How to Make Basil Butter

When summer adorns my garden with abundant fresh basil, I eagerly seize the opportunity to create a medley of flavorsome delights. One of my cherished rituals during this season is harvesting the lush green basil leaves. I find immense joy transforming them into aromatic basil butter, flavorful pesto, and dried basil for later use. Over the years, I’ve discovered a little trick to ensure I have a burst of summer even during colder months: after making the basil butter, I pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, these ‘basil butter cubes’ are transferred to a ziplock bag, allowing me to infuse my dishes with this summer treat, one cube at a time, any time of the year.

As I whip up these homemade gems, my kitchen buzzes with activity, each creation holding a summer piece. Of these, basil butter stands out for its versatility. It never fails to add an elevated touch, whether spread on a warm toast, enriching a piece of succulent fish or steak, or tossed with pasta for a gourmet, quick meal.

How to Avoid Bruising Basil When Cutting?

A common challenge when using fresh basil in the kitchen is its tendency to bruise while chopping. However, a handy French slicing method, the chiffonade technique, can help prevent this. In this technique, you neatly stack the basil leaves one on top of the other, roll them into a tight cylinder, and then slice perpendicularly across the roll. Using a well-sharpened knife is critical to executing this technique effectively and preserving the integrity of the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions about Basil Butter

1. How to store basil butter? Basil butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For more extended storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it. It can last several months in the freezer.
2. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma. Dried basil has a more concentrated but less fresh taste, and it’s not an ideal substitute in this recipe.
3. What are the health benefits of basil? Basil is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and has many minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Can basil butter be used in baking? Absolutely! Basil butter can add an excellent layer of flavor to breads, rolls, or savory pastries. It’s perfect when used in recipes like garlic bread or herb biscuits.
5. Can basil butter be made with other herbs? For a different flavor profile, you can add other herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
6. How to make vegan basil butter? To make vegan basil butter, substitute the regular butter with a vegan alternative or coconut oil. The process will remain the same, but make sure your substitute is consistent with real butter for best results.