Herb | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Basil

Ocimum basilicum Allergen-Free
basil

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Lamiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian, Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Summer (Fresh), Year-Round (Dried)
  • Source Basil plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Delve into the fragrant world of basil with Forktionary, mastering its cultivation and diverse culinary applications for vibrant, fresh flavors."

Definition

A highly aromatic herb from the mint family, characterized by its sweet, peppery, and slightly anise-like flavor, central to many Mediterranean cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, peppery, slightly anise-like, minty
TextureTender, leafy, soft
AromaSweet, pungent, herbaceous, licorice notes
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Common Usage

Pesto, Caprese salad, Thai curries

Key Flavor Compound

Eugenol, estragole, linalool

Storage (Fresh, Room Temp)

1 week (stems in water)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4g (4 leaves)
Calories23 kcal
Total Fat0.64g
Saturated Fat0.04g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein3.15g
Total Carbohydrate2.65g
Dietary Fiber1.6g
Total Sugars0.3g
Calcium177mg
Iron3.17mg
Potassium295mg

Chef’s Secret

Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking or as a garnish. Its delicate oils are volatile and degrade quickly with heat, preserving its vibrant flavor.

Substitutions

Best Match

Fresh Oregano

1:1

Stronger, more pungent flavor. Best for cooked dishes where basil's delicate notes might be lost.

Fresh Mint

1:1

Offers a similar freshness and peppery, cooling sensation, but with a distinct minty profile. Good for certain savory dishes or drinks.

Fresh Parsley

1:1

Offers a fresh, clean, slightly peppery note, but lacks the anise and sweetness of basil. Good for color and general fresh herbiness.

Dried Basil

1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh

Concentrated flavor, but lacks the brightness of fresh. Best for long-simmered sauces or dishes where fresh isn't available.

Buying Guide

Choose fresh basil with vibrant green leaves, free of wilting or dark spots. Store at room temperature with stems in water.

Flavor Pairings

Tomatoes mozzarella garlic olive oil pasta chicken fish pesto strawberries.

Recipes Using Basil

Easy Low In Something Vegetables Potatoes

Italian Fries

Crispy, golden fries with a vibrant Italian seasoning blend—the perfect side for burgers, sandwiches, or as a delicious snack! This recipe elevates classic french fries with a burst of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. Get ready for a taste of Italy (with a fun twist)!

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood Casseroles Low In Something Healthy 2

30 Minute One Pan Chicken Meal

Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pan lemon herb chicken and veggie recipe is a weeknight dinner winner! Juicy chicken breasts are baked alongside tender zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, all in a flavorful tomato-garlic sauce. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor – perfect for busy weeknights!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Heirloom Historical Healthy North American

8 Hour Beef Roast

Tender, juicy, and flavorful beef roast, slow-cooked to perfection in just 8 hours! This easy recipe uses a simple blend of herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering masterpiece perfect for a crowd. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or serving alongside your favorite sides.

See Complete Recipe
Occasion Course Cuisine Occasion

Aegean Chicken

A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean chicken dish bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, briny olives, and tender artichoke hearts. Succulent chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, then baked in a rich, savory sauce. Serve this delightful creation over your favorite pasta or fluffy rice for a truly unforgettable meal! #AegeanChicken #MediterraneanRecipe #ChickenRecipe #OnePanMeal #EasyRecipe

See Complete Recipe
Italian Main Dish For Large Groups Equipment

All Day Spaghetti Sauce

Unlock the secret to the richest, most flavorful spaghetti sauce! This recipe simmers all day, developing deep, complex flavors that will leave your family begging for more. Perfect for meal prepping, this sauce freezes beautifully in quart-size ziplock bags for easy storage and future deliciousness. Enjoy a taste of Italy without the all-day kitchen commitment!

See Complete Recipe
Beef 60 Minutes Or Less Amish Mennonite Main Ingredient

Amish Salisbury Steak

Comfort food at its finest! This Amish Salisbury Steak recipe delivers juicy, flavorful patties smothered in a rich, homemade gravy. A family favorite that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Serves 6.

