Basiloil_p_onecolumn

Fresh Basil Oil

by Dawn T in Rouxbe Recipes

Vibrant green basil oil adds a beautiful touch of color, pizazz and flavor to many dishes.

  • Serves: 1 cup
  • Active Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Comments: 4
  • Views: 4814
  • Success 100%

Step 1: Blanching the Basil

Blanching the Basil

First wash the basil and tear the leaves from the stem.

Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil and blanch the basil for about 10 seconds to set the color. Remove and immediately place into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Once cool, remove the basil and squeeze to remove the excess moisture. Press it between paper towels to ensure it is as dry as possible.

  • 1 large bunch fresh basil

Step 2: Preparing the Oil

Preparing the Oil

To prepare the oil, place the blanched basil into a blender. Add the grapeseed oil and process until smooth. Add the olive oil and blend again until smooth.

Place into a container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to really blend together.

  • 1/2 cup grapeseed oil
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Step 3: Straining the Oil

Straining the Oil

Bring the basil oil to room temperature. Strain the oil through a sieve lined with cheesecloth. Once done, squeeze the cheesecloth to make sure most of the oil has been extracted.

Transfer the oil to a small squeeze bottle. Refrigerate for about 1 month.

Juliana A

End result

Hi, my oil doesn't look like the oil on your picture! What can it be? It is not transparent is more like clody. Help!

Kimberley S
Rouxbe Staff

RE: End Result

The oil will be cloudy once made. It will eventually settle and also needs to be strained through cheesecloth (maybe even twice). Be careful not to push too many of the solids through the cheesecloth or they can cloud the oil and you'll have to strain again. Cheers!

Darren S

Large?

I never know what "large" means when talking about bunches of herbs. Would it be about 1 cup worth or 2 cups?

Thanks

Kimberley S
Rouxbe Staff

RE: Large Bunch of Basil

Anywhere from 1 to 2 cups can be used to make the oil. The more basil that is used, the stronger the flavor will be. Cheers!

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