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)
Honey Orange Basil Chicken
From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Submitted by: Momzright to Prevention.com Hands-OnTime: 15 Minutes | Cooking Time: 15 Minutes | Total Time: 8 Hours 30 Minutes Serves: 8
Huevos con Pilco de Choclo
300px| Huevos con Pilco de Choclo This recipe is for 2 serves.
I Can't Believe it's All Veggie Soup
An update of an old family favorite - Alice in Houston 5/07/9 12 servings
Italian Beef
From Menu and Recipes Week 3/18/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Italian Chicken Soup
This satisfying soup gets its Italian flair from fennel, thyme, basil and orzo pasta. If you don't start with a low-sodium or sodium-free stock, advises our Test Kitchen stay, you might want to decrease the amount of salt called for in the recipe.
Italian Chicken with Colorful Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Italian Dipping Oil
I love the dipping oil served at my two favorite Italian restaurants. Both restaurants vary slightly in ingredients. Here is my version that brings the best of both worlds. Serve with warm bread fresh out of the oven and enjoy!
Italian Frittata
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Meadows Estate in Wills Point, Texas in 1991.
Italian Lentil and Barley Soup
This is a surprisingly filling, vegetarian, crock pot soup. It is very good, and easy to prepare the night before, or chop the veggies in advance and turn it on before you leave for work in the morning. Goes great with a crusty bread.
Italian Pork Stir-fry
Be sure to cut vegetables into similar sized pieces for even cooking. Don't overload your wok or skillet. Cook in small batches, if necessary, to ensure you stir fry rather than stew.
Italian Sausage Farfalle
From Menu and Recipes Week 3/11/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Italian Sausage Soup
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is
Italian Stuffed Peppers
Italian Stuffed Peppers from the Recidemia collection
Italian Tuna Salad
This is so good, and it's much lower in fat than regular tuna salad. I saw a few versions of this, but this one is a bit different. I don't use as much red onion, usually about ½ the amount called for, but I posted it in its original amounts.
Italian Wedding Soup
For variations, hints and more recipes for this versatile dish, see sneakykitchen.com
Italian Wedding Soup I
I found this in a magazine and I made changes to make it more flavorful and more "Italian". My husband loves this so much he reheats it for breakfast! Some crusty bread and a glass Italian red wine, " Mama Mia " what a meal!
Jimmy's Minestrone
Jimmy's Minestrone from the Recidemia collection
Kahlúa Barbecue Sauce
Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes about 2 cups
Kondre
Kondre from the Recidemia collection
Lasagna
Submitted by Eller I am relatively new to cooking but I like doing it and enjoying the results. In this case, I now have a couple of days worth of food for lunch that actually taste better being leftovers. To begin, you'll need the following.
Lasagne with bean sauce
Pasta Recipes | Vegetarian
Lentil One Dish
Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 6
Lentils and Eggplant with Brown Rice
Lentils and Eggplant with Brown Rice from the Recidemia collection
Light Ranch Dressing
Light Ranch Dressing from the Recidemia collection
Lima Bean and Spring Vegetable Soup
Lima Bean and Spring Vegetable Soup from the Recidemia collection
Lime Vinaigrette I
Contributed by [http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Healthy_Recipes_For_Diabetic_Friends/ Healthy R
Linguine Primavera Mediterranean
Italian cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Pasta
Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce
Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Ricotta Spinach Rolls
Delicious, low fat, Italian dish. Very filling too!
Macaroni-Tuna Salad
Macaroni-Tuna Salad
Macaroni Vegetable Skillet
Macaroni Vegetable Skillet from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Salad
Macedonian Salad from the Recidemia collection
Marinara by Ishamael
Used in Baked Ziti
Marinated Cucumber and Red Bell Pepper Salad
Marinated Cucumber and Red Bell Pepper Salad from the Recidemia collection
Marsala Chicken Scallopini
Marsala Chicken Scallopini is a meal in the style of Italian cuisine, with mouthwatering flavors gotten from the fortified Marsala wine.
Maryland Crab Salad
Makes 4 servings.
Meatless Lasagna
Meatless Lasagna a vegetarian take on a large pasta based meal.
Meat Loaf with Vegetables
Serves 8
Mediterranean Thai Eggplant White Bean Soup
This is the first of my Pantry Challenge recipes. " This soup came out quite nicely, with a great texture and a wonderfully creamy and rich taste! The leftovers didn't last long, either... hubby and I ended up "fighting" over who got the last bit.
Melanzane Parmigiana
was originally a Sicilian dish called Parmiciana di melenzane, parmiciana being the slats of a wooden shutter which resemble the layering of the slices of eggplant in the dish.
Mennonite Chicken Dumpling Casserole
This is an AWESOME recipe - strong basil flavor! Hope you enjoy this as much as we do! A traditional comfort food - great on those cool winter days and nights! ENJOY!
Mexican Seasoning
is sometimes just chili powder, though many variations on this theme exist. Make your own mixture ahead of time and store in a small shaker for easy use.
Middle Eastern Tomato Soup
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cabrera Estate in Malakoff, Texas in 1986.
Minestra
- a typical Genoese dish not to be confused with the Basque ‘menestra’ which is simply mixed boiled vegetables, or with Italian minestrone, a thick vegetable soup.
Minestrone Soup II
Serves 10-12; preparation time 20 minutes; cooking time 2 hours. The soup may also be frozen before the macaroni is added.
Mixed Vegetable Salad
Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny via [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World R
Mom Marcon's Spaghetti Sauce
This is my mom's spaghetti sauce recipe. She was a full blooded Italian, and a great cook. This sauce thickens up while it cooks. She never measured anything, as you can see from her seasoning ingredients. She would just eyeball it and toss it in.
Mom's Stuffed Chicken Thighs
A TNT recipe from my mom's kitchen. This was one of my mom's favorite dishes.
Mostly Egg White Frittata with Basil, Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes
Mostly Egg White Frittata with Basil, Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection
Mozzarella Tomato
Mozzarella Tomato is a simple appetizer or side dish that works with any Italian meal and takes almost no time to make. Since this recipe involves only a few ingredients, it is very important to have each ingredients in high quality.