Bountiful Basil Recipes

Basil, basil, basil — this versatile and fragrant herb is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Italian, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. It lends a slightly sweet and peppery flavor and aroma to dishes, and comes in a number of varieties, such as Thai basil, purple basil, and lemon basil. Blend it up into a creamy pesto, or perhaps just toss it into your favorite pasta dish or stir-fry to wilt just before serving.

And if you really like cooking with basil, consider purchasing a basil plant. Growing basil is a great way to save money. A large basil plant should run for just about $10 and will yield what is essentially an infinite supply of basil, whereas a two-ounce box of basil will typically set you back about $3 to $4. Basil plants are pretty low maintenance, so even folks who aren't green thumbs shouldn't have any trouble keeping them happy. Anyway, without further ado, check out the dishes that The Daily Meal's editorial team created this week.

Basil-Wrapped Tilapia
There's nothing that smells more like summer than a beautiful fish cooking in basil...

— Ali Rosen

Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry
This stir-fry recipe is simple and delicious...

— Jane Bruce

Watermelon and Basil Salad
This bright, summer salad includes just a few ingredients but packs incredible flavor...

— Molly Aronica

Bruschetta with Feta
Bruschetta may normally get topped with mozzarella, but feta is a lighter alternative, plus easier to mix in...

— Jessica Chou

Larb
One of my favorite dishes there was a traditional northeastern Thai dish from the region of Chiang Mai called larb (also spelled laab)...

— Will Budiaman