Imagine a sauce so rich, so aromatic, that it transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Our Roasted Garlic Basil Sauce is not just a condiment—it's a flavor revelation that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests swoon. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, you'll create a sauce that's bursting with deep, caramelized garlic notes and fresh, vibrant basil that elevates everything it touches.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your garlic roasts evenly and develops a rich flavor.
- Take the head of garlic and peel away the outer layers of the skin, leaving the individual cloves intact. Cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves inside.
- Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil, creating a sealed pouch. This will help steam the garlic and enhance its sweetness as it roasts.
- Place the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. You can check for doneness by squeezing the garlic; it should feel tender.
- While the garlic is roasting, rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Once the garlic is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully unwrap the foil, as steam will escape.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins), fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides of the food processor as necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese according to your preference.
- Transfer the roasted garlic basil sauce to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- This sauce is versatile and can be used as a pasta dressing, a pizza sauce, or a dip for bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade roasted garlic basil sauce!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients: The key to an exceptional sauce is using the freshest basil and the best olive oil you can find.
- Roasting garlic is crucial: Take your time with roasting to develop those complex, sweet flavors. Don't rush the process!
- Temperature matters: Keep your oven at a consistent 400°F to ensure even roasting of the garlic.
- Texture is everything: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend longer. For a more rustic feel, pulse the food processor.
- Storage hack: Freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for easy, portioned future use.
- Experiment with variations: Try adding a splash of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes for a personalized twist.
- Let the sauce rest: Allow the flavors to meld together for at least 30 minutes before serving for maximum taste impact.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 3mg
