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You can use purple basil in so many delicious ways that go way beyond just being a pretty garnish.
This vibrant herb, with its stunning deep violet leaves and sweet, slightly spicy flavor, is a total game-changer in the kitchen.
If you’ve been wondering how to use purple basil, you’re in for a treat because it’s incredibly versatile.
You can use purple basil fresh in salads, steep it into vinegars, blend it into pesto, or even fry the leaves for a crispy snack.
It brings a beautiful pop of color and an aromatic kick that regular green basil just can’t match.
In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to use purple basil, how to store it, and some simple recipes to get you started.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of this colorful herb.
Why You Should Use Purple Basil in Your Cooking
Using purple basil in your cooking is a fantastic idea for a bunch of reasons beyond its looks.
First, purple basil varieties like Dark Opal or Red Rubin have a flavor that’s a bit more complex than the classic Genovese basil.
It has hints of anise and cinnamon, which makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
When you use purple basil, you’re not just adding color; you’re adding a whole new layer of taste.
This herb is also packed with anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in blueberries, making it a healthy addition to your meals.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, learning how to use purple basil will elevate your dishes instantly.
1. The Flavor Profile of Purple Basil
To really understand how to use purple basil, you need to know what it tastes like.
Unlike sweet basil, purple basil has a more robust and peppery flavor with a noticeable clove-like undertone.
Some people even describe it as having a hint of mint or citrus, which makes it incredibly interesting.
This unique taste means you can use purple basil in dishes where you might want a little more depth.
It holds its own against strong ingredients like garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chili, which is pretty impressive for an herb.
So, when you’re thinking about a recipe, consider if that slightly spicy, sweet note would work well.
2. A Visual Feast on the Plate
One of the best reasons to use purple basil is the sheer beauty it brings to your food.
The deep violet leaves can turn the most boring plate into a work of art.
You can use purple basil as a final garnish on top of pasta, pizza, or soups to make the colors pop.
Even if you just tear a few leaves and scatter them over a salad, it looks like you ordered it from a fancy restaurant.
This visual appeal is a huge factor in why cooks love to use purple basil in their everyday meals.
It’s like adding a little piece of art to your dinner table every single night.
Creative Ways to Use Purple Basil in Recipes
There are so many creative ways to use purple basil, and it’s time to move beyond just throwing it in a salad.
One of my favorite ways to use purple basil is to make a vibrant, colorful pesto.
Just swap out the traditional green basil for purple leaves, and you’ll get a striking magenta sauce that tastes incredible.
You can also use purple basil to make herb-infused oils and vinegars, which make beautiful gifts.
Another cool trick is to fry the leaves until they’re crispy and use them as a crunchy topping for dishes.
Let’s break down some of the best methods on how to use purple basil so you can get started today.
1. Making Purple Basil Pesto
Making pesto is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to use purple basil.
The process is the same as regular pesto, but the result is a stunningly beautiful purple sauce.
Simply blend fresh purple basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and good olive oil.
The color is so vivid that it will be the star of any pasta dish, bruschetta, or sandwich spread.
This is a fantastic way to use a large amount of purple basil all at once.
Plus, you can freeze this pesto in ice cube trays to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
2. Infusing Oils and Vinegars
If you want a way to use purple basil that lasts for months, infusing it into liquids is the way to go.
You can gently heat olive oil with a handful of purple basil leaves to create a fragrant cooking oil.
Or, you can stuff a bottle with fresh purple basil sprigs and cover them with white wine vinegar.
Over time, the vinegar will take on a beautiful pinkish hue and a wonderful basil flavor.
Use this infused vinegar to make salad dressings or to drizzle over roasted vegetables.
It’s a simple, slow process that yields amazing results and is a perfect way to use purple basil.
3. Frying the Leaves for a Crispy Snack
For a surprising and addictive snack, try frying purple basil leaves.
Heat a little oil in a pan and drop in clean, dry leaves for just a few seconds.
They should become crispy and translucent almost instantly, so keep a close eye on them.
Remove them, season with a little salt, and you have a fantastic garnish for soups or a crunchy topping for creamy dishes.
This technique is a great way to use purple basil leaves that might be a little too big for salads.
The frying process mellows out the spiciness and brings out a wonderful savory flavor.
Simple Salads and Drinks with Purple Basil
One of the most refreshing ways to use purple basil is in salads and drinks, where its fresh flavor can shine.
You can easily use purple basil in a simple fruit salad, pairing it beautifully with strawberries, peaches, or watermelon.
The sweet and spicy notes of the herb complement the sweetness of the fruit perfectly.
In terms of drinks, purple basil is a fantastic addition to lemonades, cocktails, and mocktails.
Muddle a few leaves in the bottom of a glass with some lime juice and sugar for an instant flavor boost.
I love adding purple basil to a simple syrup for a unique twist on a classic summer drink.
1. A Strawberry and Purple Basil Salad
To make a quick and elegant salad, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with torn purple basil leaves.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of black pepper for a sweet and savory combo.
This is one of the quickest ways to use purple basil and it tastes like summer in a bowl.
The purple leaves look stunning against the bright red of the strawberries.
It’s a simple side dish that feels incredibly gourmet, perfect for a light lunch or a BBQ.
2. Purple Basil Lemonade
To make a beautiful purple basil lemonade, just muddle some leaves in a glass.
Add your lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, then top with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
The drink takes on the color and flavor of the herb, turning a pale, pretty pink.
This is a fantastic way to use purple basil when you have a lot of it and need something other than food.
It’s a real crowd-pleaser and a lovely non-alcoholic option for parties.
Storing and Preserving Purple Basil
Knowing how to use purple basil also involves knowing how to store it so you don’t waste a single leaf.
Unlike some herbs, purple basil is more delicate and can wilt quickly if not stored properly.
The best way to keep it fresh is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.
Trim the ends of the stems and place them in a glass of water, covering the top loosely with a plastic bag.
This will keep your purple basil fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
If you have too much to use, you can also preserve purple basil by drying it or freezing it.
1. Freezing Purple Basil
Freezing is a great way to use purple basil later in the year when it’s out of season.
You can chop the leaves, mix them with a little olive oil, and freeze them in ice cube trays.
These basil-oil cubes are perfect for dropping into soups, stews, or sauces for an instant flavor boost.
Another method is to blanch the leaves quickly and freeze them flat in a single layer.
While frozen purple basil won’t be great for salads, it’s perfect for cooking.
This way, you’ll always have some on hand, no matter the season.
So, How to Use Purple Basil in Your Kitchen?
You can use purple basil in countless ways, from making vibrant pesto to infusing vinegars and frying crispy leaves.
Whether you’re adding it fresh to salads and drinks or cooking it into sauces, purple basil is a versatile herb.
If you’ve been looking for how to use purple basil, hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to get creative.
Remember, its unique flavor and stunning color can turn any ordinary meal into something special.
So go ahead, grab a bunch of purple basil, and start experimenting with all these amazing ways to use it.
Your taste buds and your dinner guests will definitely thank you for it.