Homemade Basil Dipping Oil
A good dipping oil pairs perfectly with warm, fresh bread, and this homemade basil dipping oil delivers on flavor without being complicated. It’s fresh, fragrant, and an easy way to add something extra to everyday meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
Instructions
- Bring about 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a medium or large pot. Prepare a medium bowl with ice and cold water.
- Once the water is boiling, stir in ½ teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Add the basil leaves and boil for about 10 seconds, just until they turn bright green.
- Immediately drain and transfer the basil to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
- Once cool, remove the basil and gently squeeze out most of the water. Lay the leaves on paper towels and press to remove as much moisture as possible. If any stems are still attached, remove them.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic.
- Add the basil leaves to a blender, chopping them first if your blender isn’t very powerful. Add the chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and olive oil.
- Blend on medium speed until the basil starts to break down, then increase the speed and blend until the mixture is mostly smooth.
- Let the oil sit for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Notes
Storage
Store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!