Basil/6 recipes

Red and yellow pepper tart layers slow-stewed sweet peppers, provolone, and black olives in a savory custard over a pesto-painted crust. A colorful vegetarian tart that eats like the Mediterranean on a plate.

Vegetarian mushroom and spinach lasagna with ricotta, Swiss, Parmesan, and a roasted red pepper sauce with balsamic vinegar. Lighter than traditional lasagna.

Baked halibut with two herb seasoning options: a Mediterranean spice blend or a crispy Parmesan and Rice Chex crust. Dotted with butter and lemon juice, ready to serve.

Vermicelli with a chunky vegetable tomato sauce loaded with red peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. A hearty vegetarian pasta dinner that's low in fat and full of flavor.

Layer spinach, fennel, salami, and ricotta-pesto filling in a towering savory pie wrapped in buttery homemade crust for an Italian feast that feeds a crowd.

This simple side dish is a good source of fiber. Increase the portion size and it doubles as a meatless main dish.

Browned chicken legs simmered in a balsamic-tomato sauce with tri-color bell peppers, olives, and garlic. Finished with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil for a vibrant Mediterranean one-pan dinner.

The sauce was too much like spagetti sauce. I cooked the pork chops in the sauce for hours and it was tender, but the pork flavor was diminished; I would prefer to taste the pork more.

Thai peanut noodles with coconut milk and cabbage. Creamy peanut butter sauce with curry, lime, and fresh herbs coats pasta for an easy 30-minute dinner. Serves 4.

Cajun-blackened sea scallops over farfalle tossed in cilantro walnut pesto, drizzled with roasted red pepper sauce. A showstopper seafood pasta with bold layered flavors.

Creamy blended butter beans meet tangy soy yogurt and fresh vegetables in this hearty vegan stew. Ready in 40 minutes, loaded with broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, and corn.

Cajun shrimp Creole simmered for hours in a homemade shrimp stock with fresh tomatoes, three peppers, thyme, basil, and the holy trinity. Even better made a day or two ahead.

Get some home-grown, store-bought or local farm-produced spring vegetables to make a hearty, tasty, chunky and crunchy spring stew, the fresh ingredients make the stew taste so refreshing.

Vegetable lasagne layered with ricotta, mozzarella, zucchini, mushrooms, and a garlicky tomato sauce. A meatless comfort classic that feeds a crowd and freezes beautifully.

Make-ahead chicken and wild rice casserole loaded with mushrooms, red bell pepper, celery, and low-fat cheddar. Assemble the night before and bake when you're ready. Feeds a crowd.

Grilled chicken soaked in a bold fusion marinade of hoisin, lime, ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs. Sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, this East-meets-West recipe brings serious flavor to your backyard grill.