10 Delicious Basil Recipes from Reddit Home Cooks

Introduction to Basil

Basil, a vibrant herb with an unmistakable aroma, has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. Its sweet, slightly spicy flavor enhances a wide variety of dishes, from the traditional Italian caprese salad to innovative Southeast Asian recipes. In this article, we’ll explore ten delicious basil recipes shared by home cooks from Reddit, showing just how versatile this herb can be.

The Allure of Basil

Basil isn’t just a flavor enhancer; it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamins, especially vitamin K, it supports cardiovascular health, and its antioxidants contribute to anti-inflammatory benefits. Let’s dive into the recipes that showcase this delightful herb:

1. Basil Pesto

Basil pesto might be the most iconic basil dish. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a food processor, combine basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese, blending until finely chopped.
2. With the machine running, slowly add the oil until the mixture forms a thick paste. Season with salt and pepper.

🌿 Note: For a twist, try adding lemon zest or sun-dried tomatoes to your pesto for a different flavor profile.

2. Caprese Salad

A simple yet elegant dish, caprese salad highlights basil in its purest form:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced
• Large, fresh basil leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Layer tomatoes and mozzarella slices on a platter.
2. Scatter basil leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, and optionally balsamic vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper just before serving.

3. Thai Basil Beef

This dish marries the heat of Thai flavors with the freshness of basil:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• ¹⁄₄ cup fish sauce
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• Jasmine rice for serving

Steps:

1. Cook the beef over high heat until browned. Add shallots, garlic, and chili, cooking until fragrant.
2. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, stir well.
3. Stir in Thai basil just before serving to retain its color and flavor. Serve over hot jasmine rice.

4. Margherita Pizza

No list would be complete without mentioning pizza:

• Pizza dough
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella
• Handful of basil leaves

Steps:

1. Prepare or roll out your dough. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the crust.
2. Add torn mozzarella and fresh basil leaves.
3. Bake until the crust is golden and cheese melted. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

5. Basil Lemonade

A refreshing twist on a classic summer drink:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar or honey
• 4 cups water
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Ice

Steps:

1. Stir together lemon juice, sugar, and water until sugar dissolves.
2. Muddle or tear basil leaves, then add them to the lemonade. Allow the flavors to marry for an hour or more.
3. Serve chilled with ice.

🍹 Note: For an extra kick, add a splash of vodka or gin for an adult beverage twist.

6. Basil Fried Rice

A perfect use for leftover rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped basil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
• Green onions and chili for garnish

Steps:

1. Saute onion and garlic in a hot pan, add beaten egg, and scramble until nearly cooked.
2. Add the rice, stir-fry to heat through, then incorporate carrot, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
3. Stir in basil, cook until wilted. Garnish with green onions and chili slices.

🍜 Note: Basil fried rice can also be made with other herbs like cilantro or mint for a different flavor.

7. Basil Bruschetta

A quick, elegant appetizer:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped basil
• Balsamic vinegar

Steps:

1. Toast bread slices until golden.
2. Mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, and oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture over the toast, drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

8. Basil Lemon Chicken

A one-pan meal:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Marinate chicken in lemon juice, oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry chicken until cooked through, basting with remaining marinade.

🍗 Note: Adding a splash of white wine to the marinade can enhance the flavors further.

9. Basil and Berry Smoothie

Blend for a healthy start:

• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 cup fresh basil
• ¹⁄₂ cup Greek yogurt
• ¹⁄₂ cup almond milk
• 1 banana
• Honey for sweetness (optional)

Steps:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust sweetness with honey if desired.

10. Basil-Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A comforting dish with a fresh twist:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped basil
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella

Steps:

1. Cook pasta shells until al dente, then drain.
2. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and basil. Stuff into shells.
3. Arrange in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and top with mozzarella.
4. Bake until cheese is bubbly and golden.

🍲 Note: You can mix in spinach or other greens into the filling for added nutrition.

These recipes highlight the versatility of basil, from savory to sweet applications, demonstrating how this humble herb can elevate dishes in various cuisines. Each recipe brings out different facets of basil, whether it's the peppery note in Thai basil or the sweet fragrance of Italian basil.

How do you keep basil fresh?

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To keep basil fresh, trim the stems and place them in water like a bouquet, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Change the water every few days to extend its life.

Can I grow basil at home?

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Absolutely! Basil is relatively easy to grow. It thrives in sunny locations, warm conditions, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and pinch off flowers to promote leaf growth.

What are the health benefits of basil?

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Basil is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and bone health, as well as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.