Basil

A fragrant, sweet-peppery herb at the heart of pesto and Thai curries.

Also known as: sweet basil, Thai basil, Genovese basil, Ocimum basilicum, tulsi

Overview

Basil is a fragrant herb whose sweet, peppery aroma defines Italian and Southeast Asian cooking. Sweet (Genovese) basil is the soul of pesto and the classic partner to tomato and mozzarella, while Thai basil brings an anise-like note that stands up to the heat of stir-fries and curries.

Its tender leaves bruise and darken easily and lose fragrance with prolonged heat, so basil is usually torn in by hand and added at the end. Grown widely on windowsills, it is one of the most rewarding fresh herbs to cook with.

Culinary Uses

Blended with pine nuts, garlic, and oil into pesto.
Layered with tomato and mozzarella in caprese.
Torn over pizza, pasta, and salads to finish.
Stirred into Thai stir-fries and curries at the end.

Flavor Profile

Sweet, peppery, and aromatic with a hint of clove and mint.
Sweet basil is floral; Thai basil is more anise-like and robust.
Its perfume fades with heat, so it is best added late.

Storage

Keep at room temperature stems-down in water, away from the cold fridge.
Refrigeration can blacken the delicate leaves.
Freeze as pesto or in oil to preserve its flavor.

Preparation

Rinse gently and dry with care to avoid bruising.
Tear leaves by hand rather than chopping to prevent blackening.
Add at the end of cooking to keep its fragrance.

Nutrition

Basil is used in small amounts and is very low in calories.

It provides vitamin K and aromatic antioxidant oils.

Vitamin K

Supports bone health and clotting.

Antioxidants

Aromatic oils and flavonoids.

Essential oils

Including eugenol, behind its aroma.

Vitamin A

From carotenoids in the leaves.

Dietary Considerations

Naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
A fragrant way to add flavor without salt.
Best enjoyed fresh, as dried basil is far milder.

Nutrition information is educational and approximate; it varies by variety, portion, and preparation, and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Common Pairings

Tomato and mozzarellaPine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in pestoChili and garlic in Thai stir-friesOlive oil and lemon

Recipes with Basil

French 0

French Ratatouille

Provence's classic summer vegetable stew of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomato slow-cooked in olive oil — naturally vegan, gluten-free, and elegant on any budget.

60minEasy6 servings

Italian 0

Make-Ahead Marinara Sauce

A big pot of honest tomato sauce, slow-simmered with garlic and basil until deep and glossy. Costing a fraction of the jarred kind, it freezes in batches and becomes pasta sauce, pizza base, or the start of a dozen other meals. Vegan and free of dairy, gluten, egg, and soy.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake for a Crowd

A crowd-pleasing baked pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with a golden, bubbling cheese top. Vegetarian, endlessly adaptable, and cheap to scale up — the sort of comforting family dinner that quietly feeds six with leftovers for lunch.

55minEasy6 servings