basil oil | Feast at home

There are numerous uses for basil oil! Prepared with the simplest of ingredients, in just minutes you’ll have an aromatic flavor that will enhance your already-prepared dishes.

Basil oil is one of those things that makes everything better. Drizzle over avocado toast, toss in soup, or drizzle over anything you like to add a touch of color and flavor. Unlike pesto, it’s vegan and nut-free.

We used to (our catering days) make a more complicated version of this, which I share in the recipe notes, but these days, out of laziness, I just toss everything in the food processor and puree. Dead easy. I usually make a double batch — in fact, I have some of this Grilled Broccolini with Buratta in the fridge right now, and so far I’ve used it on our eggs, on turkey sandwiches, and over halibut. A five-minute recipe with great success!

Ingredients in basil oil

• Basil- Sure, but if I’m low on basil, I add flat-leaf parsley as well if I need to.
• olive oil – Use a drink that is not too bitter. If you are sensitive to bitterness, it may affect the taste.
• Fresh clove of garlic– adds a little flavor boost.
• lemon juice– a hint of acidity is nice here, plus I feel like it keeps it bright green as a result.
• salt pepper and optional chilli flakes.

How to make basil oil

Simply add basil, olive oil, and garlic to a food processor or blender and blend until well combined but not too smooth. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and chilli flakes to taste. Pulse again.

Storing Your Basil Oil

Store basil oil in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Basil oil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen. Pour a thin layer of lemon juice or olive oil on top when freezing to keep the basil oil bright green.

Ways to use basil oil

• Mix into salads – grain salads, bean salads, pasta salads!
• Drizzle basil oil over eggs or avocado toast.
• Drizzle over lasagna or pasta for color and flavor.
• Add to sandwiches and wraps.
• Drizzle over roasted or grilled vegetables, goes well with fish.
• Toss in soups or risotto.

You can also use it as a base for grilled vegetables, fish or meat, or even a caprese salad, spreading the ingredients over it.

On the home front: It’s been a while since I checked in. We’re spending the summer here in Spokane and we’re in great spirits. I enjoyed gardening, weeding and planting and just getting my hands in the dirt. it feels so good This year I mainly planted herbs. Our puppy Lumi has now grown into a full-fledged dog. He is still sweet but can be argumentative at times. There lives a mommy skunk under our shed that Lumi spotted a few nights ago as I was about to go to bed. That was fun. 😉

Whip up some basil oil and please let us know how you use it – we always love to hear about your creations – xo

Sylvia

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