Basil Oil

Let me introduce you to my new favorite way to use up all of that glorious basil in your garden: basil oil! ย While I adore pesto (hello you, you, and YOU) I don't always have all of the goods on hand to make a batch when the basil plants are a'flowin'.
Which is what makes this basil oil such a great option - it only requires one other ingredient aside from basil, and that's olive oil!
Also? ย It couldn't be easier. ย And? It makes your kitchen smell AH-mazing. ย Another thing? It's delicious and makes all of your dishes taste like SUMMER!
So here's the dealio: you add a boat load of basil and oil to your blender and zip zip zip until it's all nice and smooth. ย Then you add it to a saucepan, cook it for about 10 minutes, and then let it sit. ย I'm sure an hour or so would be fine but I started this process around 8:30 p.m. and granny-mama needs her sleep so I just let it sit overnight. ย Lastly, you strain out the basil puree and voila! ย You have basil oil.
So uhhhh what do you use that basil oil for? ย Anything and everything, I say! ย But here are some ideas since you asked:
- Dip grilled bread in it.
- Saute chicken/fish in it.
- Use it to start spaghetti sauce/soups/stews/sauces.
- Drizzle it over a caprese salad.
- Add Parmesan cheese to it and dip more bread in it.
- Drizzle it overย ricotta spread on bread.
Seriously so many things!

Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 ยฝ cups olive oil
Instructions
- In a blender, combine basil leaves and oil.
- Blend until pureed.
- Transfer basil/oil mixture to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for at least one hour to overnight.
- Strain basil pulp from oil using a fine mesh strainer.
- Store basil oil in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!


















This is such a good idea for putting extra basil to use!! And it's so pretty too - I feel like it would be super impressive as an appetizer at a party (and yet secretly so easy!)
whaaaaa? I've never heard of basil oil before! I LOVE IT
I have more basil right now than I know what to do with! Can't wait to try this!
Hope you do, Jessica! ๐
Why does it need to be cooked?
Hi Rikke,
It helps infuse the oil with the basil flavor. Enjoy!