Basil Salt Recipe
Our basil plant has been growing wild in our garden this year! Creating basil salt is one of my favorite ways to preserve and make use of the plentiful basil harvests. This process is simple, and the basil salt can last for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy your garden's harvest during the winter months! If you don't grow basil, fresh basil from the store or farmer’s market can be used.
Begin by thoroughly washing the basil and removing the leaves from the stems. (I use our herb stripper to simplify this process!) It is very important to make sure the basil is completely dry before continuing onto the next steps. You can use a salad spinner to remove excess water, or place the basil on paper towels and gently pat dry with another paper towel.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Add two cups of basil and one cup of salt to a food processor. Blend the ingredients until they form a fine powder. Afterwards, lay out a piece of parchment paper and evenly spread out the mixture on it. Keep a smooth and even spread without any thick or uneven areas, as this could lead to uneven drying or longer drying times. Avoid applying excessive pressure or pressing down firmly while spreading it out.
Add the sheet into the oven when ready. Allow it to cook for 30 - 35 minutes, checking it frequently. Check that the bottom is completely dry once the 30 minute mark is reached. If there are any darker spots remaining, it means that there is still moisture, and more time is required. When it's ready, it should easily break into pieces and be completely dried. Allow it to cool off. Break them up into smaller pieces and add them back into the washed and fully dried food processor. Blend it again to create the salt.
This recipe creates enough basil salt to fill two, 4 oz, spice jars. Adjust the batch size to make smaller or larger quantities. The basil to salt ratio is 2 parts basil to 1 part salt.
Basil salt can be used in soups, sauces, vegetables, and proteins, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It also makes a wonderful gift! It will last up to a year. We would love to hear if you give this recipe a try!
