Basil/5 recipes

Springtime chicken salad with poached chicken breast, snap-tender asparagus, crisp iceberg, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. A light, protein-packed main salad finished with toasted almonds.

Popeye's sweet pea soup: a double dose of green peas plus a whole pound of spinach, with yam, onion, celery, and a hint of molasses. Vegan, iron-packed, and ready in an hour.

Cajun seafood creole with shrimp and crab simmered in a basil-laced tomato sauce with cayenne and white pepper. Spooned over peppery rice for a Louisiana classic that's ready in 40 minutes.

Herbed oatmeal pan bread, a soft, savory bread machine loaf with rolled oats, butter, garlic, basil, oregano, and a parmesan crust. Tastes like garlic bread and pizza dough had a kid.

Layered portabella mushroom pasta bake with wheat germ-crusted mushroom slices, chunky tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. A vegetarian Italian comfort dinner for two.

Vegetarian bell pepper quiche with sweet sautéed red and green peppers, onion, garlic, and basil in a flaky homemade crust. A Sunday brunch main that slices into beautiful wedges.

Vegetable gumbo is a lighter, meatless take on the Cajun classic: the holy trinity simmered with okra, corn, tomatoes and paprika, thickened naturally by the okra. No roux, no meat, just hearty vegetable comfort.

Vegan vegetable lasagna stacked with mashed tofu ricotta, sauteed mushrooms, cauliflower, swiss chard, and tomato sauce. A dairy-free, plant-packed casserole that holds its own against the classic.

Slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce with blended vegetables hidden in the base. Ground beef, canned tomatoes, carrots, and onions simmer 8-10 hours for a deep, rich, thick sauce.

Thai green chicken curry with eggplant simmered in coconut milk and green curry paste, finished with Thai basil, cilantro, and red chilies.

This fiery Cajun chicken pasta smothers spaghetti in a spicy triple-pepper tomato sauce loaded with butter-sautéed chicken. A bold Louisiana-style feast for heat lovers.

Charcoal grilled salmon steaks marinated in lemon, olive oil, and basil, served over spicy black beans simmered with ham, jalapenos, and fresh thyme. A smoky, protein-packed summer plate.

Thai-style stir-fried eggplant with ground pork, garlic, green chili, fish sauce, and fresh basil. Fast, punchy weeknight wok cooking in under 20 minutes.

Creamy cheddar pasta tossed with herb-seared chicken breast, sautéed zucchini and yellow summer squash. A hearty skillet dinner that hits comfort-food notes without drowning in heavy sauce.

Italian garden lasagna layers a rainbow of sauteed vegetables (peppers, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, spinach) with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a no-boil lasagna. Vegetarian comfort that uses up the garden haul.

Delicious!! I have made it three times already! The first time I substituted minced onion with minced garlic - big mistake! WAY too much garlic. I have been making enough for two and freezing one. My family loves it!