Sweet basil cubes are lovely for many type of recipes, such as Italian, French or Greek recipes.
The advantage of sweet basil cubes is that the flavour is the same as fresh basil, but you can store it in a freezer for 6 to 12 months.
They are very easy to make, and very easy to use in recipes.
In addition they are great if you’ve got a bit of basil left over, or (like me) your garden is awash with fresh basil.
How to make and use sweet basil cubes
There are 2 ways to freeze basil:
The key to realise is that it’s very important to use the right method to freeze it – in order for it to keep it’s taste & quality.
Basil tends to turn black if you simply freeze it, which is why it’s important to either combine it with some oil to keep it’s colour or blanch it.
Option 1 – sweet basil cubes
Lower down the page is a step by step recipe.
Sweet basil cubes are very easy to make and great for storing in the freezer.
Option 2 – blanching basil
The other option is to use a blanching method.
Blanching is a method of destroying enzymes and to preserve colour, flavour and texture.
- To blanch basil simply remove the leaves from the stems.
- Then dip them in boiling water
- And then immediately rinse them with cold water
- Dry them using a salad spinner or towel
- And then freeze them in an airtight bag
In both cases the basil will last about 6 to 12 months in a freezer
How to use sweet basil cubes
The way you use them depends on the type of meals or recipes you need them for.
There are 2 main ways to use them:
1. For Hot dishes
For example:
Soups or Stews
Simply add the basil cubes to the pan when cooking and the heat will melt quickly and add the lovely flavour to the dishes.
Sauces
In the same way simply add a cube to the sauce when cooking. For example in a Chorizo sauce (pictured), pasta sauces, etc.
Stir fry
Similarly add them to the saucepan (or wok) when making stir fry dishes.
Rice or Pasta
Just add them at then end to give your dish that extra lovely flavour.
2. For cold dishes
For cold dishes (like salads or dressings) there are 2 options:
Option 1 – let them thaw.
The easiest way is to simply let the cubes thaw to room temperature. Just put a cube on a sauces or bowl and it will thaw quite quickly.
Option 2 – cold water
The other option is to rinse them using cold water and then dry them. A fine sieve is the safest option
That way you can use them in salads, dressings, etc
Sweet basil cubes or blanched basil?
Cubes are easy to use but blanched basil might look nicer in items like salads.
Sweet basil cubes
Equipment
- 1 Salad spinner Or towel
- 1 Food mill or Food Processor Or kitchen knife & chopping board
- 1 Ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 1 large bowl Fresh basil leaves About 4 large sprigs
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the basil
- Peel the basil leaves from the stems
- Wash the leaves and then dry them (for example using a salad spinner)
Chop and add olive oil
- Add into a food mill and add the olive oil
- Chop into fine bits
Freeze
- Add 1 to 2 tbsp into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Have you made the recipe?
Would love to hear what you thought of it.
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