Basil/2 recipes

Roman-style concia: zucchini slices fried golden in olive oil, then layered with garlic, basil, and vinegar. An old-world Italian appetizer that improves as it sits.

Brown rice quiche crust pressed into a pie plate with butter, onion, basil, and a beaten egg as binder. Gluten-free alternative to pastry, especially good with tuna fillings.

Roasted red pepper sauce with charred peppers, sweet roasted garlic and fresh basil. Three-ingredient pantry sauce that elevates pasta, pizza, sandwiches and grilled meats.

Speedy ravioli bake layers cheese ravioli, jarred marinara, and melty mozzarella into a weeknight-ready casserole. Four ingredients, under 30 minutes, fork-in-the-dish easy.

Pesto-topped baked salmon with crispy garlic pan-roasted potatoes, a 5-ingredient weeknight dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Microwave the spuds first, then sear them golden while the salmon bakes.

American-style skillet goulash with ground beef, egg noodles, canned tomatoes, celery, and herbs all cooked in one pan. Old-fashioned comfort food that feeds four on a budget.

Quick rotini pasta salad tossed with mozzarella, mixed vegetables, and a herbed mayo dressing scented with oregano and basil. A 15-minute lunchbox-friendly side that holds up cold.

Hearty vegetarian mostaccioli in a wine-simmered crushed tomato sauce with toasted walnuts, sherry pepper oil, julienned zucchini, and red peppers, broiled under bubbly mozzarella and fresh basil.

Fig and ricotta crostini with fresh basil ribbons and aged balsamic vinegar on toasted baguette. Elegant five-ingredient Italian appetizer ready in 20 minutes.

One-skillet smoked sausage dinner with carrots, zucchini, stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, and minute rice seasoned with basil and thyme. From stovetop to table in 30 minutes.

Quinoa Italian style layers cooked quinoa with a lean beef and tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan like a gluten-free lasagna. A high-protein, lower-fat twist on the classic.

Pasta alla carrettiera is a no-cook Italian sauce of raw tomato, garlic, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes pounded into a rough paste with olive oil, then tossed with hot spaghetti. Bright, raw, summer-perfect.

Savory orange roasted tofu and asparagus pairs crispy-edged cubes of miso-glazed tofu with spring asparagus, tossed in a bright orange-basil-miso sauce. A vegan, gluten-free spring dinner.

Greek vegetable stew baked in layers with eggplant, zucchini, okra, green beans, and fresh tomatoes. A hearty one-pot vegetarian main seasoned with garlic and basil.

Chicken and dumpling casserole with a savory broth base, green peas, and fluffy Bisquick dumplings baked on top. Hearty comfort food that feeds a crowd in under an hour.

Spinach pesto appetizer: a sliceable, high-protein cheesecake-style savory loaf with spinach, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Romano. Perfect make-ahead party food served chilled with crackers or crostini.