Easy Basil Sauce with Garlic: A Flavorful Essential for Every Kitchen

There’s something special about the aroma of fresh basil mingling with the rich scent of garlic. It’s a fragrance that instantly transports you to a warm summer afternoon, whether in a backyard garden or a bustling kitchen filled with the promise of a delicious meal. If you’ve ever wished to capture that freshness and enjoy it year-round, this Easy Basil Sauce with Garlic is the perfect solution. Not only is it simple to make, but it also preserves the vibrant flavors of basil and garlic, making it a fantastic addition to everything from pasta to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches.

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This basil sauce is a great recipe for beginners because it requires minimal ingredients, no complicated techniques, and just a blender to bring everything together. Unlike traditional pesto, which includes nuts and cheese, this recipe focuses solely on basil, garlic, and olive oil, making it a versatile and allergy-friendly option. It’s also an excellent way to use up an abundant basil harvest, ensuring that none of those fragrant leaves go to waste.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

• Simple Ingredients: Only four ingredients—basil, garlic, olive oil, and salt—are needed, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Quick Preparation: The process takes about 20 minutes, with most of the work done in the blender.
• Versatile Use: This sauce can be added to pasta, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even used as a dip.
• Freezer-Friendly: It stores well in the freezer for up to a year, so you can enjoy fresh basil flavor long after the growing season has passed.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• 200g fresh basil tips (about 10 cups unpacked) – Choose bright green, fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If you don’t have enough, you can mix in spinach or parsley to maintain the vibrant color and mild herbaceous taste.
• 12 garlic cloves – Garlic gives this sauce its bold punch. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, roast the cloves beforehand for a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
• 430g olive oil (about 2 cups) – Extra virgin olive oil is ideal, but if you’re out, you can substitute with avocado oil or a neutral oil like grapeseed.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the bitterness of the basil. You can adjust the amount based on preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Harvest and Prepare the Basil
   • Pick the top 2-3 inches of your basil plants in the morning when the essential oils are most concentrated.
   • If using store-bought basil, choose leaves that are bright green and free from dark spots.
   • Rinse the basil thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Measure the Ingredients
   • Weigh out 200g of basil or measure about 10 cups of loosely packed leaves and stems.
   • Peel 12 garlic cloves and set them aside.
   • Pour 1 cup of olive oil into your blender.
3. Start Blending
   • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and drop in 6 garlic cloves.
   • Place half of the basil into the blender.
   • Secure the lid and pulse a few times to break up the basil and garlic.
   • Once it starts to combine, blend on high for 20-30 seconds until smooth.
4. Fill and Store
   • Using a spatula, transfer the sauce into 4 oz (125 ml) jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace.
   • Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.
   • Seal the jars tightly with lids and label them with the date.
5. Repeat the Process
   • Add the second batch of ingredients to the blender (1 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 6 garlic cloves, and the remaining basil).
   • Blend again and fill more jars, topping with olive oil and sealing them.
6. Freeze for Long-Term Storage
   • Place the jars in the freezer, where they will stay fresh for 8-12 months.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell if Basil is Fresh: Look for firm, bright green leaves without any wilting or dark spots.
• What If the Sauce is Too Thick? Add a little more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
• What If the Garlic Flavor is Too Strong? Try roasting the garlic before blending, which mellows the sharpness and brings out its sweetness.
• How to Prevent the Sauce from Browning: The layer of olive oil on top prevents oxidation, keeping the sauce vibrant green.
• Alternative Storage Options: If you don’t have small jars, pour the sauce into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag.

Serving Suggestions

• With Pasta: Toss with warm spaghetti or penne for a simple, fragrant dish.
• Over Grilled Chicken or Beef: Drizzle over freshly grilled chicken breast or steak for an herby finish.
• As a Dip: Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
• On Pizza: Use as a base sauce for homemade pizza instead of traditional tomato sauce.
• In Sandwiches: Spread onto bread for an extra burst of flavor in sandwiches or wraps.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delicious side.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: If using within a week, store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. Always cover the top with olive oil before sealing.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the sauce in small jars or ice cube trays. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
• Avoid Plastic Containers: Store in glass jars to maintain flavor and avoid the risk of the oil absorbing any plastic taste.

Why You’ll Love This Basil Sauce

• Bursting with Fresh Flavor: Captures the essence of summer basil with the rich depth of garlic and olive oil.
• Extremely Versatile: Can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to grilled meats and sandwiches.
• Easy to Make: No special cooking techniques required—just blend, pour, and store.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick and flavorful meals anytime.
• Perfect for Using Up Basil Harvests: A great way to preserve basil before it wilts or goes to waste.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Basil Sauce with Garlic is a must-have for home cooks who love fresh, bold flavors but want something simple and convenient. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, drizzling it over grilled chicken, or mixing it into pasta, this sauce is guaranteed to elevate any dish with minimal effort. Plus, with its long shelf life in the freezer, you can enjoy the taste of summer even in the colder months.

Have you tried making this basil sauce? What’s your favorite way to use it? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the magic of fresh, homemade flavors together!