Contents
Intro
If you’ve ever grown basil in your garden, you know the struggle of dealing with too much basil. Seriously, what do you do when your basil plant goes into overdrive? Don’t worry; I’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll explore various creative ways to use up that delicious herb. From cooking up tasty meals to preserving it for later, you’ll learn what to do with that abundance of basil. Let’s dive into some awesome ideas!
Creative Uses for Excess Basil
Cooking and Culinary Applications
When it comes to using excess basil, cooking is where it shines the brightest! Here are a few ways to elevate your dishes.
Making Pesto
Ah, pesto! It’s practically the poster child for basil. To whip up a classic basil pesto, you’ll need:
– Fresh basil
– Garlic
– Olive oil
– Nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts)
– Parmesan cheese
Just combine these bad boys in a food processor, blend until smooth, and voilà! You’ve created a vibrant sauce that can top pasta, pizzas, or even sandwiches. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the basil flavor. Did you know that pesto is often served with pasta? It’s true! You can try it with spaghetti or even a veggie noodle bowl.
Herb Butter
Another easy option is to make herb butter. It’s simple: blend softened butter with chopped basil, a dash of salt, and maybe a bit of garlic if you’re feeling adventurous. Once it’s combined, you can spread it on warm bread, melt it over grilled vegetables, or even add it to your favorite steaks. Imagine waking up to basil-flavored toast!
Basil-Infused Oil
Ever thought of making basil-infused oil? It’s super easy! Just heat up some olive oil and add fresh basil leaves—let it steep for a while. This infusion can be drizzled on salads or used for dipping bread. It enhances flavors without overpowering them.
Soups and Sauces
Last but not least, basil is fabulous in soups. It adds a refreshing note to comforting dishes like tomato soup. Simply toss in a handful of fresh basil at the end of cooking, and you’ll taste the difference.
Freezing and Preservation Methods
So you’ve got a mountain of basil, and you’re thinking, “How do I keep this alive for later use?” Here are some strategies that I swear by.
Freezing in Ice Cube Trays
One of my favorite hacks for preserving excess basil is freezing it in ice cube trays. Just chop your basil, pop it in a tray, fill the compartments with water or olive oil, and freeze! Once frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and store them for later use. It’s like having a little basil reservoir ready for soups or sautés.
Drying Basil
If you prefer dried herbs, drying basil is another simple method. You can hang the basil upside down in a warm, dark place until it’s completely dry, or use a dehydrator if you have one. Just make sure to store the dried basil in an airtight container away from sunlight. The flavor may not be as strong as fresh, but dried basil can still enhance your dishes.
Basil Storage Tips
Once you’ve acquired too much basil, proper storage is essential for keeping it fresh longer. One tip I love is placing basil stems in a glass of water, just like flowers! Cover the top loosely with a plastic bag and keep it at room temperature. This can extend the life of your fresh basil significantly.
Adding Basil to Everyday Dishes
There’s no rule saying basil can only shine in specific recipes. You can toss it into lots of everyday meals!
Salads
Basil makes an excellent addition to salads. Whether it’s a classic Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella or a zesty mixed green salad, basil adds a fresh flavor that elevates the dish. Believe me, you won’t want to make salad without it!
Smoothies and Juices
Have you tried adding basil to your smoothies? It might sound odd, but it gives a refreshing herbal punch! Combine it with fruits like bananas or berries for a unique twist. Just don’t overdo it—balance is key!
Desserts and Sweet Dishes
Now, this might be unexpected, but basil can actually brighten up desserts! Use it to make basil syrup to drizzle over ice cream or combine it with strawberries for a stellar dessert. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Basil in Fruit Salads
This brings us to fruit salads. Try adding some fresh basil to your next fruit salad, and I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The combination of sweet fruits and aromatic basil creates a flavor profile that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Unique Ideas
Feeling adventurous? Here are some unusual ways to use excess basil that might just wow your friends!
Basil-Infused Vinegar
You can create your own basil-infused vinegar by steeping basil in vinegar for about two weeks. Not only is this a great salad dressing base, but it also makes a fabulous gift. Imagine giving someone a homemade flavored vinegar!
Basil Salt
Have you ever heard of basil salt? It’s pretty simple to make. Just blend dried basil with sea salt, and you’ll have a flavorful seasoning ready to enhance your dishes. Use it to season meats or sprinkle it on veggies before roasting.
Conclusion
There you have it! From pesto to basil-infused oil, you now have heaps of ideas for what to do with too much basil. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a comment or share this article with fellow gardening enthusiasts. And for more helpful content, check out Startervegetablegardens.com.
