Home Made Summer Basil Oil

Enjoy the bounty of summer herbs with this super simple, two ingredient fragrant oil. Great for drizzling over salad, to dip bread in, or for spooning over pasta for a quick week day supper.

If you haven’t made your own flavoured oil before, be reassured it is very easy and your kitchen will smell wonderfully of basil while you make it.

It will keep for a week in an airtight container in the fridge.

Method

This will make 300ml of oil

You will need a blender and a large bowl of ice water.

Bring the water to the boil in a large saucepan.

Place the bowl with the ice water close to the saucepan.

When the water is boiling, drop in the basil and cook for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift out the basil and put it into the ice water.

Measure out the oil and pour it into the blender. Lift the basil out of the ice water and add it to the oil in the blender. Blend on the highest setting for 1-2 minutes until it has completely combined with the oil.

Place a fine sieve over a clean bowl and drain the oil through the sieve into it. Try to resist pushing the oil through the sieve as it will result in a cloudy oil.

Pour the oil into your airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

Ingredients

3 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves

300ml olive oil