Preserved Basil

Capture the vibrant essence of summer with this easy homemade Preserved Basil recipe, a must-have for every kitchen! Made with just three simple ingredients—fresh basil leaves, high-quality olive oil, and a pinch of salt—this recipe preserves the herb’s bright, aromatic flavor for months. The quick blanching process locks in the basil's brilliant green color, while careful blending creates a luscious paste perfect for enhancing pasta, soups, salad dressings, and more. Stored in a jar with a protective layer of olive oil or frozen in convenient portions, this versatile condiment is your secret weapon for flavorful, fuss-free cooking all year round.

Nutriscore Rating: 32/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 100 grams Fresh basil leaves
• 250 milliliters Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Gently wash the basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure no water remains.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Briefly blanch the basil leaves by submerging them in the boiling water for 10 seconds, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat the leaves dry.

Step 3

Using a clean, dry food processor, add the basil leaves, olive oil, and salt. Pulse the mixture until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as the heat from the processor could affect the basil flavor.

Step 4

Transfer the basil mixture into a sterilized glass jar. Ensure the mixture is packed down to eliminate air pockets, then pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to seal the basil and preserve its vibrant green color.

Step 5

Place the lid tightly on the jar and store in the refrigerator. The preserved basil can be kept for up to 1 month. For longer storage, divide the mixture into small portions and freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(342.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2170.3

Total Fat 237.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2364.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 162.4mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 402.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 98.5%

Protein: 0.7%

Carbs: 0.7%