Cucumber Basil Puree Recipes

CUCUMBER-BASIL AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Slice a few thin slices of cucumber; reserve for garnish. Peel and coarsely chop remaining cucumber.
• Purée chopped cucumber, lime juice, basil, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 cups water in a food processor until very smooth. Strain into a pitcher and add 2 cups water, adding more sugar or water if needed, then chill until ready to serve. Add reserved cucumber slices just before serving.

AMAZING CUCUMBER BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Run spinach and basil through a food processor until finely chopped.
• Mix spinach mixture, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl with an air-tight lid. Cover bowl and refrigerate salad, 8 hours to overnight.

CUCUMBER-BASIL SYRUP

Steps:

• Remove ends of the cucumbers and discard. Slice cucumbers very finely. Toss in a bowl with the salt and set aside for a few minutes until the salt has drawn out a good amount of liquid.
• Drain cucumbers in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Squeeze them a little but not too much. Measure out 1 cup and discard the rest.
• Muddle the basil and add it to the cucumber liquid. Let it steep in the fridge for 2 hours.
• Strain liquid into a saucepan, squeezing basil well to extract any liquid. Stir in sugar and bring to a boil, then add lemon juice and reduce heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 212 degrees F (100 degrees C), stirring once in a while.
• Let cool slightly, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass bottle and let cool. Seal tightly and refrigerate.

CUCUMBER-BASIL PUREE

Steps:

• Combine water, cucumber, basil, and salt in a blender and freeze in an ice-cube tray.

CHILLED CUCUMBER, BASIL, AND MINT SOUP

Steps:

• Puree sour cream, basil, mint, scallion, and water in a blender. Add cucumber. Pulse until just combined but still slightly chunky.
• Stir in lemon juice and hot sauce, and season with salt. Chill soup at least 3 hours (soup is best served the same day). Top each serving with thin cucumber slices if desired.

BASIL PUREE

Steps:

• Combine basil, oil, and salt in a blender. Process until smooth; transfer to a glass jar, and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.