This time of year I tend to have lots of basil – like the sweet basil in the picture.
Yes, basil is lovely in recipes – like tomato and basil soup, chorizo sauce pasta, etc etc
However the downside is that it simply won’t last very long when harvested.
Below you will find 10 ideas of what to do with lots of basil
10 ideas of what to do with lots of basil.
Ideal 1 – Freeze It:
Lower down the page is a ‘step by step’ recipe showing how 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 combine it with some oil to keep it’s colour.
More details below.
Idea 2 – Make Pesto:
Pesto is very easy to make – and perfect when made with basil.
Great as a dip, added to pasta, used in sandwiches or on top of meat.
The advantage is that it’s very easy to store in a freezer – just use an ice cube tray to store it.
There is ‘step by step’ advice on how to make it in the basil pesto recipe
Idea 3 – Herb Butter:
Mix softened butter with chopped basil and other herbs to create an herb-infused butter that’s perfect for spreading on bread or melting over vegetables.
Idea 4 – Basil Oil:
Infuse olive oil with fresh basil by blending them together and straining the mixture. Use it in salad dressings or drizzle over dishes for extra flavoor.
Idea 5 – Caprese Salad:
Combine slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and tomatoes with whole basil leaves for a classic Caprese salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Idea 6 – Herbal Tea:
Basil is great for making tea.
Whether that’s hot or cold. The recipes for both will work for any kind of basil.
- Hot – for example Thai basil tea
- Cold – for example Cinnamon basil tea (pictured)
The lovely advantage is that in both cases you can use the sweet basil ice cubes.
Idea 7 – Garnish Dishes:
Use whole leaves as a garnish on pizzas, pastas, soups, or grilled meats for added flavor and aroma.
Idea 8 – Basil Cocktails:
Basil cocktails are easy to make and give them a lovely flavour.
All you do is muddle fresh basil into cocktails like mojitos or gin & tonics for an aromatic twist.
For more details have a look at the Thai basil strawberry cocktail.
Which will work with any type of basil
Idea 9 – Stuffed Tomatoes or Peppers:
Mix chopped basil into stuffing mixtures along with rice or quinoa before filling tomatoes or peppers to bake them.
Idea 10 – Drying Basil:
Hang bundles of stems upside down in a warm place away from direct sunlight until dry; store dried leaves in airtight containers once fully dried out.
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
These ideas should help you make the most of your abundant basil harvest! If you’re looking to elaborate further on any specific recipe or usage method above, let me know!
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