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There are so many incredible things you can do with basil leaves that go far beyond just tossing a few on top of a pizza.
When you think about what you can do with basil leaves, the possibilities span from vibrant sauces and refreshing drinks to healing skincare treatments and simple preservation tricks.
Basil is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen, and once you understand what you can do with basil leaves, you will find yourself reaching for it every single day.
In this post, we will explore the many things you can do with basil leaves, covering everything from cooking and baking to freezing and making your own natural remedies.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of this fragrant green herb.
Why You Should Love Cooking With Basil Leaves
The reason so many people ask what you can do with basil leaves is because this herb brings a unique, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor that instantly elevates any dish.
When you cook with basil leaves, you are adding a burst of freshness that no other herb can quite replicate.
Here are some of the tastiest ways to use basil in your daily cooking.
1. Whipping Up a Classic Pesto
The most famous answer to what you can do with basil leaves is, of course, making a rich and nutty pesto.
All you need is a big handful of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and good olive oil.
You can do with basil leaves by blending them into a smooth sauce that is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a marinade for grilled chicken.
Homemade pesto tastes so much brighter than store-bought, and it’s a fantastic way to use up a large harvest.
2. Infusing Oils and Vinegars
Another brilliant thing you can do with basil leaves is to infuse them into oils and vinegars.
Simply warm some olive oil and add fresh basil leaves, then let it steep for a few days to create a fragrant finishing oil.
You can also add basil leaves to white wine vinegar for a fantastic salad dressing base.
This is a great option when you have more basil than you can use immediately, as the infused oil will last for weeks.
3. Adding Fresh Basil to Salads and Sandwiches
What you can do with basil leaves in salads is truly amazing, as the leaves add a peppery kick that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and mozzarella.
You can tear fresh basil leaves directly into a green salad or layer them on a Caprese sandwich.
Don’t chop them too finely, as larger pieces release more aroma and have a better texture.
Using basil leaves whole or torn in sandwiches gives you a fresh and aromatic bite every time.
Creative Drinks and Desserts With Basil Leaves
Many people don’t realize that you can do with basil leaves in your beverages and sweets, but this herb is a secret superstar in both.
The sweet and savory nature of basil pairs surprisingly well with fruit and citrus.
Here are a few exciting ways to experiment.
1. Making Refreshing Basil Lemonade
One of the most refreshing things you can do with basil leaves is to muddle them into a homemade lemonade.
Add a few basil leaves to a glass with sugar and lemon juice, then muddle to release the oils.
Top with cold water and ice for a drink that is both cooling and complex.
You can also do with basil leaves in cocktails by adding them to a mojito or a gin and tonic for an herby twist.
2. Creating a Simple Basil Syrup
If you love sweet drinks, then figuring out what you can do with basil leaves by making a syrup is a must-try.
Simmer equal parts water and sugar with a big bunch of basil leaves for about ten minutes, then strain.
This vibrant green syrup can be drizzled over ice cream, added to sparkling water, or used in cocktails.
The syrup is a fantastic way to preserve the flavor of basil even when the fresh leaves are gone.
3. Baking Basil Into Shortbread Cookies
You might not think about dessert when you wonder what you can do with basil leaves, but they work wonders in sweet baking.
Finely chop some basil leaves and mix them into a classic shortbread dough along with a little lemon zest.
The herb complements the buttery sweetness and adds an unexpected elegance.
These cookies are a perfect example of how creative you can get with basil leaves.
Preserving Basil Leaves For Later Use
When your basil plant is overflowing, knowing what you can do with basil leaves to store them is essential.
Fresh basil leaves are delicate and don’t last long in the fridge, so you need a solid plan to enjoy them all year.
Here are the best preservation methods.
1. Freezing Basil Leaves in Olive Oil
One of the best things you can do with basil leaves is to freeze them in an ice cube tray filled with olive oil.
Chop the basil leaves finely, pack them into the tray, and cover them with olive oil before freezing.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a zip-top bag for easy cooking later.
This method locks in flavor and makes it simple to add a burst of basil to soups and stews anytime.
2. Drying Basil Leaves the Right Way
While drying is a common answer to what you can do with basil leaves, it must be done slowly to preserve the essential oils.
You can hang small bunches of basil upside down in a dry, dark place for about two weeks.
After drying, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight jar away from light.
Dried basil won’t have the same fresh kick, but it’s still great for warm dishes where you can rehydrate the herb.
3. Blending Basil Into a Paste
A quick and easy thing you can do with basil leaves is to puree them with a little oil to make a paste.
Blend the basil with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then store the thick paste in a jar covered with a layer of oil.
This paste can be spooned directly into sauces, marinades, or rubbed on meats before grilling.
It’s one of the most convenient ways to save basil leaves when you are in a rush.
Wellness and Home Uses For Basil Leaves
Beyond the kitchen, there is so much you can do with basil leaves for your health and home.
Basil is packed with antioxidants and has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Here are a couple of clever ideas to get more use out of this powerful herb.
1. Making a Soothing Basil Tea
You can easily do with basil leaves by steeping them in hot water for a calming and aromatic tea.
Pour boiling water over a handful of fresh basil leaves and let it steep for five minutes.
This tea can help with digestion and may reduce stress after a long day.
Add a little honey and lemon to enhance the flavor while reaping all the benefits of the basil.
2. Crafting a Natural Basil Bug Spray
Believe it or not, you can do with basil leaves to naturally repel mosquitoes and flies around your home.
Steep a large bunch of basil leaves in boiling water, let it cool, then strain the liquid into a spray bottle.
Spray this mixture around doorways and windows to keep pests away without using harsh chemicals.
The strong scent of basil is pleasant to us but overpowering to many insects.
So, What Can You Do With Basil Leaves?
There is simply no end to what you can do with basil leaves in your everyday life.
You can do with basil leaves to create mouthwatering pesto, refreshing drinks, elegant desserts, and handy homemade remedies.
You can also do with basil leaves by freezing, drying, or blending them so that you never waste a single leaf again.
Whether you have a single potted plant or a thriving garden patch, basil is a gift that keeps on giving.
Now that you know all the amazing things you can do with basil leaves, it’s time to step into your kitchen and start experimenting with this wonderful herb.