Basil/7 recipes

Lentil and leek brown rice risotto, a hearty vegan one-pot with sweet leeks, red bell pepper, and cooked lentils for plant-based protein. Comforting and naturally gluten-free.

Low-fat open-faced vegetable sandwiches on whole wheat toast with a cottage cheese, mushroom, and sprout spread topped with melted low-fat cheese. A vegetarian lunch under 100 calories.

Hearty Italian bean soup with white kidney beans, ham, zucchini, spinach, and stewed tomatoes in chicken broth. Mashed beans thicken the broth for a creamy, rustic texture.

Indiana farm sausage is a homemade country breakfast sausage seasoned with sage, marjoram, thyme, and a kick of chili. Shape into logs or marble-sized balls for easy freezing.

Pesto pasta shells with sauteed leeks, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and chopped hard-boiled eggs topped with Parmesan. A quick vegetarian pasta dinner.

Crostini topped with a chunky artichoke and white bean spread brightened with lemon and basil, finished with crumbles of oven-crisped prosciutto. An easy Italian appetizer built from pantry staples.

No-cook rigatoni pasta tossed with raw tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan. A fresh vegetarian summer pasta ready in 30 minutes.

Classic succotash with fresh corn, lima beans, sweet onions, tomatoes, and torn basil. A simple Southern-American summer side dish that showcases peak-season produce in a single skillet.

Crab or tuna cakes bind crumbled crackers, red pepper, parsley, and herbs into golden oven-baked seafood patties. A lighter, no-fry baked-not-fried version of the classic.

Golden chicken and noodles made in the slow cooker with broccoli cheese soup, milk, and basil. A creamy, hands-off comfort dinner that cooks all day while you're away.

Spinach spaghetti with flounder, fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and white wine in a light olive oil sauce. An elegant Italian-style fish pasta ready in 30 minutes.

Grami's meatloaf: Italian-leaning meatloaf with ground beef, cottage cheese, rolled oats, oregano, basil, and parmesan crust. A lighter, juicier take on the Sunday dinner staple.

Herb-loaded crustless zucchini quiche with sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and a splash of dry sherry. A savory way to use up garden zucchini all summer long.

Vegan vegetable broth made with tomato juice, soy sauce, onions, garlic, and basil. A 6-ingredient pantry-staple broth for cooking seitan, soups, or thickening into a quick mushroom-style gravy.

Danish-style marinated salmon cured in beer, sugar, salt, and black pepper for two weeks. Sliced thin and served with homemade asparagus mayonnaise.

Grilled Italian shrimp and salami skewers served warm over fresh mozzarella with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzle and fresh basil. Antipasto on a plate, ready in about 20 minutes from the grill.