Description
Homemade Basil Oil is a simple way to capture the bright, fresh flavor of basil and enjoy it for weeks. With just a few ingredients and a quick blanching step, you can make a beautifully green oil perfect for drizzling over pizza, topping fish, enhancing soups, or mixing into salad dressings. It’s a kitchen staple you’ll love having on hand.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup olive oil (extra-virgin recommended, but light olive oil works too)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a hard simmer. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water.
- Add basil leaves to the boiling water and blanch for 15-20 seconds.
- Immediately transfer the blanched basil to the ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve the green color.
- Carefully, pat the basil leaves completely dry with paper towels.
- In a blender, food processor, or using an immersion blender, combine the blanched basil leaves, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the basil oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl or jar. For an even smoother texture, strain a second time.
- Transfer the basil oil to a clean, airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Blanching the basil is key to keeping the oil a bright, vibrant green.
- Alternatively, you can place the basil in a bowl and cover with hot water for 15-20 seconds.
- Dry the basil thoroughly after the ice bath to avoid adding extra water to the oil.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor — extra-virgin is ideal.
- Strain once for a rustic texture, or double strain for a smoother finish.
- Store basil oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Shake gently before each use, as natural separation may occur.
- For extra flavor, blend in garlic, lemon zest, parsley, or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Adding garlic will decrease the shelf life.
- This basil oil is perfect for drizzling on pizza, fish, soups, vegetables, pasta, and salads.
- If freezing, pour into ice cube trays, freeze, and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Blending: 1 minute, 30 seconds
- Cook Time: 30 seconds
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/Italian