Basil Recipes: Fresh Ways to Use This Aromatic Herb in Sauces and Stir‑Fries
January 20, 2026
Categories: Community Health, The Farm at Trinity Health
An aromatic herb, delicious as a flavoring agent. Commonly used in Italian cuisine!
Season: March - June
Storage and Preparation
Basil can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. Basil can be an excellent addition to several recipes, whether incorporated into the dish or sprinkled on top. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing for a dish. For longer-term storage, place in a loose bag in the refrigerator or as a bunch in a glass with stems submerged in water for up to a week. A good tip is to keep the basil out of direct sunlight to help the leaves remain firm.
Nutrition
Basil is rich in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and other compounds that can reduce blood pressure. Also, basil contains vitamins and minerals that support immune function and fight off bacterial infections.
Basil Recipes
Garlic and Lemon Basil Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup Extra Virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired consistency. Taste and add salt and/or pepper.
- If a blender is not accessible, mince the basil leaves and garlic. Add to a medium-sized bowl and add the remaining ingredients.
- Add the sauce to pasta, use it as a condiment for meat or fish, or use it as a dip for bread.
Thai Basil Vegetable Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups snap peas, trimmed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin olive oil
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Add olive oil to a large pan and set to medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for one minute. It should brown but not burn.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots to the garlic and oil mixture.
- Top with sauce and cover the pan with a lid allowing vegetables to steam for 3 minutes or until desired crispness.
- Stir in basil and cook for 1-2 minutes or until basil is wilted completely.
- Serve with a side of rice.