Luscious Basil Oil

This basil oil is perfect for enhancing dishes with a fresh herbal kick. You'll find it wonderfully versatile, perfect for drizzling over salads, pasta, or even grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• A pinch of sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Basil: Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to clean them. Pat them dry gently with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.

2. Heat Olive Oil: In a small saucepan, pour in the olive oil and heat over low-medium heat. Aim for about 140°F (60°C). You don't want to fry the basil, just warm the oil enough to infuse the flavors.

3. Infuse: Add the basil leaves to the warm oil. Allow them to steep for about 20-30 minutes. Keep the heat low; if the oil begins to bubble or simmer, remove it from the heat immediately as you want a gentle infusion.

4. Blend: After steeping, use a slotted spoon to remove the basil leaves and discard them. Pour the infused oil into a blender or food processor and blend for about 30 seconds to a minute. This will help emulsify the flavors and enhance the green color.

5. Strain: To achieve a silky texture, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar or bottle.

6. Add Salt: Stir in a pinch of sea salt to taste. You can adjust it as per your preference.

7. Store: Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator. Use it within a week for optimal freshness.

Flavor Profile

The basil oil will have a vibrant herbal flavor, with a fruity note from the olive oil. It’s fresh and fragrant, adding a burst of flavor to any dish you choose to enhance with it.

Enjoy crafting this beautiful basil oil, and let me know how it turns out or if you’d like any alterations to the recipe!