[dropcap letter=”B”]asil, a leafy herb from the mint family, is extremely versatile and can be used with almost everything–from garnishes, marinades, condiments to sweets and beverages. It also has many health benefits like anti-aging properties, and is rich in antioxidants and in vitamins A, K, C, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. Here are 8 creative and simple ways to use it!

You can use whole or chopped basil leaves to garnish almost anything (chicken, fish, meat, or pasta.) Here’s one simple recipe:

1 200 g pack spaghetti
Olive oil
1/4 cup chopped basil
Whole basil leaves for garnish
4-5 cloves garlic, chopped
1 onion, chopped
100 grams ground beef
1 can whole or crushed tomatoes
Parmesan cheese to taste
Salt and pepper

In a large pot, boil salted water over high heat and add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan and saute the garlic and onion until soft and translucent then add the ground beef and brown it and break up the meat with a spatula. Add tomatoes and chopped basil and simmer sauce for until flavors are well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with some basil leaves.

Excellent for dips, spreads, pasta sauces, and why not–eaten as it is!

2 cups basil
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Put the basil leaves and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse, and then add the garlic and parmesan cheese and pulse several times more. While the food processor is running, add the olive oil slowly until incorporated and stir in some salt and pepper to taste.

Double-green your salad by adding this simple, easy-to-make vinaigrette.

1 garlic clove
1 cup basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1 1/2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper

In a food processor, Put the garlic and basil then pulse until finely chopped, add oil and vinegar and pulse several times to combine. Mix in salt and pepper to taste.

Turn your regular butter into this simple spread (excellent for  toast, crostini, corn, etc.).

1 stick butter
1 cup basil
Salt and pepper

Soften a stick of butter then blend with chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper and put on a sheet of plastic wrap then form into a log, wrap tightly and refrigerate.

Summer’s fast approaching, so better up your cocktail game with this refreshing basil-mint-mojito combo.

2-3 basil leaves
2-3 mint leaves
4 lime wedges
1-2 jiggers white rum
Simple syrup
Soda water

Combine basil and mint leaves with lime wedges in a glass and crush to release oils and lime juice. Fill the glass with ice and stir in syrup and soda water.

Studies have shown that basil tea has a number of health benefits–containing anti-aging properties, improving digestive and respiratory disorders, and helping in diabetes and heart conditions.

1 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons chopped basil
Honey to taste

Steep basil with boiling water for five minutes and sweeten with honey.

Have a hint of savory flavors in this easy-to-make dessert.

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup basil leaves
Juice and rind of 1 lime
Chopped fruits like pineapples, strawberries, mangoes, and kiwis

Make simple syrup by combining the sugar and wated to a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until sugar is dissolved. Stir in the lime rind and cool then strain. Mix the fruits in a bowl and drizzle with the syrup and lime juice.

This classic recipe is for those who want to make simple, on-the-go pasta dishes. Make some of these on a weekend and you’ll be all set for the rest of the week!

1 can crushed tomoatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
Handful chopped basil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-heat, add the garlic and cook, stirring until soft. Add crushed tomatoes and basil then simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors combine stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use with any tomato based food like pasta, pizza and stews.

Do you have other basil recipe ideas? Hit us up in the comments below!