You’ve got extra basil lying around. Now what? You could make pesto or some weeknight gnocchi . . .
Cooking Tips
Have Extra Basil? Candy It.
This quick and easy recipe turns basil into sweet, crisp, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
By Published Aug. 24, 2022
Or you could candy it.
This recipe for candied basil couldn’t be easier. Throw some basil on a plate, spray it with vegetable oil spray, sprinkle it with sugar, and then microwave. Voilà.
The basil goes from soft and vibrant to crisp and almost see-through. Like basil stained glass. The taste is sweet and slightly peppery, and the basil melts in your mouth.
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So what should you do with all that candied basil? I have some ideas:
- Garnish a strawberry galette
- Sprinkle it over ice cream
- Add it to a yogurt parfait
- Use it as a stunning cocktail garnish
Candied basil? Yes, please.
Save the pesto for another night.
Candied Basil
Makes about 1/4 cup
Total time: 10 minutes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Vegetable oil spray
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- Line large plate with parchment and lightly spray with oil spray. Arrange basil in single layer on plate, then lightly spray with oil spray and sprinkle evenly with sugar.
- Microwave until bright green and crisp, about 90 seconds; transfer to paper towel–lined plate to cool completely, about 5 minutes. Serve.