Preserved Basil Recipe ๐ฟ
Overview:
This Preserved Basil recipe is a brilliant solution for when your garden is overflowing with fresh basil, and you’re pondering how to make the most of this fragrant herb! Created in collaboration with the culinary wisdom of Jenny Sanders, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you preserving the essence of basil in no time. Perfect for those seeking dishes with very low carbs, this preparation is not only quick but also adds a burst of fresh flavor to your favorite meals. ๐ฑโจ
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 cubes
- Recipe Category: Very Low Carbs
- Keywords: Low Protein, Vegan, Kosher, Free Of…, < 15 Mins, Canning, No Cook, Small Appliance, Easy
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1/2 cup | Olive oil |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Basil Puree ๐ฟ
- Start by placing 2 cups of fresh, packed basil leaves into your trusty food processor.
- Gently pulse until the basil is finely chopped.
-
-
Add Olive Oil ๐ซ
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil.
- Keep blending until the mixture transforms into a smooth paste, rich with the essence of basil.
-
Transfer to Ice Cubes โ๏ธ
- Grab your plastic ice cube trays, dedicating one specifically for herbs to preserve their distinct flavors.
- Pour the basil puree into the compartments, filling them up evenly.
-
Freeze ๐ง
- Cover the trays with plastic wrap to prevent any unwanted freezer odors from seeping in.
- Place the trays in the freezer and allow the basil puree to solidify completely. This usually takes a few hours.
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Storage Tips ๐ฌ๏ธ
- Once solid, remove the basil cubes from the trays.
- Store these flavor-packed cubes in a freezer-safe bag, double-bagging for extra protection against freezer burn.
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Enjoy the Flavor Boost ๐ฒ
- Whenever you’re cooking up a storm, simply grab a cube or two from your stash.
- Add them to soups, sauces, marinades, or even stir-fries for an instant burst of fresh basil goodness!
Tips and Tricks:
- ๐ฟ Fresh Basil: The quality of your basil makes all the difference. Opt for fresh, vibrant leaves for the best flavor.
- ๐ฌ๏ธ Freezer Freshness: Keeping your basil cubes double-bagged helps maintain their flavor integrity for longer periods.
- ๐ Versatile Flavors: Experiment with adding these basil cubes to pasta dishes, dressings, or even as a finishing touch on pizzas!
- ๐ Serving Suggestions: Garnish salads, grilled vegetables, or bruschetta with a melted basil cube for an extra kick of freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 81.2
- Total Fat: 9.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0.2g
Culinary Creativity:
Preserving basil in oil is not just a practical solution, but it also opens up a world of culinary creativity. Imagine the possibilities with these flavor-packed basil cubesโtransforming a simple tomato sauce into a gourmet delight, infusing a drizzle of olive oil with the essence of summer, or elevating a humble soup to new heights of freshness. ๐ฑโจ
Final Thoughts:
With this Preserved Basil recipe, you’re not just storing herbaceous goodness in your freezerโyou’re storing inspiration for countless delicious dishes. So go ahead, gather that abundant basil harvest, whip up a batch of these basil cubes, and let your culinary imagination run wild! ๐๐ด
