How to Make and Freeze Basil Sauce

Do you have an overabundance of fresh basil in the garden? Try making this easy basil sauce recipe!

I'll show you how to make and freeze basil sauce so you can have that fresh flavor on hand all winter long.

Basil isn't a perennial in my northern growing zone. But that doesn't matter! I faithfully start my own from seed every spring so I can have fresh basil on hand during the summer months.

I've spent the past few years trying to find the best way to preserve basil for winter cooking in my kitchen.

Because basil is one of those herbs I just can't do without!

I tried drying basil leaves, but they lost their pungent flavor.

Another time, I tried making basil salt. But it just didn't carry enough basil flavor to satisfying me.

I've tried preserving whole leaves in salt (it took waaaay too much salt!) and even tried freezing leaves in water.

It took me a while, but I finally discovered a wonderful way to preserve basil!

This method is simple and tastes amazing when paired with tomato in sauce, homemade pizza or winter soups. It even tastes amazing spooned over baked potatoes!

So let me show you how to make and freeze basil sauce, so you can still have that fresh herb flavor in the dead of winter.

The Difference Between Basil Sauce and Pesto

You might be wondering what the difference is between basil sauce and pesto?

Let me tell you!

Pesto is made with fresh basil but it also contains oil, nuts, cheese and sometimes lemon juice as well.

I think pesto is absolutely delicious! But there are times when I want something simpler, especially if I'm supposed to serve guests that are dairy or nut free.

That's where basil sauce comes in. It has the basic ingredients of fresh basil, olive oil, garlic and salt. Really. That's all! You won't have to buy special ingredients to make this easy basil sauce recipe. And that's why I love it so much!

Best Basil Varieties for Making Sauce

You can use a wide variety of basil for making this sauce. Just make sure whatever you use is a culinary basil, not an ornamental. Some excellent options include:

• Genovese
• Greek Basil Varieties
• Holy Basil (Tusli)
• Purple Basil
• Sweet Basil

Most basil varieties are culinary, so don't worry about it too much. My personal favorites are Sweet Basil and Genovese.

Ingredients for Making Basil Sauce

I quickly ran through ingredients above, but to make this easy basil sauce recipe, you'll need the following:

• fresh basil (lots of it!)
• a quality olive oil or avocado oil
• Himalayan salt
• fresh garlic cloves

Basil should be as fresh as possible. I like to harvest mine the morning, before the sun's heat drives natural oils back down into the plant. You get full flavor in the leaves this way!

Helpful tip: going to buy basil from a local farmer? Keep the cut basil bouquets in water and refrigerate until you're ready to make this easy basil sauce recipe.

Tools You'll Need

To make and freeze basil sauce, you'll need the following tools.

• kitchen blender or food processor
• spatula
• kitchen scale
• measuring cup
• measuring spoon
• seven, 4 oz or 125 ml jars (get some HERE)
• 7 standard mouth lids & canning bands

In my kitchen, I use a strong Bosch blender to make basil sauce. But I hear a food processor gives you the same results.

If using a food processor, you can probably puree this recipe in just 1 batch, whereas I usually have to run 2 batches through my blender to complete it.

Tips for Making Easy Basil Sauce

Making basil sauce isn't difficult. Just toss everything into the blender or food processor and puree until smooth. That's how it should go. But in case you get hung up, let me give you a few pointers.

1. Always add oil, salt and garlic to the blender or food processor first, for liquid content and ease of blending.
2. Before pureeing, pulse the blender or food processor to help break up basil and incorporate it with the olive oil.
3. If the basil is too chunky to puree, add a bit more oil for extra liquid and blendability.
4. Be sure to puree the sauce for 20-30 seconds to make sure the fresh garlic is well incorporated.

How Long Will Basil Sauce Last in the Freezer?

This easy basil sauce recipe should last 8-12 months in the freezer, provided you follow my directions and top your jars off with a layer of olive oil. Be sure to tightly seal the lids as well.

To use it, just pull a jar from the freezer, let it thaw and add to your favorite recipe.

How to Use Frozen Basil Sauce

Basil sauce pairs beautifully with tomato. Whether it's a homemade pasta sauce, pizza sauce or even a soup or stew with a tomato base, your homemade basil sauce will be a delicious, flavor-packed addition.

But it doesn't stop there. You can also add it to white sauces, winter soups, spread it on toast or add it to a buttery, baked potato.

You might be wondering how much you should use? It really depends on your taste! A word of warning? This stuff is packed with basil flavor, so start with minimal amounts and increase according to preference.

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