How to Crush Basil
- Step 1 Rinse the basil leaves briefly under cool, running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Step 2 Stack three or four basil leaves on top of each other and roll them into a cylinder. ...
- Step 3 Spread the minced basil out on a cutting board and cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Step 4 ...
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Step 1
Rinse the basil leaves briefly under cool, running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
Stack three or four basil leaves on top of each other and roll them into a cylinder. Slice the cylinder lengthwise down the center, then cut it cross-wise into a medium mince.
Step 3
Spread the minced basil out on a cutting board and cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap.
Step 4
Roll over the basil with a rolling pin, exerting medium pressure so the basil is crushed but not pulverized. Use the crushed basil immediately.
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Tips
In the terminology of professional chefs, cutting basil into thin ribbons is known as “chiffonade.” Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Tips
Before the first frost, harvest all your basil leaves and cut the stems down to the ground. The plant will sprout again in the spring.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Artemisia Nursery. Artemisia Nursery is a retail plant nursery in Northeast Los Angeles specializing in California native plants. Artemisia Nursery is a worker-owned small business with plans to become a worker-owned cooperative.
Is it best to dry basil in a dehydrator or the oven?
Either way will get the job done! However, depending on how low of a heat setting your oven offers, it is easier to accidentally burn the basil in the oven – so keep a close eye on it during the process. No matter the temperature, the leaves will inevitably turn slightly more brown in the oven than when drying basil in a dehydrator.
Processing & Storing Dry Basil
Here is one of my little “secrets” to maintaining maximum freshness and flavor in your home-dried basil. Whole dry basil leaves retain aromatic oils better than crushed leaves over time. More aromatic oils equals more flavor! That is one reason (of many) that store-bought spices tend to be so bland.
Ways to Use Dry Basil
You probably don’t need much advice here, right? Add dry basil to all your favorite soups, sauces, stews, marinades, salad dressing recipes, quiche, casserole, roasted veggies, and more. We like to sprinkle dried basil into the dough of our homemade sourdough bread, sourdough crackers, or sourdough pizza crust.
How to Dry (Dehydrate) Basil in a Dehydrator or Oven
Learn how to dry basil two ways: either using a food dehydrator or in the oven. It is easy! Follow these processing and storage tips to create the most fresh-tasting and long-lasting dry basil possible. In the end, you’ll be left with crispy, flavorful dried basil that can store in your pantry for well over a year.
1. Classic Pesto
Pesto has to be one of the best-known basil-based recipes, and is great on pasta, pizza and salads, or with meat and fish. The classic pesto uses fresh basil, raw garlic, parmesan, pine nuts and extra-virgin olive oil.
2. Marinades and Dressings
Basil can be used in different marinades and dressings. A great salad dressing is to mix basil with lemon juice and honey, and a perfect marinade for chicken is a basil, balsamic vinegar and garlic marinade.
3. Oils and Vinegars
This is a great way to preserve the flavor of your fresh basil leaves, without the need for any fancy kitchen equipment. Basil oil can be used as a tasty drizzle over cooked vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for breads, while basil vinegar can be used in salad dressings and marinades.
4. Herb Butter
Herbal butters are a tasty addition to your fish, meat, veggies, pasta, potatoes and bread. Make your own flavored butter using up your extra chopped basil leaves.
5. Basil Salt
Basil salt is very easy to make, and adds a wonderful burst of flavor to your food.
6. Sauces and Soups
Tomato and basil are a classic pairing, which is why adding some fresh or dried basil to tomato-based pasta sauces is a great idea.
7. Sandwiches and Salads
Caprese salad, made of tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil is the classic basil salad, but it also works well with other greens, and cucumber too. Try pairing basil with feta cheese, or making a summer salad with strawberry, cucumber and basil.
