Adding a burst of flavor to your dishes doesn’t have to be complicated. Enhance your culinary creations with the simple yet aromatic Garlic Basil Oil. This versatile condiment is perfect for infusing your dishes with a delicious blend of garlic and basil that will elevate your meals to a whole new level. Drizzle it over salads, use it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes for a punch of fresh, herbaceous taste. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Garlic Basil Oil right in your own kitchen.
**Garlic Basil Oil**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 4 cloves garlic, peeled
– 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
2. **Blanch the Basil:** Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water on the side. Drop the basil leaves into the boiling water and let them blanch for 10 seconds. Quickly remove the basil leaves and plunge them into the ice water to stop the cooking process. This step helps preserve the vibrant green color of the basil.
3. **Blend the Ingredients:** In a blender or food processor, combine the blanched basil leaves, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture a few times to chop everything finely.
4. **Infuse with Olive Oil:** With the blender or food processor running on low speed, gradually pour the extra-virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue blending until the ingredients are well combined and the oil has turned a vibrant green color.
5. **Strain the Oil:** Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or jar and pour the garlic basil oil through it to strain out any solid pieces. Use a spatula to press down on the solids to extract all the flavorful oil.
6. **Store and Serve:** Transfer the strained Garlic Basil Oil into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving, give the jar a gentle shake to recombine any separated ingredients.
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Basil Oil drizzled over pasta, grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or as a finishing touch on soups and broths. Get creative with how you incorporate this aromatic oil into your everyday cooking to savor its fresh and vibrant flavors.
Whether you’re looking to add a burst of garlicky goodness to your dishes or infuse them with the fragrant essence of basil, this Garlic Basil Oil recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Elevate your cooking game with this simple yet impactful condiment that will take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary in just a drizzle.
