Summer is the best time to make basil oil, when the leaves are still fresh and fragrant. Basil oil can be a good addition to light dishes because it adds a fresh flavor but is not overdone. What's more, it's simple to make as long as you have a few fresh basil leaves in your hand.
Ingredients
Boiled and Blended Basil Oil Serving: 3/4 cup
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil
- 3/4 cup olive oil
Blended and Heated Basil Leaf Oil Servings: 1 1/3 cups
- 1 bunch basil leaves (2-2 1/2 cups crushed basil)
- 1 cup olive oil
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Boiled and Blended Basil Oil
Step 1. Choose fresh basil leaves
You will need a few handfuls of basil leaves to make 1 1/2 cups of the leaf squeeze. You can use fresh basil from your garden, supermarket, or local traditional market.
There are various kinds of basil leaves. The most common type of basil found in the United States is basil basil, which is great for Italian dishes and soups. Thai sweet basil leaves are often used in Asian cuisine, the taste is slightly more spicy with a hint of cinnamon and cloves. Lemon basil leaves have a lemon aroma with a distinctive taste of basil basil. Purple basil leaf types, such as dark opal basil or purple ruffles basil, are also spicier than basil. You can use any of these types of basil leaves for your basil oil, depending on your taste and how you want to use it
Step 2. Bring a pot of water to a boil
Fill a medium-sized pot with water. Boil water on the stove.
Step 3. Add 1 1/2 cups of basil to the water
You can simmer for as little as 10 seconds to 60 seconds. The longer you simmer it, the weaker the basil leaves will be, and the flavor may be lost if you boil it too long. Boiling basil helps retain color.
Step 4. Pour over a sieve
Pour the pot of water over a colander and drain the water. Soak the leaves under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pour the leaves on paper towels to dry.
Step 5. Pat dry
Place paper towels over the basil to dry it. Do not squeeze the basil because the taste of the basil will seep into the paper towels.
Step 6. Add the basil leaves and oil to the blender
Place the basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Also add 3/4 cup olive oil.
Step 7. Blend the mixture
Set your blender or food processor to puree mode, and mash the mixture until the basil leaves are well blended with the oil.
Step 8. Store in the refrigerator
If you don't use basil oil immediately, store it in the refrigerator in a closed container for 7 days.
Method 2 of 3: Making Blended and Heated Basil Oil
Step 1. Pick some fresh basil leaves
Look for basil leaves that are bright green with no brown spots. You can buy basil leaves or pick them from your garden. Separate the leaves from the stems, then remove the stems.
This method tends to make the flavor in the oil stronger, because the basil is cooked in the oil, not in the water
Step 2. Add the basil leaves and oil to the blender
Pour 1 cup of oil and a few basil leaves into a blender or food processor. Mash the mixture until smooth.
Step 3. Heat a small frying pan
Place a small skillet on the stove, and heat it over medium to high heat.
Step 4. Add basil oil
Pour the basil oil into the skillet, and heat for about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the stove.
Do not let the oil boil. The heat of the oil should be medium, so reduce the heat if the oil is too hot
Step 5. Strain the oil
Place a fine sieve on top of an airtight container with an open lid. Pour the oil through the filter. Do not press the leaf grains, as this can cause them to fall through the sieve. Shake gently or press the strainer to help the oil drip off.
Step 6. Store the oil in the refrigerator
Store the oil in the refrigerator. The oil can be used for about a week.
Method 3 of 3: Using Basil Olive Oil
Step 1. Spread the oil over the bread
Cut fresh French bread into slices. Bake in the oven or on the grill, then drip basil olive oil on top.
Step 2. Make a stacked Caprese salad
Stack the tomato slices and fresh Mozzarella cheese slices. Drizzle some oil on top then sprinkle a little salt to make a heaped Caprese salad.
Step 3. Make the soup topping
Whether you're eating tomato soup, Gazpacho, or Italian wedding soup, basil oil makes a delicious topping for Italian-themed soups. Drizzle a little over the soup, just before serving.
Step 4. Try it on an open sandwich
Make a traditional breakfast of open sandwiches with bacon and eggs. Pour a little oil on top for added flavor. Basil oil also goes well with other sandwiches, such as turkey and gouda sandwiches.
Step 5. Serve with vegetables
Steam your vegetables as usual. Pour in a little basil oil, and stir the vegetables until they are lightly oiled. Sprinkle salt on it.
