8 Things to do with Fresh Basil
Fresh basil can be expensive in grocery stores, but it’s easy to grow either directly in the ground in your garden, in a raised garden bed, or in a container. When I grow it myself at home, I often end up with more fresh basil than I can easily use, but I always try to make the most of the abundance. Here are eight options when you have tons of fresh basil:
- Make pesto. Here’s a good recipe, and you can store your pesto in the fridge or freeze it. It’s good for serving with pasta or on bread.
- Make caprese salad. Layer some basil leaves between sliced fresh tomatoes and sliced mozzarella cheese, drizzle it all with some extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Make caprese-style grilled cheese sandwiches. Tuck a few basil leaves and a tomato slice or two into your grilled cheese sandwich.
- Make my favorite homemade tomato soup. This is my absolute favorite recipe at this link. It’s better than any soup that comes out of a can, and my oldest daughter loves it. You will not regret trying it! It’s also a good way to use up fresh garden tomatoes.
- Make bruschetta. Here’s a recipe.
- Freeze it. Dice fresh basil leaves and place them into the sections in an ice cube tray, adding just a little water or oil. Here’s a tutorial. Place the tray in the freezer, and once the basil and water are frozen, dump the basil cubes into a freezer-safe bag or container. Pull out a cube anytime you need basil for a recipe. The cubes can easily be dropped into soups, stews, and sauces.
- Dry it. I’ve never tried to do this, but here are instructions.
- Share it. Offer your fresh basil to family, friends, and neighbors.
What do you do with fresh basil? Share your ideas and recipes in the comments.
