31 basic base recipes

They were super easy to make, tasted buttery, cheesy, fluffy and flaky, with the aroma from basil. They can be served pretty much with all the main courses, or just eating them directly is yummy enough!

Crispy fried falafel balls with chickpeas, herbs, and warm spices. Classic Middle Eastern vegetarian patties served in pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.

Pesto biscuits with green basil flecks and fluffy buttermilk crumb, baked from a quick pantry-friendly recipe using powdered milk. A herbal twist on the classic American biscuit.

Baked sea bass with black olive sauce of garlic, oregano, basil, and parsley in vegetable stock. A Mediterranean-style fish dinner ready in 30 minutes with bold, briny flavors.

These scrumptious biscuits are perfect for those small dinner parties with friends!

Thanksgiving Day tofu: a savory tofu loaf wrapped around classic sage-and-bread stuffing, then baked into a sliceable vegan holiday centerpiece. A homemade tofurkey that gives plant-based eaters their own showpiece.

Sea bass fillets baked over a bed of black olives, garlic, oregano, basil, and parsley, basted in vegetable stock. A Mediterranean-inspired Turkish fish dish that's low calorie, high flavor, and effortlessly elegant.

Savory basil red pepper muffins with olive oil, scallions, and egg whites. A low-fat, no-butter muffin that works as a side for soups, stews, or on its own for brunch.

Baked falafel made with chickpeas, garlic, tahini, cumin, turmeric, and fresh parsley. A low-calorie vegetarian falafel recipe coated in flour and oven-baked instead of deep-fried.

A vegan broccoli quiche with a silky tofu filling in a wholesome oat and whole wheat crust. Egg-free, dairy-free, and packed with vegetables for a plant-based brunch or light dinner.

Basic sourdough starter uses commercial yeast and milk-based feeding to build a reliable wild-yeast culture in 2 to 3 days. The shortcut starter for sourdough bread baking at home.

Basic spaghetti sauce simmers tomato sauce with sauteed onions, garlic, green pepper, basil, and oregano in under 30 minutes. A pantry-staple weeknight base for pasta or pizza.

A basic soup base that's made with tomato sauce. Perfect to use when creating any kind of soup!

Basic Southern Italian tomato sauce with Roma tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and parsley. Ready in 30 minutes, this classic pomodoro base is vegan, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly versatile.

Basic chowder base with bacon, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaf. A flexible starting point you can build into any chowder you want.