Basil/8 recipes

Vegetarian spaghetti sauce loaded with red and white kidney beans, mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes. Hearty, protein-rich, and diabetic-friendly.

Grilled split lobster served alongside a fresh herb salad of basil, mint, fennel fronds, chervil, chives, and parsley dressed in lemon and olive oil. Simple, elegant, done in 30 minutes.

Italian vegetable salad with chickpeas, mixed vegetables, olives, and cherry tomatoes in a basil-garlic vinaigrette. A make-ahead marinated salad for potlucks.

Salmon spinach party dip with canned Alaska salmon, yogurt, light mayo, dill, and lemon zest. A lighter, no-cook appetizer dip packed with protein and served cold with crudites.

Southwest meatball supper with chili-spiced beef meatballs in taco sauce and fresh tomatoes, served over shredded lettuce with cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips. A taco salad meets meatball dinner.

Lasagne rolls stuff cooked lasagna noodles with a three-cheese ricotta filling, then bake them under tomato sauce and Parmesan. A portion-friendly twist on classic lasagna.

Vegan tofu breakfast scramble with mushrooms, red pepper, and onions in a savory miso-turmeric sauce. A hearty, egg-free morning meal loaded with vegetables.

Gingered vegetable soup with fresh ginger root, potatoes, zucchini, corn, and tomato sauce. Oil-free, vegan, and full of warming flavor from a water-sauteed base.

Mediterranean chicken breasts braised in red wine, canned tomatoes, basil, and garlic, served over spaghetti with green olives. A light one-skillet version of chicken cacciatore.

Northwest seafood cioppino simmers white fish, shrimp, and oysters in a tomato-herb broth with onions, garlic, and basil. Pacific Northwest take on the Italian-American fisherman's stew.

Fresh tomato pasta toss simmers blanched and peeled tomatoes with garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano, finished with a splash of cream over penne. A high-summer pasta sauce when tomatoes are at their peak.

Lemon dill chicken in the Paul Prudhomme style: boneless chicken breasts seasoned with dill, basil and pepper, then pan-seared and simmered in a tangy apple juice and lemon pan sauce. Low-fat skillet dinner.

Homemade pizza sauce simmers tomato paste, garlic, oregano, marjoram and basil into a thick, glossy sauce that holds its shape under cheese. Makes enough for four 12-inch pies.

Hearty minestrone soup simmers Italian sausage with romano beans, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and small pasta shells in a chicken broth base. Loaded one-pot Italian dinner soup.

Low-sodium pasta sauce simmered with tomato puree, white wine, garlic, shallots, and a pinch of nutmeg. A fresh, herb-bright marinara for weeknight pasta without the salt.

Grilled chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs, then sliced thin over pasta with herbed tomato sauce. A Mediterranean-style summer pasta dinner.