Basil/7 recipes

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.

Vegetarian sweet and sour pasta salad with kamut spirals, kidney beans, black beans, and red bell pepper tossed in a tangy shoyu-barley malt dressing. Protein-packed and potluck-ready.

Toasted French bread replaces noodles in this layered lasagna with seasoned ground beef, fresh tomato slices, a creamy Parmesan white sauce, and bubbly golden mozzarella on top.

Championship-worthy no-bean chili packed with 5 lbs of ground beef, six jalapeños, and a bold herb-and-spice blend simmered low and slow. This big-batch recipe feeds a hungry crowd of 12.

Baked tofu balls packed with walnuts, Italian herbs, and a punch of Dijon and sesame oil. Golden, crispy outside with a tender center. Makes 3 dozen for snacking, subs, or pasta night.