How To Make Fresh Basil Oil And Add Fresh Summer Flavour To Your Dishes
I absolutely love basil, and grow it every summer in my garden.
It’s a must have for tomato lovers like myself, you can’t have one without the other!
This year my plants have done amazingly well and they are still going strong, despite my constant leaf picking for salads.
But now the time has come to start thinking about preserving some, before the inevitable arrival of fall…
There are many ways to capture and preserve the intense, aromatic flavour of fresh basil.
Here is one of my favourite methods…Basil Oil.
This delightful and flavour packed oil is reminiscent of a simple pesto but in liquid form, which as you might imagine, makes for a very versatile concoction.
I drizzle this stuff on everything!
I really do!
Because it makes everything that much more delicious!
This is what I call a short term method of preservation, as the oil lasts well in the fridge, but only for about a week or so.
Because of this I recommend making just a small batch at a time.
Still, it’s a wonderful way to use up some of your basil crop and capture that amazing summer flavour.
Making your very own basil oil is easy and takes just a few steps. Follow the recipe below for success.
Enjoy…
Here are some ideas for using up your freshly made batch.
How to use Fresh Basil oil…
- Pour some into a small bowl and serve as dipping sauce for fresh bread
- Drizzle it over a tomato or any salad for that matter, to add some extra flavour
- Spread a little on your bread slices when making a sandwich (great with Italian cold cuts or roasted veggies, tomato and cheese, avocado, ect.)
- Drizzle it over BBQ chicken, other meats or even seafood
- Add a drizzle over soup before serving
Fresh Basil Oil
Fresh Basil Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves about 24 large ones
- 1 very small clove garlic (you don't want to overpower the basil)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Wash the basil leaves, picking off the stems.
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the basil leaves and blanche them for 20 seconds (this step helps the basil retain a nice green colour). Using a slotted spoon transfer the leaves to a bowl filled with cold water and a few ice cubes, and let them sit for a minute.Pat the leaves dry between two paper towel sheets.
- Transfer basil to a small food blender cup, add garlic, salt and olive oil.Pulse and process until smooth.Pour into a small container with lid and store in fridge until needed.
Notes
PIN ME FOR LATER
**this post was featured at:
A morning cup of Joe link party
Fiesta Friday #342 @ FIESTA FRIDAY
Your Whims Wednesdays @ MY GIRLISH WHIMS
WEDNESDAY LINK PARTY #260 @ Grandmas House DIY
A MORNING CUP OF JOE – 99 @ The Cottage Market
GRACE AT HOME #477 @ Imparting Grace
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20 Comments
April J Harris
Your Basil oil looks gorgeous, Mary! It would be so delicious, no wonder you drizzle it on everything! I’ve purchased basil oil before, but it only had a few leaves of basil in it – yours would be so flavourful! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Wishing you a lovely week!
Mary
It’s so easy to make, and so flavourful indeed. Thank you for dropping in and hosting a great weekly party!
Grandma's House DIY
Awesome, I’ll be featuring you on my blog, facebook, pinterest and instagram! See you at the next To grandmas house we go link party!
Mary
That’s great news! thank you very much and see you at the link up!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I love this recipe – pinned!! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope to see you there tomorrow too! Stay safe!
Mary
Thanks for pinning and and hosting a great link up for our posts! much appreciated
zeba
A gorgeous basil oil….Thanks for sharing on Fiesta Friday!
Mary
Thank u! I love the colour of it and it tastes wonderful, hope you give it a try. Have a great week
Julie Briones
Great recipe, and love your photos of the basil oil, too! Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About! Hope to see you each week!
Mary
Thank you very much for you comment, much appreciated. See you tuesday at the link up
Jenna
Sounds like such a good recipe! I bet it would taste so good on the homemade pizza I made last night. Thanks for sharing!
Jenna ♥
Stay in touch? Life of an Earth Muffin
Mary
Oh yes!! Drizzled on pizza would be awesome! I must remember to do that 😊
Creatively Beth
Yummy recipe packed with tons of flavor! I’d love for you to share over at our Creative Crafts Linky Party https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-3-join-in-the-fun/
Have a great week!
Creatively, Beth
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Grandma's House DIY
Love it! I’m featuring you this week when the next To Grandma’s house we go link party starts – thanks for sharing with us!
Catherine Sokolowski
I love fresh basil. This sounds so good. I will definitely be trying it!
Richella J Parham
This is beautiful and looks absolutely delicious! I’ve got lots of fresh basil right now; thank you for the recipe!
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Mary
That’s great news, thank you very much! I will be dropping in
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I can see this on so many things!! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for dinner party. Hope your week was amazing.
Mary
super versatile for sure! I love it on my tomato salad but also on pasta and a nice grilled piece of salmon!