was taken from Cathy's Menu and recipes for the week of 2/11/07
Cauliflower and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil
I was surprised at how fast this disappeared. It can also be made with sherry vinegar.
Cauliflower and Spinach Curry
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