Basil is one of the most versatile herbs that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it can be a challenge to use it all up before it goes bad.
If youve got too much fresh basil, dont despair! In this article, well explore five delicious ways to use up your basil, including freezing, making pesto, adding it to salads and sauces, using it in meat dishes, and some creative uses of basil.
Plus, well cover tips for storing fresh basil so that you can enjoy this herb all year round.
Read on to find out what to do if you have too much basil!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
If you have too much basil, there are several things you can do.
You can make a large batch of pesto and freeze it for later use.
You can also dry the basil leaves and store them in an airtight container for later use.
Finally, you can chop the basil and freeze it in ice cube trays with a bit of olive oil or water, to use as a flavor booster for soups and sauces.
Freezing Basil
Freezing basil is a great way to make the most out of your extra basil and preserve it for later use.
The best way to freeze basil is to first wash and dry it, then chop it finely.
Place the chopped basil in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
When you are ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and add it to your favorite dishes.
You can also freeze basil in ice cube trays with a little bit of water or oil.
This way, you can easily grab a cube of frozen basil when you need it for soups, sauces, and other dishes.
Making Pesto
Making pesto is one of the most popular and delicious ways to use up your bounty of basil.
Pesto is a sauce made of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and pine nuts.
It’s a classic Italian dish that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to sandwiches.
To make your pesto, simply combine the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
The result is a fragrant, flavorful sauce that can be used to enhance any meal.
You can add more or less of each ingredient to make the pesto to your exact taste preferences.
And if you have extra pesto, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 6 months for a quick and easy meal solution.
Adding Basil to Salads, Soups, and Sauces
When it comes to adding basil to salads, soups, and sauces, the possibilities are endless.
Basil adds a bright and flavorful touch to any dish, and its versatility makes it easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes.
For salads, try adding freshly chopped basil leaves to a bed of greens and your favorite vegetables.
Add a light vinaigrette and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal.
You can also add basil to soups for an extra layer of flavor.
Try adding a handful of finely chopped basil to your favorite vegetable or chicken soup.
The herb adds a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the broth.
For sauces, basil is a great choice.
Add a few leaves to your favorite tomato sauce and you’ll have a flavorful and aromatic sauce to complement your favorite dish.
Basil can also be used to make a delicious pesto sauce a classic Italian favorite.
Simply blend basil leaves, nuts, olive oil, and cheese together and you’ll have a delicious sauce you can use on pasta, pizza, and more.
As you can see, basil is a fantastic addition to salads, soups, and sauces, and the possibilities are endless!
Using Basil in Meat Dishes
Basil is a delicious and versatile herb that pairs perfectly with many types of meat dishes.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of flavor to your grilled chicken, or you want to add an extra zing to your fish dish, basil is the perfect herb for the job.
Its bright, earthy flavor will bring a unique and delicious taste to any meat dish.
For a quick and simple flavor boost, try adding some freshly chopped basil leaves to your dish.
For a more complex flavor, you can also make a basil pesto to add to the meat.
The possibilities are endless!
Basil can be used to marinate meats, as well.
For a unique flavor, try making a basil and olive oil marinade for chicken, pork, or fish.
This marinade will infuse your meat with the bright, earthy flavor of basil and give it a delicious, zesty taste.
Basil also works well in Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries or curries.
The unique flavor of basil pairs perfectly with many Asian flavors, like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
Finally, basil is a great addition to any type of grilled meat.
Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, or fish, a few sprigs of basil can make the dish even more flavorful.
The smoky flavor of the grill and the aromatic, earthy flavor of the basil will make for a delicious combination.
No matter how you choose to use it, basil is a delicious and versatile addition to any meat dish.
Whether you’re looking to add some flavor to your grilled chicken or you want to make a marinade for fish, basil is the perfect herb for the job.
With its bright, earthy flavor, basil will make any meat dish more delicious and enjoyable.
Creative Uses of Basil
If you’ve got an abundance of basil, you may be wondering what creative ways you can use it.
Fortunately, basil is a very versatile herb that can be used in a variety of delicious dishes.
For starters, you can make your own homemade pesto it’s a great way to use up a large amount of basil.
You can also add basil to salads, soups, and sauces for a flavorful twist.
Basil is also an excellent addition to many types of meat dishes, such as fish, chicken, and pork.
For a truly unique way to use basil, why not try making your own homemade jams or jellies? Basil has a sweet, slightly spicy flavor that makes it an ideal ingredient for jams and jellies.
You can make basil-infused jams to spread on toast or add to yogurt, or basil-infused jellies to pair with cheese and crackers.
In addition, basil can also be used to make flavored oils and vinegars a great way to add a bit of flavor to your cooking.
Simply steep basil leaves in olive oil or vinegar for a few days and you’ll have a delicious infused oil or vinegar that can be used to dress salads, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or even marinate meats.
Finally, if you’re still not sure what to do with all that basil, you can always freeze it for later use.
Simply put the basil leaves in an airtight container and place in the freezer it should keep for up to six months.
You can then thaw the basil and use it in recipes as you would fresh basil.
No matter how you choose to use the basil, you can be sure that it will add a delicious flavor to any dish.
So don’t let an abundance of basil go to waste get creative and make the most of it!
Adding Basil to Jams and Jellies
Adding basil to jams and jellies is a great way to add a unique flavor to your creations.
Basil has a mildly sweet flavor that pairs well with many fruits, making it an ideal addition to homemade jams and jellies! When selecting the basil for your jam or jelly, be sure to choose fresh leaves that are free of wilting or discolorations.
When preparing the leaves, remove the stems and finely chop the leaves.
After washing and chopping the basil, add it to your prepared fruit mixture and stir it in until it is evenly distributed throughout the jam or jelly.
You can also add a few more chopped basil leaves for added flavor.
The heat from the cooking process will help to bring out the subtle flavor of the basil, adding a new dimension of flavor to your jam or jelly.
Enjoy your homemade creation on toast, over ice cream, or as a special topping for your favorite desserts!
Tips for Storing Fresh Basil
When it comes to storing fresh basil, the key is to keep it away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Basil should be stored in the refrigerator in a loose plastic bag with a damp paper towel.
The paper towel will help keep the basil from drying out.
If you plan on using the basil within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature in a vase with water, just like a bouquet of flowers.
However, this will only keep the basil fresh for a few days, so be sure to use it quickly.
If you know you wont be using the basil anytime soon, freezing it is the best option.
Simply wash the basil and place it in an airtight container before freezing.
This will help it retain its flavor and prevent freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
With so many delicious and versatile ways to use basil, it’s easy to make the most of your bounty.
Whether you’re adding it to salads, making pesto, or getting creative with jams and jellies, basil adds a unique flavor to any and all meals.
Keep your basil fresh, and don’t hesitate to explore all the possibilities that come with having too much basil – you might just discover your new favorite dish!