Herbs | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb

Basil Leave

Ocimum basilicum Allergen-Free
basil leave

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Lamiaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Summer, Year-Round (indoors)
  • Source Basil plant

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 from the mint family, widely used in Mediterranean, Italian, and Southeast Asian cuisine for its sweet, peppery flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet,Peppery,Anise-like
TextureTender,Smooth,Leafy
AromaAromatic,Sweet,Herbal,Slightly Spicy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Botanical Family

Lamiaceae (mint family)

Ideal Storage

Stems in water, covered (room temp)

Main Aroma Compound

Eugenol (clove-like)

Nutrition Facts

Per 4g (1/4 cup chopped)
Calories23 kcal
Total Fat0.64g
Saturated Fat0.04g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein3.15g
Total Carbohydrate2.65g
Dietary Fiber1.6g
Total Sugars0.3g
Calcium177mg
Iron3.17mg
Potassium295mg

Chef’s Secret

For maximum flavor, add fresh basil at the very end of cooking. Bruise leaves gently before adding to release aromatics and prevent blackening.

Substitutions

Best Match

Spinach (Baby)

1:1 (cooked), 1:2 (raw)

Good for adding green color and mild flavor to sauces; lacks basil's distinctive aroma.

Parsley (Flat-leaf)

1:1

Offers fresh, herbal notes and color, but without the sweetness of basil.

Mint

1:1 (use sparingly)

Provides a fresh, aromatic quality, but has a stronger, cooler taste. Good for specific dishes.

Oregano (Fresh)

1:2

Stronger and more pungent than basil, use less. Works in Italian dishes.

Buying Guide

Choose vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots. Store at room temperature in water or lightly wrapped in the fridge.

Flavor Pairings

Tomatoes mozzarella garlic olive oil lemon chicken fish pasta pizza.

Recipes Using Basil Leave

Comfort Food Course 60 Minutes Or Less Copycat

Copycat La Madeline's Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up on chilly nights with this irresistible copycat recipe of La Madeline's famous Tomato Basil Soup! This comforting and flavorful soup is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. We've perfected the recipe to capture the restaurant's signature taste, creating a creamy, vibrant soup bursting with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. Get ready for the ultimate taste of homemade comfort food!

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Vegetables Soups Stews Low Carb Tomatoes

4B's Old Fashioned Cream Of Tomato Soup

Crave the taste of Montana? This authentic recipe recreates 4B's Restaurant's legendary Cream of Tomato Soup, a family favorite! Enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting soup anytime, anywhere. Get ready for a taste of home, no matter where you are!

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Low Sodium Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine

Absolutely Delicious And Simple Tomato Basil And Garlic Pasta

Giada De Laurentiis' unbelievably easy and flavorful pasta recipe! This quick 23-minute meal uses fresh or canned tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory garlic for a taste sensation. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and satisfying dish – perfect for a romantic evening or a casual family meal. Learn how to make restaurant-quality pasta at home!

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Time To Make Preparation Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

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!

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Time To Make Onions Lamb Sheep Australian

Aussie Lamb Burgers With Goat Cheese And Tomato Relish

Savor the taste of Australia with these juicy Aussie Lamb Burgers! This recipe, inspired by "Simply Delicious Australian Lamb," features flavorful lamb patties coated in cornmeal, topped with creamy goat cheese, and a vibrant homemade tomato relish. Perfect for a BBQ, weeknight dinner, or any occasion. Get ready for a culinary adventure Down Under!

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Time To Make Occasion Lunch Healthy 2

Barley Salad With Tomatoes And Corn

A vibrant and refreshing barley salad, perfect for a summer lunch or side dish. This recipe combines tender barley with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty basil-garlic dressing. Easy to make ahead, it's ideal for picnics or potlucks!

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Appetizers Technique To Go North American

Basil And Garlic Mayo

Elevate your lunchtime routine with this vibrant and flavorful Basil and Garlic Mayo! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for packing healthy and delicious lunches for school or work. Made with fresh basil, garlic, and creamy mayonnaise, this spread will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator when properly stored. A fantastic and creative find, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for veggies. Get ready to experience a burst of fresh flavor in every bite!

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Vegetarian Free Of Something Low Protein Occasion

Basil And Lime Granita

Escape the heat with this vibrant Basil & Lime Granita! Incredibly easy to make, this refreshing treat is perfect for summer barbecues or a cool anytime snack. Elevate it to an adult beverage by adding a splash of vodka. Get ready for a burst of zesty lime and fragrant basil in every bite! (Freezing time: 3 hours)

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Dietary Dietary Grains European

Basil Feta Olive Toast

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this easy-to-make Basil Feta Olive Toast! Crispy bread topped with creamy feta, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant basil – a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. This recipe is inspired by traditional Greek flavors and is ready in under 30 minutes.

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Camping Grilling Peppers Main Dish

Basil Grilled Chicken Sandwiches With Red Pepper Relish

Basil lovers, rejoice! This vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken sandwich is packed with protein, lower in calories, and surprisingly quick to make. The zesty red pepper relish adds a sweet and tangy kick that perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken. Equally delicious served hot or cold, this recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner. Get ready to experience a taste of summer in every bite!

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Main Ingredient Italian One Dish Meal Preparation

Basil Lovers Tomato Cream Penne

Indulge in this incredibly easy and flavorful Basil Lovers Tomato Cream Penne! Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy pasta dish bursts with fresh basil and savory pancetta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Course Food Processor Blender Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains

Basil Pasta Noodles

Experience the taste of summer with these homemade basil pasta noodles! Inspired by a Taste of Home recipe, this recipe guides you through making fresh pasta from scratch, infused with the vibrant aroma of basil. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy and well worth the time. The result? Exquisite, flavorful noodles that will elevate any pasta dish.

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Dietary Low Carb Inexpensive Cheese

Basil Pesto From Home

Elevate your dishes with this vibrant, homemade basil pesto! Made with fresh basil (from my garden or patio!), this recipe is a keeper. Learn how to make a delicious pesto that's perfect for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or as a flavorful topping. Plus, get tips on how to freeze your pesto for months of fresh flavor.

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Main Ingredient Number Of Servings For 1 Or 2 Italian

Basil Pistachio Pesto Raw Recipe

Experience the vibrant, fresh flavors of this raw Basil Pistachio Pesto! This quick and easy recipe from RawGuru.com is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Simply blend the ingredients, then toss with your favorite raw shredded vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying lunch or light dinner. Get your raw food fix – it’s unbelievably easy!

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Preparation Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian

Basil Vinaigrette

Elevate your salads, grilled veggies, and sandwiches with this vibrant Basil Vinaigrette, adapted from the Rebar cookbook! This versatile recipe is incredibly easy to make and adds a burst of fresh basil flavor to any dish. Perfect for a light and zesty salad dressing, a flavorful marinade for grilled vegetables, or a delightful drizzle on a mouthwatering artichoke, tomato, lettuce, Spanish onion, and fontina cheese sandwich on crusty Italian bread. Enjoy a vegan-friendly version by simply swapping honey for maple syrup. Get ready to experience flavor perfection!

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Preparation Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie 60 Minutes Or Less

Bean Basil Soup

A taste of Kentucky! This hearty and flavorful bean and basil soup, inspired by a Kentucky friend, is brimming with fresh basil, tender beans, and a creamy texture that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch.

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Dietary Time To Make European Course

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.

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