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

Asian Low Calorie Asian Poultry

Thai Inspired Coconut Chicken With Spinach And Mushrooms

Craving that authentic Thai coconut chicken soup but short on time? This 20-minute recipe delivers incredible flavor without the lemongrass hunt! A quick and easy fusion dish, perfectly balancing creamy coconut milk with savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a taste of Thailand in your kitchen!

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Preparation Course Number Of Servings Vegetables

Angel Hair Pasta With Basil Tomatoes

This quick and easy Angel Hair Pasta recipe bursts with fresh Italian flavor! Garlic and vibrant basil complement perfectly ripe tomatoes, creating a simple yet unforgettable dish ready in under 20 minutes. Easily adaptable – use your favorite pasta! Serves 3.

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Vegetables Beans European Main Ingredient

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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60 Minutes Or Less Poultry Preparation Chicken Breasts

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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Diabetic Comfort Food Course Valentines Day

Baked Cheese Crepes Giada De Laurentiis

Indulge in Giada De Laurentiis' irresistible Baked Cheese Crepes! Featured on a recent episode of Everyday Italian, this recipe is surprisingly easy and a delightful alternative for low-carb guests at your next Italian dinner party or a sophisticated brunch. Flaky crepes filled with creamy cheese, baked to perfection – pure culinary bliss!

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Main Ingredient Preparation Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Spinach Vegetables

Baby Spinach And Bella's Chicken Lasagna

This lighter take on classic lasagna is perfect for a weeknight dinner! Made with tender chicken, earthy baby bella mushrooms, and nutritious baby spinach, this recipe is surprisingly healthy and delicious. Serves 2-4 (with leftovers). Pair it with a simple side salad of leftover spinach, mushrooms, parmesan, and a light Italian dressing for a complete and satisfying meal. A crisp white cranberry wine complements the flavors beautifully. Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities to your liking!

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Cuisine Low Sodium 30 Minutes Or Less Peppers

Roasted Capsicum Goat Cheese And Walnut Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad bursting with roasted sweetness and creamy textures! This recipe, inspired by a local pub, features tender pasta tossed with perfectly roasted capsicum (bell peppers), tangy goat cheese (or feta!), crunchy walnuts (or pecans!), and fresh basil. A light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer gathering. Easy to customize to your liking!

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Course

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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Meat Oven Equipment Pasta Rice And Grains

Basil Lamb Casserole

This Basil Lamb Casserole elevates the classic hamburger and macaroni casserole to new heights! Tender ground lamb replaces the usual hamburger, while parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth instead of cheddar. Fresh basil is the star, tying all the flavors together in a symphony of taste. Get ready for a comforting, aromatic, and surprisingly sophisticated weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite!

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Poultry Brunch Taste Mood Meat

Baked Chicken Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

A hearty and flavorful recipe featuring juicy chicken and savory portabella mushrooms. These elegant stuffed mushrooms make a perfect appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe, bursting with Italian herbs and melted mozzarella cheese!

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Chicken Meat Poultry Course

Aromatic Chicken Curry

Escape to culinary paradise with this Aromatic Chicken Curry! Unlike typical fiery curries, this recipe prioritizes fragrant spices for a deliciously mild yet flavorful experience. Perfect for those who love the taste of curry but prefer a gentler heat. Easily adjust the spice level – use just one chili pepper if you're sensitive to heat. This comforting dish is ready in under an hour!

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Weeknight 4 Hours Or Less Vegetarian Seasonal

End Of Summer Ratatouille

Celebrate the last days of summer with this vibrant and flavorful ratatouille! This recipe utilizes the season's freshest produce for a taste of sunshine on your plate. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to savor the delicious combination of eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs in this irresistible dish.

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Main Ingredient Pasta Healthy High In Something

Baked Pesto Pasta With Tomato Cheese

A delicious twist on classic baked penne! This meatless recipe is bursting with fresh pesto flavor, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a weeknight dinner, it's easily made ahead of time. We use homemade pesto for the best taste, but store-bought is a great time-saver. Enjoy the satisfying heartiness of whole wheat pasta – even picky eaters will love it! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 35 minutes!

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Vegetables Main Ingredient European Vegetables

Basic Bruschetta Topping

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant and flavorful Basic Bruschetta Topping! Made with juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a summer gathering or a simple weeknight snack. The secret? Letting the flavors meld for at least an hour to create an explosion of taste on perfectly toasted bread.

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30 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Dietary Time To Make

Amazing Artichoke Toasts

Experience a taste of Las Vegas luxury with these incredible artichoke toasts! Created from a $40-a-day culinary adventure, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor in just 25 minutes. Crispy toasted bread, creamy garlic aioli, and tangy marinated artichokes combine for an unforgettable appetizer or snack. Perfect for parties or a special night in!

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Time To Make Very Low Carbs Low Carb Salmon

Pan Seared Salmon With Lemon Basil Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and flavorful Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Basil Pesto! This recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a bright, homemade lemon basil pesto. Skip the store-bought and impress yourself (and your guests!) with this incredibly easy-to-make pesto. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect healthy and delicious meal for any occasion.

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Course Saltwater Fish Course Salmon

Baked Crumbed Salmon With Creamy Herb Sauce

Impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful Baked Crumbed Salmon! Pan-seared lemon-garlic breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden crust, while the salmon bakes to flaky perfection. A luscious creamy herb sauce elevates this dish to company-worthy status. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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