Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (30g) fresh garden basil leaves, stems removed

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the basil leaves under cool water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel to prevent steaming.
  2. Separate the leaves from the stems; tear exceptionally large leaves in half for even drying.
  3. