Basil Leave

Ocimum basilicum Herb

Basil Leave Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Herb

The Forktionary Angle

"Exploring the diverse world of basil, from sweet Italian varieties to spicy Thai types, and mastering its delicate flavor."

Definition

A fragrant herb with vibrant green leaves, known for its sweet, peppery, and slightly minty aroma, essential in Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines.

Botanical Family Lamiaceae (mint family)
Ideal Storage Stems in water, covered (room temp)
Main Aroma Compound Eugenol (clove-like)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Basil Leave are:

Sweet peppery anise slightly minty aromatic

Chef’s Secret

To prevent bruising and preserve its delicate flavor, tear basil leaves by hand instead of chopping with a knife, especially when adding to a finished dish.

Best Substitutes

Mint

different profile, similar freshness
Ratio 1:1

Oregano

more pungent
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for vibrant green, unblemished leaves. Avoid wilting or brown spots. Best used fresh.

Recipes Using Basil Leave

Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Time To Make

Artichoke Hearts In Lemon Parsley Sauce

Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Artichoke Hearts in Lemon Parsley Sauce recipe! Inspired by the Williams-Sonoma "Vegetable" cookbook, this side dish is a delightful complement to lemon chicken or any protein. Using either fresh or frozen artichoke hearts (we loved Trader Joe's!), this recipe creates a luxuriously tender and zesty sauce that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a burst of fresh lemon, fragrant parsley, and perfectly cooked artichokes in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Equipment Breads Appetizers

Basil Garlic Toast

Elevate your dinner with this vibrant Basil Garlic Toast! A delicious twist on classic garlic bread, this recipe uses fresh basil for a burst of summer flavor. Perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or grilled meats, this easy-to-make toast is sure to impress. Get ready for golden-brown perfection in just 22 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Low Fat Time To Make Low Fat Preparation

Basil Scallop Linguine With Artichokes

Indulge in this elegant Basil Scallop Linguine with Artichokes! This recipe, inspired by Naidre Miller's "Something Tastes Funny," creates a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Sweet scallops meet tangy tomatoes and artichokes in a fragrant basil sauce, elevated with a hint of red pepper and toasted pine nuts. A simple yet sophisticated meal, ready in under an hour!

See Complete Recipe
Low Carb Low Protein Low Carb Low Fat

Basil Tomato Soup

Ming Tsai's quick and easy Basil Tomato Soup recipe is perfect for budget-conscious cooks! This vibrant soup bursts with fresh basil flavor and is ready in under 80 minutes. A delicious and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

See Complete Recipe
Presentation Dips Dietary Served Cold

Artichoke Spinach Dip

Elevate your next gathering with this vibrant Artichoke Spinach Dip! Marinated artichokes add a burst of tangy flavor, creating a unique and unforgettable appetizer. This recipe is perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy night in. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Weeknight Course Main Dish Dietary

Beef Braciole

Experience the rich, savory flavors of authentic Italian Beef Braciole! This recipe guides you through creating tender, flavorful beef rolls, simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Inexpensive Chili Main Dish

Baked Eggplant Chili Casserole

Comfort food at its finest! This hearty vegetarian Baked Eggplant Chili Casserole is packed with flavor and satisfying texture. Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make vegan chili, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Loaded with eggplant, beans, and spices, it's a flavorful explosion in every bite!

See Complete Recipe
Fruit 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Citrus

Orange And Mozzarella Towers With Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette

Impress your guests with these vibrant Orange & Mozzarella Towers! Sweet orange segments and creamy mozzarella cheese are artfully layered atop crisp baby lettuce, then drizzled with a homemade orange balsamic vinaigrette that's bursting with fresh citrus flavor. This elegant yet easy-to-make salad, courtesy of Sunkist, is perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or a sophisticated side dish. Get ready to elevate your salad game!

