Basil

Ocimum basilicum Herb

Basil Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Herb

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 fragrant herb with sweet, peppery, and slightly anise-like notes, central to Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Common Usage Pesto, Caprese salad, Thai curries
Key Flavor Compound Eugenol, estragole, linalool
Storage (Fresh, Room Temp) 1 week (stems in water)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Basil are:

Sweet peppery aromatic slightly anise-like

Chef’s Secret

To prevent fresh basil from blackening when making pesto, blanch the leaves quickly in boiling water then immediately chill in ice water before blending.

Best Substitutes

Mint

for freshness, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Oregano

for Italian dishes, more pungent
Ratio 1:1

Spinach

for bulk in pesto
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for vibrant green leaves, no wilting or black spots. Avoid strong aromas of decay. Buy live plants for longest storage.

Recipes Using Basil

Low Cholesterol Low In Something Low Cholesterol Low Sodium

Basil Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Basil Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette! A zesty blend of orange, garlic, and basil, this 5-minute vinaigrette adds a burst of fresh flavor to mixed greens, oranges, and red onions. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this recipe is easy to make and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

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Meat Canadian 30 Minutes Or Less Stove Top

Beef Bean And Tomato Soup

Warm up on a chilly Sunday afternoon with this hearty and comforting Beef, Bean, and Tomato Soup! Quick and easy to make (ready in under 30 minutes!), this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The rich beef broth, tender beans, and juicy tomatoes create a flavour explosion that will leave you wanting more. Serve with crusty bread or fluffy homemade biscuits for the ultimate cozy meal. Get the recipe now and experience pure comfort food bliss!

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Time To Make Equipment Weeknight Main Ingredient

Barley Stuffed Bell Peppers

Say goodbye to boring stuffed peppers! This vibrant recipe swaps traditional hamburger for hearty barley, creating a surprisingly comforting and flavorful vegetarian masterpiece. Using a mix of red and yellow bell peppers, this dish is as delicious as it is visually appealing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these barley stuffed peppers are sure to become a family favorite!

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Appetizers Low Saturated Fat Number Of Servings Vegetables

Angie's Bella Marinara

Transform weeknight dinners with Angie's Bella Marinara, a vibrant, full-flavored sauce ready in under an hour! This versatile recipe tastes like it simmered for hours, perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, eggplant parmesan, or even as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks. Save time without sacrificing flavor – the ultimate shortcut to Italian-inspired deliciousness!

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Chicken Number Of Servings Picnic Potluck

Chicken And Roasted Red Bell Pepper Ciabatta Pizzas

Craving pizza but want something quick and unique? These Chicken & Roasted Red Bell Pepper Ciabatta Pizzas are the perfect solution! This recipe transforms simple ciabatta bread into crispy, flavorful pizza bases topped with juicy roasted red peppers, tender chicken, and melted mozzarella. Customize your toppings to create your perfect pizza experience! Add fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. A fast, delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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Seafood Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Seafood

Baked Salmon With Vegetables And Herbs

Enjoy a delicious and healthy baked salmon dinner with vibrant roasted vegetables and aromatic herbs! This recipe is easily customizable to individual preferences, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Each individual serving is baked in a foil packet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Lasagna Pasta Rice And Grains Main Dish Taste Mood

Acadia's Lasagna

Indulge in this irresistible Acadia's Lasagna recipe! A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for family dinners or weeknight feasts. This recipe uses a 12x8x2 inch baking dish and yields 6 generous servings. Get ready for layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella – pure lasagna heaven! #lasagna #italianfood #comfortfood #onepotmeal #easyrecipe #dinnerrecipe

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American Scallops Preparation Spaghetti

Basil Scallops With Gluten Free Pasta

Impress your guests with this elegant and easy Basil Scallop recipe featuring gluten-free pasta! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is naturally migraine-friendly and avoids common gluten triggers. Enjoy succulent scallops bathed in a vibrant basil sauce, served over delicate gluten-free pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Sandwiches Vegetarian Sandwiches 30 Minutes Or Less

Asian Style Vegetable Slaw

This vibrant and crunchy Asian-style vegetable slaw is a flavor explosion! Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy addition to your next BBQ. Made with fresh, crisp vegetables and a zesty, homemade dressing, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Low Saturated Fat Main Dish Pineapple

Asian Pork And Pineapple Salad

This vibrant Asian Pork & Pineapple Salad (inspired by Cooking Light 2003) is a flavor explosion! Sweet pineapple, savory pork, and a zesty lime dressing come together in this quick and easy 30-minute meal. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing weeknight dinner. Get ready for a taste of the tropics!

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Diabetic Course Breakfast Asparagus

Asparagus Zucchini And Yellow Pepper Frittata

This vibrant Asparagus, Zucchini, and Yellow Pepper Frittata is a healthy and delicious baked egg dish, bursting with fresh flavors! Perfect for a light brunch, a satisfying lunch, or a healthy dinner, this low-calorie frittata is packed with colorful vegetables and easily customizable to your taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant recipe!

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Lactose Salad Dressings Beginner Cook Preparation

From The Field Balsamic Vinaigrette

Capture the fresh flavors of the Illinois countryside with this vibrant balsamic vinaigrette! Inspired by a cooking class in Morton, IL, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. Learn how to make this restaurant-quality dressing in just minutes!

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European Occasion Vegetarian Romantic

Artichoke Lemon Parmesan Pasta

Experience the bright, zesty flavors of Italy with this quick and easy Artichoke Lemon Parmesan Pasta recipe! Ready in just 15 minutes, this simple pasta dish is bursting with fresh lemon, artichoke hearts, and creamy parmesan cheese. A perfect weeknight meal for pasta lovers!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Comfort Food Taste Mood Cuisine

Awesome Lasagna Casserole

A craveable twist on Rachael Ray's lasagna! This comforting casserole is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. Served with a fresh salad and our irresistible Italian cheese twists (#145977), it's the perfect family meal or weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Dietary Preparation Vegetables Soups Stews

My Thai Chicken Soup

Warm up with this vibrant and flavorful Thai Chicken Soup, ready in just 30 minutes! Inspired by a unique ingredient combination, this recipe delivers a healthy and delicious meal perfect for a chilly evening. While lemongrass would be a fantastic addition, this version uses readily available ingredients to create an authentic Thai taste experience. Get ready for a burst of fresh ginger, garlic, coriander, and lime, perfectly balanced with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of spice. This quick and easy recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights!

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Vegetarian Healthy 2 Low Saturated Fat Preparation

7 Minute Vegetable Soup

This quick and easy 7-Minute Vegetable Soup is perfect for diabetics! Courtesy of OneTouch Gold, this recipe delivers delicious flavor in just 30 minutes. Packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor, it's a healthy and satisfying meal that won't spike your blood sugar. Get ready for a vibrant and nutritious soup that's surprisingly simple to make!

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Meat Presentation Meat Main Ingredient

My Muffuletta Sandwich

A New Orleans classic! This Muffuletta sandwich recipe recreates the iconic flavors of the famous Italian-American sub. Learn how to make the signature olive salad from scratch, then layer it onto a crusty round loaf with savory salami, mortadella, provolone, and more. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner!

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3 Steps Or Less Salads Vegetarian Greens

Beet Kale Salad

Transform tough kale into a vibrant and surprisingly delicious salad! This recipe features earthy beets and a zesty dressing that will make you rethink raw kale. Quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish.

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