Are you looking for a way to add some excitement to your cooking routine? Look no further than the majestic purple basil! With its sweet, slightly spicy flavor and stunning color, this herb is sure to elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. From classic pesto pasta to innovative desserts, we’ve gathered 18 of the most mouth-watering purple basil recipes out there.
In this article, you’ll discover a world of flavors and ideas that showcase the versatility of purple basil. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to explore the world of cooking, these recipes are sure to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Purple Basil Pesto Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of purple basil with the creaminess of pesto. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1/2 cup fresh purple basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine purple basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top until well combined.
4. Toss cooked pasta with pesto sauce until coated.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional purple basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Purple Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
Savor the bold flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy stir-fry recipe featuring purple basil, a rare and aromatic herb that adds depth to this dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh purple basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from wok.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste; stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the wok; stir in purple basil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice or noodles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Purple Basil and Tomato Bruschetta
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful bruschetta, combining the sweetness of tomatoes and the richness of purple basil. Perfect for a warm-weather dinner party or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh purple basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped purple basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Spoon the tomato-basil mixture over toasted bread rounds.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese, if using.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Purple Basil Infused Olive Oil
Create a unique and flavorful condiment by infusing olive oil with the essence of purple basil. This aromatic oil is perfect for dressing salads, cooking vegetables, or as a finishing touch for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh purple basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat.
2. Add the fresh purple basil leaves and stir gently to combine.
3. Remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. If desired, add lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
6. Store the infused olive oil in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None
Purple Basil Lemonade
This refreshing twist on classic lemonade combines the sweetness of purple basil with the tanginess of citrus, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be sipping on this unique drink in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup dried purple basil leaves (or fresh, if available)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
3. Muddle the dried purple basil leaves with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
4. Add the muddled basil to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with additional purple basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required!
Purple Basil and Peach Caprese Salad
This sweet and savory salad combines the juiciest peaches with creamy mozzarella, fragrant purple basil, and a hint of balsamic glaze. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped purple basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Arrange peach slices on a serving platter or individual plates.
3. Top peaches with mozzarella cheese slices.
4. Sprinkle chopped purple basil leaves over the salad.
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Purple Basil Margherita Pizza
This recipe combines the simplicity of a traditional margherita pizza with the unique flavor and vibrant color of purple basil. The result is a delicious and visually stunning pie that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped purple basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese and chopped purple basil leaves.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Purple Basil and Garlic Butter Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and visually stunning dish that combines succulent shrimp with the sweetness of purple basil and pungency of garlic butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive date night meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh purple basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Sprinkle purple basil leaves over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake in preheated oven for an additional 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Purple Basil Mojito
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic mojito, featuring the sweet and savory flavor of purple basil. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to add some excitement to your social gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 sprigs of fresh purple basil
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz club soda
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 6-8 mint leaves
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the lime wedge and purple basil sprigs to release their oils.
2. Add rum, club soda, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill with ice and shake for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with additional club soda, if desired.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of purple basil.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Purple Basil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
This recipe combines the sweetness of purple basil with the creaminess of goat cheese, wrapped up in a delicious chicken package. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh purple basil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, purple basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the goat cheese mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Purple Basil Ice Cream
This unique ice cream recipe combines the sweetness of cream with the subtle flavor of purple basil, creating a one-of-a-kind dessert experience. Perfect for adventurous foodies and herb enthusiasts alike, this sweet treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh purple basil leaves
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Allow mixture to cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Once chilled, pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add chopped purple basil leaves.
6. Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on churning time)
Purple Basil and Strawberry Sorbet
Elevate your dessert game with this refreshing sorbet recipe that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the unique flavor of purple basil. Perfect for hot summer days, this treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped purple basil leaves
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries, sugar, and water until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped purple basil leaves.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, stir in the heavy cream to give the sorbet a creamy texture.
6. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (chilling time not included)
Purple Basil and Coconut Curry Soup
This Purple Basil and Coconut Curry Soup is a unique fusion of Indian and Mediterranean flavors, featuring the sweet and earthy notes of purple basil. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a comforting treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh purple basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
– Vegetable broth or water (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in coconut milk and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir in chopped purple basil leaves just before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Purple Basil and Mango Salsa
Elevate your snack game with this unique and flavorful salsa that combines the sweetness of mangoes with the subtle earthiness of purple basil. This perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh purple basil leaves, chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine mango, purple basil, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice.
2. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This salsa is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Purple Basil and Honey Glazed Salmon
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory glazed salmon recipe, featuring the unique flavor of purple basil.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh purple basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, purple basil, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over each salmon fillet.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Purple Basil and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A creative twist on the classic stuffed shell recipe, this dish combines the freshness of purple basil with the creaminess of ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh purple basil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, olive oil, garlic, and purple basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Purple Basil and Lavender Shortbread Cookies
These Shortbread Cookies combine the subtle sweetness of lavender with the bright, herbaceous flavor of purple basil, creating a truly unique and addictive treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh purple basil leaves
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add lavender buds and purple basil; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour and salt; mix until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Purple Basil and Blueberry Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie combines the sweet and tangy flavors of blueberries with the subtle, herbal notes of purple basil. Perfect for a warm summer day or as a post-workout treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/4 cup fresh purple basil leaves
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup almond milk
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or basil flavor as desired.
3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, just blend!
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the unique flavor of purple basil! From classic dishes like Purple Basil Pesto Pasta and Purple Basil Margherita Pizza, to international inspirations like Thai Purple Basil Chicken Stir-Fry and Purple Basil and Coconut Curry Soup, there’s something for every taste bud. Plus, sweet treats like Purple Basil Ice Cream and Purple Basil and Strawberry Sorbet will satisfy your cravings. Discover new ways to use this fragrant herb in everything from savory sauces to refreshing drinks and decadent desserts.
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