See Complete Recipe
Course Low Protein Course 3 Steps Or Less

Basil Mayonnaise

Elevate your sandwiches, salads, and more with this vibrant and flavorful Basil Mayonnaise! Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, this simple recipe takes just minutes to make and delivers a burst of fresh basil flavor. Perfect for a quick appetizer or to add a gourmet touch to your favorite dishes.

See Complete Recipe
High In Something Number Of Servings High Calcium Easy

Basil And Feta Spread

This vibrant Basil & Feta Spread is the perfect appetizer! Creamy whipped feta cheese blends beautifully with fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of olive oil. Easy to make in minutes, this delicious dip is perfect for spreading on crostini, crackers, or vegetables. Impress your guests with this simple yet elegant recipe.

See Complete Recipe
Chicken Meat Long Grain Rice Freshwater Fish

Arroz Na Gallinha

This vibrant Arroz Na Gallinha recipe is a family favorite, bursting with flavor and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. I developed this recipe myself and it's guaranteed to impress! Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich broth with fragrant spices, bell peppers, beans, and a hint of zesty lemon. The addition of tilapia adds a delightful twist! This recipe is incredibly filling and satisfying – your family will be asking for seconds!

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Seasonal Burgers Easy

Basil Burgers

Sizzle into summer with these irresistible Basil Burgers! Fresh basil's vibrant flavor dances with juicy grilled beef, creating a mouthwatering explosion in every bite. Perfect for family cookouts or a weeknight treat, these burgers are a delightful surprise that will leave everyone wanting more. Easy to make and bursting with fresh summer taste!

See Complete Recipe
Beginner Cook Vegetarian Dietary Vegetables

Barefoot Contessa's Panzanella Salad

Ina Garten's vibrant Panzanella salad, straight from her 'Parties' cookbook, is a summer sensation! This recipe features perfectly toasted bread cubes tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a bright, tangy vinaigrette. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, this crowd-pleasing salad is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress!

See Complete Recipe
Course 5 Ingredients Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Vegetarian

Basil Lemon Gimlets

Transport yourself to a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape with this refreshing Basil Lemon Gimlet recipe! Inspired by Rachael Ray's August/September 2006 magazine, this vibrant cocktail is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for warm evenings or any special occasion. The fragrant basil perfectly complements the tart lemon and smooth vodka, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth.

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Salads 60 Minutes Or Less Easy

Artichoke Salad

This vibrant Artichoke Salad, inspired by Food Network, is a flavor explosion! Perfectly roasted artichoke hearts, juicy grilled chicken, and crunchy celery mingle with sweet cherry tomatoes and salty capers. The homemade basil pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous touch that ties everything together beautifully. This recipe pairs wonderfully with Georgian cheese bread (Acharuli Khachapuri) – a delicious combination your family will love! I've made a few adjustments to the original recipe for optimal flavor, resulting in a balanced, textural masterpiece. Get ready to impress!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Preparation Occasion Side Dishes

Ann's Roasted Potato Salad

This incredibly flavorful roasted potato salad recipe, originally featured on the Food Network (source unknown, credited to Ann Mileti), is a crowd-pleaser! Perfectly crispy roasted potatoes are tossed in a vibrant herb-infused dressing. Letting it sit at room temperature allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an unforgettable taste. Prep time includes the crucial resting time for optimal flavor.

See Complete Recipe
Course Easy Dietary European

Antipasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful Antipasto Salad perfect as a light lunch, side dish to your favorite Italian entree, or a delightful appetizer! This recipe bursts with Mediterranean freshness, combining juicy tomatoes, salty olives, crisp peppers, and savory salami for an unforgettable taste experience. Easy to prepare in just 10 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Very Low Carbs Time To Make Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Basil Lime Butter For Corn On The Cob

Elevate your corn on the cob with this vibrant and flavorful basil lime butter! This easy 5-minute recipe, made in a food processor, transforms ordinary corn into a culinary masterpiece. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or a simple weeknight treat. Get ready for bursts of fresh basil and zesty lime in every bite!

See Complete Recipe