When it comes to planting basil, I never seem to feel there’s enough. It’s so easy to grow and makes such a lovely addition to the garden, I just keep on planting. And, well ya’ know what happens then, right?
Yep. I’m in basil abundance already. And there’s only so much pesto a gal can make.
Do you plant basil as a companion to your tomatoes? Research has suggested this as a very good idea for both plants as they tend to share nutrients in the soil. “Basil plants (Ocimum basilicum) can help tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) overcome insects and disease and can improve the growth rate and flavor of tomatoes. Whether growing basil with tomatoes makes the fruit sweeter seems to be a matter of taste.” (http://homeguides.sfgate.com/growing-basil-tomatoes-make-tomatoes-sweeter-73850.html”
So I’m always on the lookout for ways to incorporate it into my cooking. In addition to infusing olive oil for use all year long, I make basil vinegar for use in vinaigrettes and other salad dressings. This preserved basil is a little different and adds just another way to keep that lovely basil fragrance and taste going during those late fall and winter months.
Basil preserved in olive oil is a super way to keep that fresh basil goodness going for months past the growing season. And it’s so doggone easy to do, I’m a little embarrassed to show you how to do it.
But I’ll get over that quickly, I’m sure.
You can use this preserved basil whenever you’ll be using a dish with salt, basil and oil as ingredients. It’s super in vinaigrettes, soups, stews or added to grilled vegetables.
Notes
Do not substitute table salt. Kosher salt does not contain any impurities and is best for preserving.
Ingredients
- Basil leaves, washed and dried
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a canning jar with a plastic lid, put a layer of basil leaves. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Continue to make layers of basil and salt until the jar is 3/4 full.
- Fill the jar with olive oil
- Seal and store in a dark cabinet for at least 1 month before using.
I told you it was easy!
