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basil

Herbs & SpicesPeak season is summer (June–September in Northern Hemisphere), though basil is cultivated year-round in greenhouses and tropical regions. Availability is most abundant and flavor most vibrant during warm months.

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)

RCI-EG.003.0435.001

Eggplant Rolls

Succulent slices of Eggplant are rolled around spicy kufta (meat patties) and simmered in flavorful tomato sauce. The neat presentation of the dish renders it suitable for formal occasions.

RCI-EG.003.0515.001

Eggplant Soup

Eggplant Soup

RCI-SF.001.0321.001

Egusi Soup

Serve soup with pounded yam.

RCI-BR.003.0103.001

English Muffin Cheese Pizza

Recipe makes one serving

RCI-SC.003.0324.001

Fat-free Italian Dressing

Makes 12 tablespoons

RCI-VG.004.0012.001

Favorite Beans and Rice

This is a recipe I like to make on the weekend and bring to work with me during the week. ).

RCI-ND.001.0225.001

Fettuccine with California Avocado

Fettuccine with California Avocado from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0247.001

Fettuccine with Walnuts

Fettuccine with Walnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0903.001

Ffowlyn Cymreig

Welsh Chicken

RCI-BR.006.0490.001

Four-cheese Bow Ties with Canadian Bacon

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cannon Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1992.

RCI-ND.001.0279.001

Frank's Fresh Tomato Sauce for Spaghetti

This is Frank Sinatra's Recipe.

RCI-SP.003.0240.001

French Oven Stew

French Oven Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0402.001

Fresh Green Beans and Basil

Fresh Green Beans and Basil from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.001.0385.001

Fresh Northwest Cherry Salsa

Fruit of the Month: Cherry by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-ND.001.0319.001

Fresh Tomato, Beef and Bow Tie Pasta

This is such and easy recipe and tastes so good. I served with a green salad and garlic toast. I received this recipe from another group and it was posted by jenntinysam.

RCI-MT.006.0446.001

Fricassee of Chicken

From The Evening Sun, August 29, 1990 Makes four servings of 170 calories each.

RCI-SN.002.0029.001

Frituras de Caracol

300pxFrituras de Caracol Colombian conch fritters

RCI-BV.004.0703.001

Gabbouli

Gabbouli from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0035.001

Galician Garbanzo Soup

Fast and cheap, this soup will warm you on a cold day!

RCI-ND.001.0280.001

Garden pasta

Garden pasta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0815.001

Garden Vegetable Mix

Garden Vegetable Mix from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.1275.001

Garlic-Herb Pretzels

Garlic-Herb Pretzels from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0253.001

Gluten-free Garlic Chicken Zucchini Stir-fry

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Re

RCI-SN.004.1674.001

Gluten-Free Pizza

Gluten-Free Pizza

RCI-MT.005.0225.001

Golubtsi I

Golubtsi I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0481.001

Gombo Jumble

Gombo Jumble from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0669.001

Greek Stuffed Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F. Tear off four 15-inch sheets of Reynold's parchment paper. Fold each sheet in half and crease it in the center. Unfold. Mix together olive oil, 1½ teaspoons Greek seasoning and seasoned salt; set aside.

RCI-VG.004.0995.001

Green Bean and Chickpea Salad

Green Bean and Chickpea Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0996.001

Green Beans Italian-style

Green Beans Italian-style from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0056.001

Green chicken curry with coconut milk

Serve this hearty dish with rice.

RCI-SP.001.0104.001

Green Chicken Soup

Green Chicken Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.001.0075.001

Green Minestrone

Green Minestrone from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0113.001

Green Tomato Sauté

Green Tomato Sauté from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.004.0195.001

Green Zucchini Sauce

Green Zucchini Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0114.001

Grilled Eggplant

Grilled Eggplant from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0132.001

Grilled Tomato Sandwiches

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: Serves: 4

RCI-MT.002.0134.001

Grilled Vegetables with Eggplant Tapenade

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RCI-MT.006.1331.001

Haitian Chicken

Haitian Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0339.001

Halo Vegan Pâté

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-SP.004.0018.001

Heart Healthy Gazpacho

200px|right

RCI-SN.001.0390.001

Herb Dip

Serve with toasted pita bread triangles, whole-wheat crackers, homemade tortilla chips, or cut up fresh veggies. Or try it on baked potato in place of sour cream.

RCI-VG.004.0489.001

Herbed Chickpea Patties

Herbed Chickpea Patties from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0795.001

Herbed French Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.

RCI-SP.004.0025.001

Herbed Gazpacho

Herbed Gazpacho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0515.001

Herbed Seafood Bruschetta

* Source: Diabetic Living Diet * Total Time: 25 minutes * Servings: 24

RCI-BV.003.0196.001

Herbed steak and onions

Herbed steak and onions from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0203.001

Herb Lime Vinaigrette

Herb Lime Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0140.001

Homemade Cajun Spice

right|Cajun Seasoning

RCI-BR.001.0204.001

Homemade Croutons

Homemade Croutons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0206.001

Homemade Garlic Bread

Homemade Garlic Bread from the Recidemia collection