If you’re looking for a way to use up your garden-grown basil, try making basil infused olive oil! Use it in salad dressing, as a fancy dip for bread or even freeze it for the months ahead!
Fresh basil might be one of my favorite herbs to use in my cooking. The smell is just wonderful and the color is beautiful. This year my basil plant happened to thrive which means I have LOTS that needs used up. Homemade pesto is always a go to for me whenever I grow my own basil. It’s also the best time to make a Pesto Prosciutto Panini. So good!
Another simple way to use fresh basil to by making basil infused olive oil. One of my friends from church recommended this to me recently and I knew I had to try it! I mean, doesn’t homemade no knead bread dipped in this basil infused olive oil sound absolutely delicious?? Or I’d love to try drizzling it over a piping hot bowl of roasted tomato soup!
Obviously, I’ll be using olive oil for this recipe, but you can also substitute that with avocado oil. I’d highly recommend using olive oil though, for a wonderful, rich flavor. You’ll most definitely want to use fresh basil as well to get the best results.
Okay, enough talking. Let’s get to the recipe!
FAQs
How long will basil infused olive oil last?
Basil infused olive oil, when properly made, can be store in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight jar. Alternatively, basil oil can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dark place for about a month. The best way to store basil oil is in the freezer for up to one year.
Is basil infused olive oil good for you?
Basil oil is great for flavor but it also holds some health benefits. Basil is thought to help fight off skin infection, regulate blood sugar and also improve digestive health.
Can you freeze basil with olive oil?
Yes. Freezing basil with olive oil is a great way to preserve fresh basil. Freeze basil with olive oil in ice trays or freezer bags.
Easy Basil Infused Olive Oil
What you’ll need:
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- 4 cups of boiling water
- Ice bath
- Strainer and empty bowl
- Small pan
- Air tight storage container
Step 1: Place the basil leaves in a strainer over an empty bowl. Slowly pour the boiling water over the basil leaves. Immediately transfer the basil leaves to the ice bath in order to stop the cooking process and to prevent the leaves from browning. Dry the herbs using paper towels, removing as much water as possible.
Step 2: Add olive oil and basil leaves to a blender or food processor along with a pinch of salt. Blend until pureed for about one minute.
Step 3: Pour the oil and herb mixture into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Make sure you don’t overheat the oil causing the basil to burn. Once it’s reached a simmer, cook it for about a minute, stirring gently.
Step 4: Strain the basil oil into an air tight container.
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Leave a comment below letting me know how you enjoy yours!!
Basil Infused Olive Oil
This basil infused olive oil is the perfect dip for any homemade bread, the best drizzle of flavor for homemade tomato soup and the perfect way to utilize lots of homegrown, fresh basil.
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups olive oil
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Place your basil leaves in a strainer over an empty bowl and pour the boiling water onto the basil leaves. Make this process quick and immediately place the basil leaves in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and prevent the leaves from turning brown.
- Using paper towels, squeeze as much water out of the leaves as you can and pat them dry.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil and leaves with a pinch of salt for about one minute.
- Place a saucepan over medium heat and bring the basil oil mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about one minute and then remove from heat.
- Strain the mixture into an air tight container and store in the fridge.
Notes
- If you aren't quick enough putting the basil leaves into the ice bath then they will turn brown. Try not to pour too much boiling water on the leaves in order to prevent this.
- If you are going to use the basil oil the same day then the you can keep it at room temperature, otherwise place it in the fridge for up to one week.
- You can also freeze your basil oil in ice trays or freezer bags for up to one year.
[…] herb to add into so many dishes. If you love adding basil to dishes like I do, you should make this basil infused olive oil. Try sautéing onions and garlic in that as the base of a meal or even drizzling it on top of a […]