Herb | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Basil Leaf

Ocimum basilicum Allergen-Free
basil leaf

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Lamiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian,Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall
  • Source Basil Plant

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

An aromatic herb with sweet, peppery, and slightly anise-like notes, widely used in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet,Peppery,Anise-like,Minty,Slightly Pungent
TextureTender,Soft,Delicate
AromaSweet,Clove-like,Anise,Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

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)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4g (1/4 cup chopped)
Calories23 kcal
Total Fat0.6g
Saturated Fat0.0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein3.2g
Total Carbohydrate2.7g
Dietary Fiber1.6g
Total Sugars0.3g
Calcium177mg
Iron3.2mg
Potassium295mg

Chef’s Secret

Add fresh basil leaves at the very end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their delicate flavor and vibrant color.

Substitutions

Best Match

Fresh Oregano

1:1 (use less due to stronger flavor)

Similar Mediterranean profile, but more pungent and less sweet.

Fresh Mint

1:1 (use less)

Offers freshness, but with a distinct minty flavor not suitable for all basil dishes.

Fresh Parsley

1:1

Milder, herbaceous, good for color and general fresh herb flavor, but lacks basil's complexity.

Dried Basil

1:3 (dried to fresh)

Convenient but significantly less potent and nuanced than fresh. Best added early in cooking.

Buying Guide

Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots. Store at room temperature in water.

Flavor Pairings

Tomato mozzarella garlic olive oil lemon chicken fish pesto.

Recipes Using Basil Leaf

Casseroles 4 Hours Or Less Italian Cuisine

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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North American Healthy 2 Vegetables Side Dishes

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Dietary Diabetic Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Pasta For Large Groups Main Ingredient Equipment

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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Time To Make Time To Make Sandwiches Lunch

B L T Sandwiches Supreme

Elevate your lunch game with this gourmet BLT! Made with fresh, flavorful ingredients, this recipe is easily customizable to your taste. Choose crispy bacon or delicious tempeh bacon for a vegetarian twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend brunch, this BLT is sure to become a family favorite. Fresh from the farmer's market, this sandwich bursts with flavor!

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Course Course 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish

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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Main Ingredient Romantic Main Ingredient Cuisine

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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Italian 60 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make

Balsamic Chicken And Fresh Mozzarella

This recipe creates a mouthwatering balsamic chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elevated sandwiches! Marinating the chicken overnight unlocks incredible flavor. (Marinating time not included in cook time)

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Free Of Something Salmon Free Of Something Saltwater Fish

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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Main Dish Main Dish Time To Make Preparation

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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North American Time To Make American North American

Basil Baked Tilapia

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy and flavorful Basil Baked Tilapia recipe! Perfect for delicate white fish like tilapia or flounder, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. The fragrant basil, buttery sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs create a symphony of taste that's sure to impress. Get ready for a light yet satisfying meal the whole family will love!

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Low In Something 3 Steps Or Less Low Cholesterol 30 Minutes Or Less

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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Beginner Cook Chicken Breasts Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less

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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Main Dish Main Ingredient Equipment Preparation

Basil Mozzarella Burgers

Savor the taste of summer with these juicy Basil Mozzarella Burgers! Our Italian-inspired recipe features fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a vibrant sweet pepper relish. These delicious grilled burgers are perfect for a BBQ or a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Weeknight Fall 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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3 Steps Or Less Vegetables 15 Minutes Or Less Kid Friendly

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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Vegetables North American Lettuces Main Ingredient

Bibb Salad With Basil Green Goddess Dressing

Indulge in this vibrant Bibb lettuce salad, featuring a revitalized Basil Green Goddess dressing! Inspired by the iconic 1920s San Francisco Palace Hotel recipe, this updated version boasts a burst of fresh basil flavor. Originally a tribute to the play "The Green Goddess," our dressing swaps tarragon for a more intense basil taste, creating a bright green masterpiece. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant dinner, this recipe is surprisingly quick to make and incredibly delicious. Enjoy it with crisp Bibb lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and the creamy, herbaceous dressing – a flavor sensation that's both refreshing and satisfying! Adapted from Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa.

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Low In Something Very Low Carbs Preparation Main Ingredient

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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