I need a substitute for fresh basil

[Nini]

I want to make Alissa's Pesto Mushrooms. I can't find decent basil anywhere.

Can I use anything else?

Thanks.

[samadhisoul]

i use a bit of basil and a handful of spinach, always turns out great!

[Shivananda]

I want to make Alissa's Pesto Mushrooms. I can't find decent basil anywhere.Can I use anything else?I grow my own basil, and freeze my pesto surplus to cover lean times, but here's an emergency tactic that has worked for me before... substitute a 50/50 blend of parsley and lettuce PLUS enough dried basil to get the taste right.

[kmik]

I second the spinach, although have only used in in combination with basil, but I don't miss having all basil at all.

[Cinnamon]

I use spinach in this recipe all the time with just a bit of basil for the flavor depending on how much I have (from the store or my garden) and it is really good!

[rawpriestess]

Hi, we grow our own basil, so we just use that, but I've heard of people using 1/2 basil and 1/2 spinach, wouldn't work for me, but I hear it is good.


also, some people use as stated above, dried basil and some other greens during the winter,

this is what I do,

I make a ton of pesto stuffed mushrooms during the summer/fall and dehydrate for about an hour or so to set, then I freeze them in double wrapped containers, which hold me over until my own basil comes in.

I love these guys and usually eat about 4 or so a day, also we take them to pot lucks and picnics etc all the time.

so, we always have lots in the freezers.

But, since that is not an option at this time, and you can't find good fresh basil, I woudl suggest using some dried basil and then add some fresh spinach until it tastes like pesto and go from there.

good luck.

[tvillemom]

I've used 1/2 dried with 1/2 spinach, but the basil was too strong this way, I would definitely taste it before you dehydrate!!
Wendi