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-SW.001.0057.001

Roast Beef Pita Sandwich with Avocado

Roast Beef Pita Sandwich with Avocado from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0173.001

Roasted Avocado Soup

Roasted Avocado Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0217.001

Roasted Fennel

Roasted Fennel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0023.001

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0013.001

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

This is a tried and true favorite. You can add whatever vegetables you prefer.

RCI-SP.001.0171.001

Roast Leg of Lamb with Orzo

Orzo, a tiny rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the good juices and rounds out the flavors.

RCI-BV.004.0795.001

Roman Beef Strips

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SF.002.0219.001

Rosemary Shrimp

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pinion Estate in Mesquite, Texas in 1994.

RCI-ND.001.0331.001

Ruby Sandals Marinara Sauce

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

RCI-ND.001.0188.001

Salsa de Puttana

Harlot's sauce From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: my old recipes

RCI-BV.004.0249.001

Salt-free Seasoning

Great for those on a low-sodium diet Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

RCI-SP.001.0438.001

Satisfying Vegetarian Minestrone

Satisfying Vegetarian Minestrone from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0784.001

Saucy Beans

Beans, Great Northern Dry by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe : 4 :

RCI-VG.004.0706.001

Sausage Hotpot

This recipe is for two hungry persons. 400 calories per serving (informed estimate) This is a slightly more developed version of a Sausage Hotpot recipe which was improvised in an effort to use up various items in my refrigerator and larder.

RCI-MT.006.0995.001

Savory Turkey with Dressing

Part of Herbs 'N Spices: A Holiday Menu: a complete menu for a holiday open house or buffet-add the appetizers.

RCI-SF.002.0131.001

Scalloped Tomatoes

Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * Serves 6 * Source:

RCI-SF.002.0491.001

Scallops, Bell Peppers, Mango and Avocado

Scallops, Bell Peppers, Mango and Avocado from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0127.001

Scallop, Spinach and Tomato Sauté

Scallop, Spinach and Tomato Sauté from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Cook Time: About 10 minutes Serves: 6

RCI-BR.001.0753.001

Seasoned Breadcrumbs

Seasoned Breadcrumbs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.003.0437.001

Seitan Pepper Steak

Ron Pickarski's Friendly Fo

RCI-VG.003.0079.001

Shiitake-Barley Bake

.

RCI-SF.002.0350.001

Shrimp al Pincho

Shrimp al Pincho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0375.001

Shrimp and Rice

Shrimp and Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0345.001

Shrimp Provençal

Shrimp Provençal from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0371.001

Shrimp Summer Rolls

Shrimp Summer Rolls can be served with peanut sauce or soy sauce.

RCI-ND.001.0262.001

Simple Pasta Sauce by Suzanne

It is really simple and leaves a lot of flavor for the Pasta. I also like to add fresh ground pepper and basil, you should experiment with the spices you like. I don"t think they take away too much from the flavor of the Pasta. I hope you try it!

RCI-BR.001.0423.001

Skinkefars med broccolifyld

This is a great way of serving Broccoli to the kids and an interesting variation on the good old meat loaf.

RCI-MT.002.0088.001

Smoked Salmon Dip

– Servings: 16 Serving size: 1 ounce (28g) Yield: 16 ounces (450g)

RCI-ND.001.0310.001

Smoked Sausage-stuffed Pasta Shells

From Menu and Recipes Wee 10/21/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SF.002.0504.001

Soft Rolls with Crab

Makes 16 soft rolls.

RCI-SP.001.0259.001

Soupe du Samedi

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

RCI-SP.003.0548.001

South of the Border Flip

TVP tacos

RCI-SP.003.0153.001

Southwestern Stew on Soft Polenta

Southwestern Stew on Soft Polenta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0006.001

Spaghetti Sauce

This is a simple pasta sauce that works well for everyday meals, even with picky eaters. It is best served hot at the table, to be poured over lightly cooked pasta. Shredded mozzarella cheese may be added on top.

RCI-ND.001.0216.001

SPAGHETTI SEASONING

SPAGHETTI SEASONING from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0104.001

Spaghetti with Anchovy Sauce

300px| Spaghetti with Anchovy Sauce Serve the sauce on top of spaghetti hot.

RCI-VG.004.0198.001

Speckled soup

Speckled soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0007.001

Spiced Ratatouille

This southern French dish is tough to pronounce (ra-tuh-TOO-ee) and even tougher to resist. Typically ratatouille combines eggplant, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, garlic and herbs stewed together.

RCI-VG.004.0949.001

Spicy Fried Tofu with Basil

.

RCI-BR.001.0722.001

Spicy Garlic Bread

Spicy Garlic Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0298.001

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0910.001

Spinach Potatoes

Spinach Potatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0270.001

Spinach Rice Bake

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.001.0532.001

Spring Butterflies

A fresh and lively side dish or a main course if served with whole grain bread, bean salad and fruit for dessert.

RCI-EG.003.0568.001

Squashsuppe

This gives a nice and wholesome soup, and it is for the whole family.

RCI-BV.003.0357.001

Steak Topper Vegetable Packet

Wonderful steak topper courtesy of our friends at the Reynolds Kitchen.

RCI-SP.003.0380.001

Stewed Tomatoes

Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is

RCI-MT.006.1292.001

Stuffed Chicken Breasts in Wine Sauce

Stuffed Chicken Breasts in Wine Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0397.001

Stuffed Portabella à la Cajun

One of the best trips I have been on was driving to Louisianna with my two sisters. We went specifically to see the Acadian settlements and it was thrilling to see all the names were the same as in my background from the Acadian part of Canada.

RCI-SF.001.0194.001

Stuffed Salmon with Brie and Prawns

Purchased from the Inman Estate in Mineral Wells, Texas in 1990. Notation on card indicates this was picked up from a caterer in 1966. My catering friend serves this on a regular basis and gets rave reviews.