Preserved Basil

Submitted by Mirj2338

"This came about when I had more fresh basil in my garden than I knew what to do with it. I posted a question to the Cooking Q&A board and with the help of Jenny Sanders, this recipe came about."

 

• Ready In: 5mins
• Ingredients: 2
• Yields: 12 cubes

ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1⁄2 cup olive oil

directions

1. Puree two cups of fresh packed basil leaves in the food processor.
2. Slowly add one half cup olive oil until the mixture has the consistency of a smooth paste.
3. Pour the puree into plastic ice cube trays.
4. It's best to have a special tray just for herbs, because the remaining flavor will then get into your ice cubes.
5. Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid.
6. Store cubes, double-bagged, in the freezer and add to soups and sauces for an instant flavor boost.
7. Herbal pastes and pestos are highly concentrated, so use sparingly.

Reviews

[Jeanette Steyn]

Brilliant idea!!! Can do the same with Parsely,coridaner or cilantro.

 

[Bergy]

Mirjam this is excellent -I didn't grow any basil this year and it galls me to throw out remains unused when I buy it - I will do this with cilantro too. I made it in the ice cube trays but onlu did 1/2 full so I had smaller amounts. I made scrambled eggs used a lump of basil, your sundried tomatoes and a bit of Feta cheese - This was a breakfast in heaven Thanks Mirj for yet another great recipe

 

[Little Bee]

I think your brilliant! I have a garden full of Basil and now I know how to preserve that fresh summer flavor in the cold winter months! Thanks :)

 

[Charishma_Ramchandani]

Wonderful tip, easy to fix and it uses only 2 ingredients that are easily available, i.e., if you grow basil in your garden, like we do. I did this using fresh corriander leaves. I'm thinking of trying mint leaves and parsley next. What a brilliant way to add flavour to soups! Thank you very much for sharing!!

 

[Mrs. Jaye]

As basil turns brown when temperatures fall below 50 degrees. So I blanch mine in boiling water for 5 seconds, then continue chopping and freezing. This way it stays a beautiful bright green while frozen.