Glut of basil

[Retrograde]

It's time to pull the remaining basil plants out of the garden, and that's a lot of basil. I've already made lots of pesto and pistou: does anyone have another suggestion on how to use up a lot of this herb?

[wryter2000]

1. When I had too much

I put it in a blender with just enough olive oil to turn it into a paste. When I need some basil, like in marinara, I just put in a spoonful of the paste.

It freezes well, too.

[Lonestarblue]

2. Wash if needed and let dry. Stick it in the oven and let dry for a couple of weeks.

Or use a dehydrator if you have one. You can use dried basil in lots of dishes, and yours will be fresher than what’s in the grocery store.

[Kali]

3. I just freeze it whole

crumble handfuls when I need it for cooking.

[Retrograde]

4. Thanks!

I'll hang one branch in the garage to dry, and make an oil/basil past with the rest

[BobTheSubgenius]

5. I never thought I'd read the words "glut" and "basil" in the same sentence.

A lot of people say "everything in moderation," but my rejoinder is "if little's good, more is better."
I absolutely LOVE basil. My favourites? Thai food (I know. Probably not the "correct" kind of basil, but even so), a chiffonade on salad, and, of course, pesto.

I don't know if this appeals to you, of course, but what I've done in the past is to stuff as much as I can in the cups of an ice cube tray, fill them with water, then freeze. Not the same as fresh, of course, but, to paraphrase Father Flanagan - "There are no bad basils."

[elleng]

6. GREAT! I'll say delete 'Sub' from your handle!!!

Last edited Wed Nov 20, 2024, 12:51 PM - Edit history (1)

[BobTheSubgenius]

8. Why, thank you!

But it's not like I split the atom or anything. To borrow from Joe Theismann, "The word "genius" is over-used, and should never apply to football players. It should be reserved for people like Norman Einstein."

Almost a Yogi-ism.

[elleng]

9. LOLOL!!!

[La Coliniere]

7. Got mine hanging in the basement

until it’s completely dry. Then I crumble it and put it into glass jars to use until fresh comes around again next season.