Skip to content

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-ND.001.0320.001

Mushroom Bolognese

Mushroom Bolognese from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0517.001

Mushroom-Potato Salad with White Beans

.

RCI-SF.002.0190.001

Mussel Rice Soup

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.006.0130.001

Nantucket Shepherd's Pie

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

RCI-ND.001.0010.002

Neapolitan Sauce

# Place bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic and oil in medium saucepan. # Cook and stir over medium h

RCI-SP.003.0234.001

Old-fashioned Beef Stew

From Menu and Recipes Week 10/14/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-VG.004.0370.001

Old-fashioned Pinto Bean Soup

Many families have an old-fashioned bean soup recipe that's been handed down for generations. This one has been lightened up in fat and sodium delicious served with black bean cornbread. com Source: Magic Beans, 1996 by Patti Bazel Geil.

RCI-VG.001.0451.001

Pacific Garden Salad

.

RCI-BR.001.0218.001

Panzanella I

Italian bread salad. The consistency is comparable to potato or rice salad. Everything is moist and clinging together but it isnit soupy nor is it dry.

RCI-ND.001.0158.001

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce

Makes 2 servings

RCI-ND.001.0177.001

Pasta Salad Niçoise

The following recipe meets the "5 A Day for Better Health" program criteria.

RCI-ND.001.0135.001

Pasta Vegetable Soup

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-ND.001.0140.001

Pasta with a Twist

Pasta with a Twist from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0159.001

Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

RCI-VG.004.0344.001

Pasta with Green Beans and Mushrooms

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group]

RCI-ND.001.0139.001

Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto and Basil Cream Sauce

Pasta with Peas Prosciutto and Basil Cream Sauce from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource : 40 minutes : 4

RCI-SP.003.0532.001

Pawtucket Chili

Pawtucket Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0238.001

Pear Zinfandel Ice

Pear Zinfandel Ice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0196.001

Penne alla Pesto

Original recipe Prep Time: 15 Minutes Servings: 4

RCI-ND.001.0324.001

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad

By Chef Antonio Cecconi Original recipe Prep Time: 25 minutes | Chill: 2 hours 8 side servings

RCI-ND.001.0210.001

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0195.001

Penne Primavera

This can be a satisfying vegetarian meal in itself. You can add cubed chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. Substitute in-season vegetables, dial up or minimize the heat by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes.

RCI-ND.001.0211.001

Penne Rigate all Tricolore

Penne rigate with roasted red pepper sauce by Chef Antonio Cecconi. Spicy and creamy, this sauce is made up of ingredients that have all the colors of the Italian flag.

RCI-ND.001.0213.001

Penne with Eggplant, Olives and Feta

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

RCI-ND.001.0329.001

Penne with Summer Squash

Penne with Summer Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0690.001

Pesto Soup

Sabzi

RCI-SN.001.0116.001

Philly Cheese Tomato Basil Dip with Italian Dressing

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Makes 1¾ cups of d

RCI-SN.004.0611.001

Picook's Pesto Sauce

right|200px right|200px right|200px right|200px Recipe by Picook 12:44, 7 January 2008 (UTC)

RCI-VG.004.0345.001

Pilar's Baby Lima Bean Casserole

Authentic, homestyle foods, regional wines, and culinary traditions of Chile. Lima beans - Chilean style - are similar to our baked beans. These are cooked until soft with tomato and basil.

RCI-BR.002.0102.001

Pita Crisps

Pita Crisps can be used to scoop dips, or with soups or to fill or top with anything you desire.

RCI-BR.002.0103.001

Pita Snacks

Syrian Bread is used in this snack. I make these all year and especially during the summer. My guests are disappointed if I don't supply these as one of our appetizers.

RCI-BR.006.0445.001

Polenta Pie

Polenta is an Italian term for a type of corn meal used in northern Italy, and pizza base was originally made with iit.

RCI-VG.004.0032.001

Pork and Lima Skillet

Pork and Lima Skillet-This is an unusually flavored recipe, delightful with all the basil!

RCI-VG.004.0454.001

Pork Chops with Vegetables

Pork Chops with Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0090.001

Porotos Granados

This recipe is Chilean, so I put it in the Mexican category. Can't wait to try this myself. It's from a special edition of Saveur, The Best of Tex-Mex Cooking.

RCI-MT.001.0059.001

Portuguese-style Roast

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-DS.001.0127.001

Potato Pudding II

Potato Pudding

RCI-BR.001.0357.001

Potato Soup I

Potato Soup I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0200.001

Puttanesca Sauce over Spaghetti

This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.

RCI-VG.004.0089.001

Quick-n-Dirty Vegetable Sauce

) of sauce is enough. Good veggies for this: mushroom, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, artichoke heart, green bean, acorn squash.

RCI-SC.003.0005.001

Ranch Dressing

Makes 3 1/2 cups, takes 15 minutes to prepare. This is a great dressing to use for, just not salads, but for sandwiches and as a dip with crudités.

RCI-VG.004.0782.001

Red lentil lasagna

Red lentil lasagna from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0699.001

Red Pepper and Zucchini Quiche

.

RCI-VG.004.0188.001

Rice and Lentil Salad I

I didn't measure, but I used perhaps half a cup, maybe as much as a cup, total, just enough to moisten everything. I let it sit in the refrigerator all day, to let the flavors mix.

RCI-VG.003.0077.001

Rice Mozzarella

Rice Mozzarella from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0140.001

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish

Rice Paper-wrapped Fish A dish that takes no time to whip up, but good for a normal meal or finger food for a party you are organizing. it's worth it! From Donna Hay's Dining cookbook.

RCI-VG.001.0179.001

Rice Primavera Salad

Rice Primavera Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0001.001

Ricotta Lasagne

Ricotta Lasagne is a baked pasta dish.

RCI-ND.001.0007.001

Rigatoni pasta with Ricotta in Tomato Cream Sauce

Pasta with Ricotta cheese in a tomato cream sauce topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

RCI-MT.005.0066.001

Ritzy Sloppy Joes

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wadley Estate in Allen, Texas in 1990.