Ingredients

  • 4 cups olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped fresh basil
  • 1 shallot, peeled
  • 1 clove garlic clove, peeled
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Method

  • Heat 1/4 cup oil with 1 cup basil in medium saucepan over medium heat until basil turns bright green and small bubbles appear, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Turn off heat and steep 5 minutes.
  • Process shallot, garlic, vinegar, water, salt, pepper, and mustard in blender until garlic and shallot are finely chopped, about 15 seconds.
  • With blender running, slowly add remaining oil and steeped basil oil and continue to process until dressing is smooth and emulsified, about 15 seconds.
  • Pack remaining basil into blender and process until dressing is smooth, about 15 seconds.
  • Dressing can be refrigerated in airtight container for up to 3 days.