Basil is a tasty and nutritious herb that’s great for the whole family. It’s low in calories but full of vitamins like vitamin K, which helps keep bones strong, and vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. Basil also has antioxidants that can help the body fight off sickness.
Basil can be added to salads, pasta, or sandwiches to give meals extra flavor while supporting overall health. And, it’s easy to grow at home, making it a fun way for families to add fresh, healthy ingredients to their meals!
If you have lots of basil, try making pesto for sandwiches, chicken, or pasta. For small portions, make a grilled cheese or panini with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and a few basil leaves, or try the following recipe:
Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or one 28-ounce can diced tomatoes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve over pasta, spoon onto pizza, or enjoy with crusty bread.