Basil olive oil is a vibrant, aromatic, and versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking with its fresh, herbaceous flavor. Whether you want to drizzle it over salads, pasta, grilled veggies, or simply dip your bread in it, making basil olive oil at home is easier than you think. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious infusion yourself!
What Is Basil Olive Oil?
Basil olive oil is olive oil infused with fresh basil leaves, capturing the herb’s bright, peppery, and slightly sweet notes. This infusion not only enhances the oil’s flavor but also adds a beautiful green tint, making your dishes look as good as they taste. It’s a fantastic way to preserve the essence of fresh basil beyond the growing season and bring a burst of summer into your kitchen anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Fresh basil leaves (about 1 cup, tightly packed)
– Extra virgin olive oil (1 cup)
– Optional: lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes for added flavor
Equipment
– Blender or food processor
– Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
– Glass jar or bottle with a tight lid
– Bowl for straining
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Basil Olive Oil
1. Prepare the Basil
Start by washing your fresh basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It’s important the leaves are dry to prevent any water from spoiling the oil.
For a brighter green color and to preserve the basil’s freshness, you can blanch the leaves by dipping them in boiling water for about 10 seconds, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop cooking. After blanching, squeeze out excess moisture and dry again.
2. Blend the Basil and Olive Oil
Place the basil leaves in your blender or food processor. Add the olive oil and pulse gently until the mixture is well combined but not overly smooth—you want a bit of texture. For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and chili flakes if you like a little heat.
3. Strain the Oil
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl to remove the solids. Press or squeeze gently to extract as much oil as possible. Straining will give you a clear, vibrant green basil oil that’s perfect for drizzling or dipping.
4. Store Your Basil Olive Oil
Transfer the strained oil into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Because basil oil is made from fresh herbs, it has a short shelf life—use it within 2 to 5 days for the best flavor and safety.
Alternative Method: Infusing Basil in Olive Oil
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can infuse basil leaves directly in olive oil.
– Place fresh basil leaves into a clean glass jar.
– Pour olive oil over the basil, making sure the leaves are fully submerged.
– Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for about two weeks to let the flavors infuse.
– After infusion, strain out the basil leaves and transfer the oil to a clean bottle.
This method produces a more subtle basil flavor and a longer-lasting oil (up to six months if stored properly), but the fresh-blended oil is more vibrant and aromatic.
Tips for Making the Best Basil Olive Oil
– Use fresh, high-quality basil and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
– Dry basil leaves thoroughly to prevent spoilage.
– Don’t over-blend; you want to preserve some texture and avoid bitterness.
– Add complementary flavors like garlic or lemon juice to enhance the oil.
– Store basil oil in the fridge and use it quickly to avoid botulism risk.
– Experiment with roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor infusion.
Delicious Ways to Use Basil Olive Oil
– Drizzle over fresh salads or grilled vegetables.
– Toss with pasta or drizzle on pizza.
– Use as a dipping oil for crusty bread.
– Add a finishing touch to soups and sauces.
– Brush over grilled meats or seafood for a fresh herbal note.
Basil olive oil is a simple yet elegant way to add a burst of flavor and color to your dishes, making it a must-have in your kitchen arsenal.
Enjoy your homemade basil olive oil and the delicious meals it will inspire!
Basil olive oil is easy to make and brings fresh, vibrant flavor to many dishes—perfect for those who love cooking with herbs!