See Complete Recipe
Healthy Low Saturated Fat Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains

Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon Garlic And Tomatoes

This vibrant Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon Garlic Burst Tomatoes is the perfect summer weeknight meal! Ready in under 20 minutes, this light and flavorful pasta dish is bursting with fresh, summery goodness. Prepare the ingredients ahead for even faster cooking. Served with a fresh salad (recipe not included), it's a complete and satisfying meal.

See Complete Recipe
Beef Ground Beef Main Ingredient American

Anytime Beef Casserole

This easy, 50-minute casserole tastes just like cannelloni, but skips the pasta for a lighter, faster weeknight meal! Enjoy a comforting, cheesy beef and spinach bake that's perfect for busy families. No pasta? No problem! This recipe delivers all the flavor without the fuss.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient Low In Something

Artichoke And Pasta Salad

This vibrant Artichoke and Pasta Salad is a summer sensation! Inspired by Cooking Light magazine, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors. We use artichoke hearts (jarred is perfectly fine!) for convenience, creating a creamy artichoke puree that perfectly complements the pasta, spinach, and juicy tomatoes. Finish it off with salty feta for a taste of the Mediterranean. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light summer dinner!

See Complete Recipe
Italian Occasion Time To Make Equipment

Artichokes And Shells

Satisfy your cravings with this vibrant Artichokes and Shells pasta dish! A quick and easy recipe bursting with Mediterranean flavors, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a refreshing cold pasta salad the next day. This olive oil-based pasta combines tender shells with artichoke hearts, olives, and a touch of feta for a delightful culinary experience. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Beginner Cook

Audrey Hepburn's Favorite Spaghetti Al Pomodoro

A taste of elegance! Recreate this simple yet sophisticated Spaghetti al Pomodoro recipe, inspired by Audrey Hepburn's son Sean's memoir, "Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit." This classic Italian dish features perfectly ripe tomatoes simmered with aromatic herbs and a touch of olive oil, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce that complements perfectly cooked spaghetti. A true family favorite!

See Complete Recipe
Ravioli Tortellini Cuisine Course Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Caprese Ravioli

Elevate your next meal with this stunning Baked Caprese Ravioli recipe! Imagine juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella baked to perfection atop tender ravioli. This recipe is easily adaptable – serve one large ravioli (about 2 inches) as a sophisticated appetizer or indulge in two or three for a satisfying entree. Quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, summery flavors, this dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Course Time To Make

Baked Catfish

Experience the irresistible flavor of this classic Baked Catfish recipe, passed down from the Junior League Centennial Cookbook! Flaky, juicy catfish fillets are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection. A simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

See Complete Recipe
Meat Course Superbowl Time To Make

Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings

Crispy, flavorful baked chicken wings tossed in a creamy parmesan garlic sauce! This easy recipe from Steamy Kitchen delivers tender, juicy wings with a delightful garlicky and cheesy punch. Perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Casseroles Preparation Time To Make Equipment

Baked Penne Pasta Casserole

This cheesy, comforting Baked Penne Pasta Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Featuring savory beef, sauteed mushrooms, and a generous layer of melted cheese, this recipe is easy to customize to your liking. Add more or less mushrooms, adjust the spices – it's your culinary adventure! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

See Complete Recipe
Low In Something Ground Beef Occasion Eggs Dairy

Baked Penne With Ground Beef And Tomato Sauce

This irresistible Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce recipe will become a family favorite! We're taking pasta night to the next level with a rich, flavorful homemade tomato sauce (though your favorite bottled sauce works in a pinch!). The secret? Simmering the sauce for at least an hour to develop deep, complex flavors. Prepare it ahead – it tastes even better the next day! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner party. Get ready for cheesy, bubbly goodness!

See Complete Recipe
Seafood High In Something Main Ingredient Very Low Carbs

Baked Tilapia Parmesan

Indulge in this mouthwatering Baked Tilapia Parmesan recipe! Flaky, tender tilapia fillets are smothered in a creamy, herb-infused parmesan sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Search terms: tilapia recipe, parmesan tilapia, baked fish, easy dinner recipe, weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe