Basil, a popular and versatile herb, is a staple in many cuisines worldwide. Its distinct aroma and flavor make it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs.
However, with its quick growth and abundant yields, it is common to find an overabundance of basil in your garden or kitchen. While this may seem like a delightful problem, it can quickly become overwhelming if not properly managed.
Here we’ll share some creative and delicious ways to use up all that extra basil. From homemade pesto to infused oils and refreshing drinks, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this fragrant herb. So grab your apron and get ready to put that surplus of basil to good use! We will also discuss have too much basil.
Growing And Harvesting Basil
Unlock the secrets to growing and harvesting fresh basil at home with these essential tips. Learn how to care for basil plants to ensure a bountiful harvest. Discover the best time to harvest basil leaves for optimal flavor.
Explore different methods of preserving and storing basil for long-term use, such as drying or freezing. You can even grow basil indoors or in containers if you don’t have enough space for a full herb garden. With these tips, you’ll have a bumper crop of basil all year round.
Have Too Much Basil: 5 Creative Ways
If you find yourself with abundant basil, there are plenty of ways to put it to good use. One option is to make homemade pesto, which can be used as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled vegetables.
You can freeze the basil leaves later in soups, stews, or sauces. So don’t let your surplus of basil go to waste. Get creative and enjoy the taste of summer all year. Here are some 5 creative ways have too much basil.
Make Basil Butter
Enhance your favorite dishes by whipping up a batch of creamy basil butter. Spread the basil-infused butter on warm bread for a mouthwatering treat. Elevate the flavors of grilled meats and vegetables with a dollop of this savory concoction.
Get creative by combining basil with other herbs and spices to create a delectable compound butter. Impress your guests with a unique and flavorful basil butter accompaniment. Enjoy the delicious ways basil can transform a simple butter into a culinary masterpiece.
Infuse Your Cocktails
Give your cocktails a refreshing twist by infusing them with the vibrant flavors of basil. Make basil-infused spirits, or add a burst of herbal goodness with basil-infused simple syrup. For an added touch of elegance, garnish your cocktails with fresh basil leaves.
Impress your friends and family by creating a signature basil cocktail that showcases your mixology skills. And for a delightful summer drink, sip on a refreshing basil-infused gin and tonic. Infusing your cocktails with basil will take your drink-making game to a new level.
Add Basil To Your Sandwiches
Elevate your sandwiches with the vibrant and aromatic flavor of fresh basil leaves. Layer basil leaves on your favorite deli meats and cheeses for freshness. Create a caprese-inspired sandwich with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Add a handful of basil leaves to your chicken or turkey club sandwich for an extra kick. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your perfect basil-infused sandwich. Combining tomatoes, basil, and other veggies creates a flavorful sandwich.
Make Basil Tea
Brew a cup of soothing tea by infusing fresh basil leaves for a unique and refreshing flavor. To enhance its complexity, add a hint of lemon juice or honey. For a twist, experiment with different herbal tea blends that incorporate basil. Not only will you enjoy the comforting taste, but you’ll also reap the health benefits of basil. Relax and unwind after a long day with a delicious cup of basil tea.
Freeze Basil For Later Use
Preserve the vibrant flavors of fresh basil by freezing it for future use. Freeze basil leaves in ice cube trays with olive oil for convenient portioning. Store frozen basil cubes in airtight containers or freezer bags for easy access.
Add frozen basil cubes to soups, sauces, and marinades for an instant burst of flavor. Have a steady supply of basil year-round by freezing excess basil during peak season.
What To Do With Basil: 11 Delicious Ideas
Explore 11 delectable recipes that showcase the versatility of basil. Discover innovative ways to incorporate this herb into your favorite dishes for a heightened flavor experience.
From zesty pasta sauces to refreshing salads and indulgent desserts, unleash the full potential of basil in your culinary creations. Impress your loved ones with unique and delicious basil-infused delicacies.
Elevate your cooking skills and experiment with different combinations of tomatoes, veggies, and herbs like oregano and mint. With a bumper crop of basil, use a dehydrator or simply dry it on a baking sheet in October.
Make Pesto
Whip up a mouthwatering basil pesto sauce to elevate your pasta dishes and embrace the flavors of summer. Get creative by experimenting with different pesto variations, incorporating other herbs or nuts for a unique twist.
Take it beyond pasta—spread pesto on sandwiches, wraps, and crostini for a burst of herbal goodness. For a delightful side dish, toss roasted vegetables with pesto. And if you have an abundance of basil, freeze homemade pesto in ice cube trays to preserve that fresh basil flavor for later use.
Make Infused Olive Oil
Infuse your olive oil with the aromatic flavors of fresh basil, creating a versatile and delicious ingredient for your cooking endeavors. Use the basil-infused olive oil as a salad dressing or a marinade for meats, imparting a subtle and delightful basil flavor.
Get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to customize your infused olive oil, adding a unique touch to your culinary creations.
Bottling your homemade basil-infused olive oil is a thoughtful and flavorful gift. Elevate your everyday cooking by incorporating basil-infused olive oil’s rich and complex flavors.
Infuse Condiments
Adding a unique flavor and aroma to your dishes, infusing basil into condiments like vinegar, oil, and honey is a great way to make the most of your bumper crop of basil. Whether it’s a combination of tomatoes for a homemade pasta sauce or a drizzle on top of roasted vegetables, these infused condiments add a burst of basil flavor to any dish.
Plus, they make excellent gifts for fellow cooking enthusiasts. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create delicious marinades, salad dressings, or even a flavorful dip for crusty bread.
Add Basil To Your Salads
One delicious way to use up your surplus of basil is to add it to your salads. The fresh and flavorful taste of basil can elevate a simple salad to a new level. Add basil to a classic caprese salad, pairing it with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.
