Homemade fresh basil oil is easy to make, effortless, cost-saving, and a fantastic way to use up all the extra basil. Plenty of uses for this basil infused olive oil and they make delicious edible gifts too!
Add the basil leaves to the sieve, placed on top of a mixing bowl. Heat water in an electric kettle to 100 C and pour over the basil leaves. Allow it to blanch for only 10 -15 seconds. Do not blanch it for too long as the basil tends to brown quickly
Ice bath the basil
Quickly lift the sieve and transfer the basil to a bowl filled with ice to Ice bath. This process of shocking the basil leaves helps in retaining the vibrant green color of the basil oil.
Once the basil leaves are cool, pat dry with kitchen tissue to remove excess moisture.
Blend Basil and Olive Oil
Add the blanched basil, a cup of olive oil, and salt to the blender jar and process until well combined.
Strain
Pass it through a double mesh sieve or a cheesecloth.
Transfer to airtight glass jars and Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
**If you do not have a kettle, add cold water to a pan and bring it to a boil. Add the basil leaves to the pan and blanch briefly for 10 - 15 seconds. Remove the basil with a slotted spoon.