Basil Leaf

Ocimum basilicum Herb, Fresh Produce, Aromatic

Basil Leaf Herb, Fresh Produce, Aromatic

At a Glance

  • Category Herb, Fresh Produce, Aromatic

The Forktionary Angle

"Uncover the fresh vibrancy of basil in every dish."

Definition

An aromatic herb from the mint family, celebrated for its sweet, peppery, and slightly anise-like flavor, essential in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Fresh Shelf Life 1 week (stems in water, covered)
Global Varieties >60 known cultivars (e.g., Sweet, Thai, Lemon, Holy)
Key Flavor Compound Eugenol (clove-like), Linalool (floral)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Basil Leaf are:

Sweet peppery slightly anise minty fresh

Chef’s Secret

To prevent bruising and preserve basil's vibrant color in dishes like pesto, blanch the leaves briefly in boiling water then immediately plunge into ice water before blending.

Best Substitutes

Mint

in salads/drinks, for freshness
Ratio 1:1

Oregano

dried in cooked dishes, different flavor profile
Ratio 1:1

Spinach

in pesto for bulk
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for bright green, unblemished leaves. Avoid wilting or black spots. Choose fresh over dried whenever possible.

Recipes Using Basil Leaf

Equipment Italian Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains

Adriana's Pasta Pie

Prepare for a culinary revelation! This Adriana's Pasta Pie recipe, straight from the legendary St. Louis Italian hilltop restaurant, is a game-changer. Get ready for a rich, meaty crust and a decadent pasta filling that will leave you craving more. This recipe makes extra delicious sauce, perfect for future meals. Plus, it's freezer-friendly! Bake it partially, freeze it, and bake it later for ultimate convenience. Featured on FoodTV.com (with slight variations), this is a must-try for pasta lovers.

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Tomatoes Main Dish Course Time To Make

Angel Hair With Avocado And Tomatoes

A light and refreshing summer pasta dish! This vibrant recipe combines the delicate flavor of angel hair pasta with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. Inspired by Betty Crocker's Diabetic Cookbook, this recipe is naturally delicious and satisfying.

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Main Dish Argentine Cuisine 4 Hours Or Less

Argentine Style Stuffed Flank Steak

Experience the rich flavors of Argentina with this incredible stuffed flank steak recipe! Perfectly tender and bursting with savory goodness, this show-stopping dish is easier to make than you think. Marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and herbs, then generously stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and a medley of vegetables, this impressive centerpiece is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!

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Preparation Main Ingredient Romantic Easy

Asparagus With Gorgonzola

Indulge in this decadent and easy Asparagus with Gorgonzola Sauce recipe! Inspired by London's River Cafe, this rich side dish is the perfect complement to grilled pork tenderloin, steak, or your favorite protein. Creamy gorgonzola cheese creates a luxuriously flavorful sauce that will elevate any meal. Prepare this 10-minute wonder and impress your guests!

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Pasta One Dish Meal Lasagna For Large Groups

Authentic Italian Crock Pot Lasagna

This irresistible Crock-Pot lasagna recipe, passed down through generations of my Italian family, delivers rich, savory flavors with surprising ease. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this slow-cooked masterpiece requires minimal effort for maximum taste. Enjoy tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and a vibrant meat sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe is easily adaptable to larger gatherings, and can even be prepped a day in advance for ultimate convenience!

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Oven Main Ingredient Course Preparation

Avocado Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts get a creamy, vibrant makeover with this California Avocado Stuffed Chicken recipe! This elegant yet easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken is filled with a luscious avocado mixture, then baked to perfection. Get ready for a burst of fresh, flavorful goodness in every bite!

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Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Bacon And Mushroom Penne With Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

This decadent pasta dish elevates a classic pesto recipe with smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy sunflower seeds! A vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto coats perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Easily swap bacon for chorizo for a spicy twist. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

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Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Cuisine

Baked Four Cheese Pasta With Tomatoes And Basil

Indulge in this irresistible Baked Four Cheese Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil! A creamy, cheesy masterpiece, perfect as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course alongside a fresh salad. This recipe, inspired by Cook's Illustrated, delivers a restaurant-quality experience in under 40 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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American Main Dish Served Hot Italian

Baked Ziti Casserole

This irresistible Baked Ziti Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks! Creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese combine with perfectly cooked ziti for a comforting and flavorful dish. Get ready for the ultimate cheesy, baked pasta experience!

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Easy Camping Tuna Low In Something

Barbecued Pesto Fish

Escape to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Barbecued Pesto Fish recipe! Simple, easy, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. Succulent fish fillets are slathered in a homemade pesto and grilled to perfection. Cooking time adjusts to your fish thickness, ensuring flaky, delicious results every time.

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Dietary Chicken Breasts 4 Hours Or Less Low Saturated Fat

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Ina Garten

This incredible chicken chili recipe is inspired by Ina Garten's legendary cooking! Light yet satisfying, it's the perfect weeknight meal that won't leave you feeling sluggish. Enjoy tender chicken simmered in a vibrant, flavorful chili that's easy to make and even easier to love. Get ready for a taste of perfection!

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Course Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains

Barefoot Contessa's Lasagna

Indulge in this irresistible Barefoot Contessa-inspired lasagna recipe! Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella create a symphony of flavors. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this generously portioned lasagna is sure to be a hit. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a glass of Chianti for a complete Italian feast.

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Preparation Lunch Beans Preparation

Barley Minestrone With Pesto

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Barley Minestrone! This satisfying soup bursts with fresh vegetables, tender barley, and a vibrant basil-garlic pesto. Customize it with your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, served with crusty bread and a side salad. (Prep time excludes barley soaking.)

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Time To Make Healthy Low In Something Low Protein

Basil Basmati Rice

Ready in 30 minutes, this vibrant Basil Basmati Rice recipe from Coup de Pouce is a fragrant and flavorful side dish. Perfectly cooked basmati rice infused with a zesty basil pesto – elevate your weeknight meals with this easy and delicious recipe!

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Chicken Easy Meat Time To Make

Basil Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms

Savor the delightful combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant basil in this quick and easy Chicken Marsala recipe! This 15-minute meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, boasting rich Marsala wine sauce and a burst of fresh basil flavor. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish!

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Romantic Dinner Party Main Dish Winter

Basil Roasted Chicken With Garlic Sauce

Indulge in this irresistible Basil Roasted Chicken recipe! Aromatic basil infuses the succulent chicken, while a luscious garlic sauce, crafted from 30 roasted garlic cloves and pan juices, elevates this dish to pure perfection. Prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience – this recipe is guaranteed to be a showstopper! Warning: May cause extreme deliciousness and the need for a food coma.

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Equipment Dietary Vegetarian Salads

Basil Vinaigrette Dressing

Elevate your salads with this vibrant Basil Vinaigrette! Imagine this bright, herbaceous dressing drizzled over juicy tomatoes, crisp sweet onions, creamy avocado, peppery radicchio, and refreshing romaine lettuce. Perfect for a light lunch, summer BBQ, or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Side Dishes Cheese Side Dishes Eggs Dairy

Mozzarella Macaroni And Cheese

Escape the salt overload of traditional cheddar mac and cheese! This recipe from Angie McGowan of Eclectic Recipes delivers a luxuriously creamy, dreamy mac and cheese experience. Made with fresh mozzarella, this recipe boasts a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce with no grainy texture. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food upgrade – quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious!

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