Making your own basil-infused avocado oil is surprisingly easy, and the payoff is huge! Forget those store-bought versions that often lack that fresh, vibrant flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create an aromatic elixir that will elevate your cooking to new heights. I love making it in the summer when I have an abundance of fresh basil from my garden. Reminds me of my grandma and her kitchen, and thats always a win!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Use it to drizzle over salads, pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful dipping oil for bread. The possibilities are endless! I even like to add a little to my scrambled eggs for an extra burst of flavor. Seriously, once you start making your own infused oils, you'll wonder why you ever bought them from the store. Plus, its a great way to use up any extra basil you might have before it goes bad. Lets get started, shall we?
Required Equipments
- Blender
- Glass Jar
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
- Cheesecloth (optional)
Basil Infused Avocado Oil: Aromatic Elixir for Culinary Delights: Frequently Asked Questions
Basil Infused Avocado Oil: Aromatic Elixir for Culinary Delights
Create a fragrant basil-infused avocado oil at home with fresh basil and good quality avocado oil. Its a simple recipe that adds incredible flavor to salads, pasta, and more. This method ensures a fresh, vibrant taste thats far superior to store-bought versions.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 1 cup servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Basil: Thoroughly wash the fresh basil leaves. Gently pat them completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy here, so ensure they are bone dry to prevent spoilage.
- Sterilize the Jar: Sterilize a glass jar by boiling it in water for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely and dry before using. This step is crucial for preventing bacterial growth.
- Bruise the Basil: Lightly bruise the basil leaves by gently crushing them with your hands. This helps release their aromatic oils and flavor.
- Combine Basil and Oil: Place the bruised basil leaves into the sterilized glass jar. Pour the avocado oil over the basil, ensuring the leaves are fully submerged. If some float to the top, you can use a clean utensil to gently push them down. Make sure their all in there!
- Infusion Process (Cold Infusion Method): Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. Gently shake the jar every other day to help distribute the basil flavor evenly.
- Infusion Process (Quick Heat Infusion Method - Optional): For a faster infusion, heat the avocado oil and basil leaves in a saucepan over very low heat (around 150°F or 65°C) for about 2-3 hours. Monitor the temperature carefully to prevent the oil from getting too hot. Let it cool completely.
- Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if using) into a clean bowl or jar. This will remove the basil leaves, leaving you with pure, infused oil.
- Store the Infused Oil: Transfer the strained basil-infused avocado oil into a clean, sterilized glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Make sure you label it, too, so you know when you made it!
- Enjoy: Use your homemade basil-infused avocado oil to enhance the flavor of salads, pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful dipping oil.
📝 Notes
- Ensure basil leaves are completely dry to prevent spoilage.
- For a more intense flavor, use more basil leaves.
- Store in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator for extended shelf life.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 1900 kcal
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 212 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g
Calcium: 1 mg