Mix basil with other greens like spinach or arugula for a unique flavor profile. Basil also pairs surprisingly well with fruits like strawberries and peaches, adding a touch of sweetness to your salad. Experiment with different dressings and toppings to find the perfect balance of flavors in your basil-infused salad.
Infused Water
Looking for a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks? Try making basil-infused water at home. Simply add fresh basil leaves to water and let it sit for a few hours. Basil adds a delightful flavor and brings anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants to your drink.
You can get creative by mixing basil with other herbs or fruits to create different flavor combinations. And the best part? Basil-infused water can also be used as a base for cocktails or mocktails, making it a versatile addition to your beverage repertoire.
Throw Some Into Other Drinks
Enhance your beverages with the fresh and aromatic flavors of basil. Add a twist to your lemonade or iced tea by throwing in some basil leaves for a refreshing and unique taste. Infuse your favorite vodka or gin with fresh basil to create a special cocktail ingredient to impress your guests.
Muddle basil leaves to release their flavorful essence for a mojito with a twist. Make a simple syrup with basil and elevate your favorite beverages with its delightful taste. And don’t forget to garnish your drinks with fresh basil leaves for an added aroma and visual appeal.
Basil On Pizza
Fresh basil adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the pizza. It pairs well with classic toppings like tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination. Don’t be afraid to get creative with different crusts, sauces, and toppings to find your perfect blend of flavors.
Basil can also liven up unconventional pizza choices like pesto or fruit. If you find an abundance of basil, consider making homemade pizza sauce for future creations. Explore the delicious ways to incorporate this herb into your pizza repertoire.
Finger-Lickin’ Good Appetizers
Looking for finger-lickin’ good appetizers? Here are some delicious ways to use your bumper crop of basil. Create colorful and flavorful Caprese skewers by alternating cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers.
Try bruschetta by topping garlic-rubbed toast with chopped fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a classic Italian appetizer. Another great thing you can do is make basil pesto crostini by spreading homemade or store-bought basil pesto on toasted baguette slices and topping them with sliced cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Enjoy these delectable appetizers at your next gathering!
Take Your Soups Up A Notch
Enhance your soups with the versatile herb basil. Incorporating fresh basil into your soups adds a burst of flavor and enhances the aroma. From classic tomato soup to hearty minestrone and fragrant Thai-style soups, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Get creative by experimenting with different combinations of herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles. Don’t let your excess basil go to waste; use it to take your soups to new and exciting heights.
Preserve It For Later
If you find yourself with an abundance of basil, there are several ways to preserve it for later use. One method is to dry the basil by hanging it upside down in a warm, dry place until it is fully dried. Once dried, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Another option is to freeze the basil by pureeing fresh basil leaves with olive oil and freezing them in ice cube trays. These basil cubes can be easily popped and stored in a freezer-safe bag. Additionally, you can make a flavorful pesto sauce by blending fresh basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
The pesto can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Another way to preserve basil is to infuse it with oil or vinegar. Simply place fresh basil leaves in a jar with your choice of oil or vinegar and let it sit for a few days to infuse the flavors. This infused oil or vinegar can be used in salad dressings or as a marinade.
Preserve It For Later
Looking for ways to preserve your excess basil? One option is to freeze basil leaves in ice cube trays with olive oil or water. This allows you to use them in future cooking conveniently. Another idea is to make pesto and freeze it in small containers for later use.
If you prefer dried basil, hang the leaves upside down in a well-ventilated area. For flavored oils, infuse basil leaves and store them for dressings or marinades. Lastly, you can make infused vinegar using excess basil for salads or marinades. These methods ensure you can enjoy the delicious flavors of basil long after the growing season ends.
Conclusion
Having too much basil is not a problem when you have creative ways to use it. From making basil butter to infusing cocktails, adding it to sandwiches, or making basil tea, there are plenty of options to explore. Additionally, you can freeze basil for later use or try out other delicious ideas like making pesto, infused olive oil, condiments, salads, and more.
Don’t let your excess basil go to waste when you can transform it into mouth-watering dishes and elevate your culinary experience. So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the flavors of this aromatic herb in various forms. We’ve discussed have too much basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How Do You Neutralize Basil In Food?
Ans: To balance the taste of basil in food, try adding acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar to counteract its flavor. If the dish is too basil-heavy, dilute it with other ingredients or pair it with a complementary side dish. Experiment with different cooking techniques and spices to find the perfect solution for your dish.
2.Can I Freeze Fresh Basil?
Ans: Yes, fresh basil can be frozen. One method is to blend it with olive oil and freeze it in ice cube trays. Another option is to blanch the basil leaves, pat them dry, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Frozen basil can be used in cooking or as a garnish.
3.Is Basil Hard On Your Stomach?
Ans: Basil is generally safe to consume and not known to be hard on the stomach. However, some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. It’s best to consume basil in moderation and seek medical advice if any adverse effects occur. Get creative with extra basil by making pesto, adding it to salads or sandwiches, or infusing it into cocktails.
4.How Do You Preserve Fresh Basil?
Ans: Preserving fresh basil can be done in a few different ways. Freezing it is one option, while another is to chop the basil and mix it with olive oil before freezing in an ice cube tray. Drying the leaves is also possible by hanging them upside down until crispy.
5.Can You Freeze Basil For Later Use?
Ans: Yes, basil can be frozen for later use. After washing and drying the leaves, finely chop them and place in an ice cube tray with a small amount of water or oil. Once frozen, transfer the basil cubes to a freezer bag. Frozen basil retains its flavor for several months.
