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

Equipment Cuisine Meatloaf Pasta

3 Mothers Meatloaf Best Meatloaf I Have Ever Had

This incredible meatloaf recipe is a culmination of three generations of family secrets! Get ready to taste the most succulent, flavorful meatloaf you've ever had. Tender, juicy, and bursting with classic comfort food goodness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Appetizers Preparation Course Time To Make

48 Hour Marinated Shrimp

Elevate your seafood game with this incredible 48-hour marinated shrimp recipe! Freshly sourced shrimp are marinated to perfection in a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a succulent and flavorful appetizer or salad perfect for summer gatherings. The long marination time unlocks unparalleled taste – a true showstopper that's incredibly easy to prepare. Pre-peeled shrimp mean less prep and more time to enjoy your party!

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Side Dishes Vegetarian Savory Dietary

Alexander's Orzo And Wild Rice Salad

A vibrant and flavorful orzo and wild rice salad, perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. This recipe boasts a zesty lemon-herb dressing that complements the nutty wild rice and tender orzo. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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60 Minutes Or Less One Dish Meal Time To Make Main Ingredient

Algerian Chicken Stew

Experience the vibrant flavors of Algeria with this hearty chicken stew, adapted from "Extending the Table." Tender chicken simmers in a rich broth with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and garbanzo beans. Perfect served over fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying meal. Easily substitute goat or lamb for the chicken for a delicious twist!

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Cuisine Preparation Nuts Time To Make

Almond Crusted Tilapia With Caramelized Onions Rsc

Experience a burst of flavor with this elegant and easy Almond Crusted Tilapia recipe! Sweet caramelized balsamic onions perfectly complement the flaky tilapia, all nestled in individual foil packets for effortless cleanup. A Reynolds Wrap recipe, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress!

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Appetizers Dietary Low Calorie Appetizers

Alton Brown's Eggplant Pasta

This isn't your grandma's pasta! Alton Brown's genius Eggplant Pasta is a surprisingly light and flavorful dish that's completely pasta-free. Imagine tender roasted eggplant, bursting with rich umami notes, tossed in a vibrant sauce. Perfect as a sophisticated first course or a satisfying light lunch, served alongside crusty bread for dipping. This recipe is quick to make and surprisingly delicious!

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High Protein Time To Make One Dish Meal Dinner Party

Amazing Basil Chicken Low Fat

Wow your guests with this vibrant and flavorful basil chicken recipe! Tender chicken breasts are infused with zesty orange juice, fragrant basil, and warming cumin, creating a low-fat masterpiece. Perfectly paired with fluffy jasmine rice and sweet mango slices, this dish is guaranteed to be a dinner party hit. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Italian Low Calorie Low Carb Low Protein

Approximately Aurelio's Pizza And Pasta Sauce

Unlock the legendary taste of Aurelio's Pizza sauce, a Homewood, Illinois tradition since 1959! This recipe recreates the famously mild, tomatoey sauce that's sparked debate for decades – does it contain beer? This close approximation uses malt extract for that signature sweetness (beer optional!). Get ready to elevate your pizzas and pastas with this authentic, family-secret recipe.

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Easy Course Shrimp 30 Minutes Or Less

Artichoke Avocado Shrimp Salad

This vibrant Artichoke Avocado Shrimp Salad is the perfect summer dish! Succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and tangy artichoke hearts create a symphony of flavors in every bite. Light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, this salad is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated summer gathering. Serve it with your favorite bread for a complete and satisfying experience.

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Course Preparation Time To Make Vegetables

Asparagus And Green Bean Salad With Herb Dijon Dressing

This vibrant Asparagus & Green Bean Salad is a delightful blend of fresh asparagus, crisp green beans, and a creamy herb Dijon dressing. The tangy dressing perfectly complements the tender-crisp vegetables, while crumbled blue cheese adds a salty, creamy bite. Easy to make and perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or starter for a summer gathering!

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Main Ingredient Vegetables Asparagus Course

Asparagus Mushroom Primavera

A vibrant and flavorful Asparagus Mushroom Primavera recipe, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens! This delightful dish combines tender asparagus and savory mushrooms in a light and elegant sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves four generously with 1 1/2 cups each. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Number Of Servings Vegetables Fish Low Carb

Aussie Tuna Summer Salad

Beat the heat with this refreshing Aussie Tuna Summer Salad! A complete and delicious meal perfect for those scorching summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven. This light yet satisfying salad is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling full without the sluggishness. Escape the kitchen heat and enjoy this easy 16-minute recipe!

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Stove Top Brunch Preparation Vegetarian

Baked Broccoli Frittata

This light and fluffy broccoli frittata recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a healthy and delicious brunch or light dinner! Inspired by a classic recipe, this versatile dish can be customized to your liking – use a mix of eggs and egg whites, or even egg substitute for a vegan option. The result is always a tender, cheesy, and vibrant broccoli bake that's sure to become a new go-to.

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Time To Make Low In Something Main Dish Preparation

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.

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Equipment Occasion Low In Something Time To Make

Baked Cherry Tomatoes And Feta

Impress your guests with this vibrant and flavorful Baked Cherry Tomatoes and Feta appetizer! Sweet roasted cherry tomatoes burst with flavor alongside creamy feta and fragrant garlic, all bathed in olive oil. A stunning presentation makes this perfect for parties or a simple weeknight treat. Easily customizable – garlic lovers, rejoice!

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Lentils Beans Time To Make Dietary

Baked Lentils And Vegetables

Hearty and healthy, this baked lentil recipe is a flavor explosion! Packed with vegetables and savory spices, it's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with deliciousness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation

Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses recipe (inspired by Bon Appetit, January 2003) is a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love. Enjoy perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender broccoli florets, and a delightful blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying dish that's easy to make!

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Ground Beef Holiday Event Occasion Taste Mood

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!

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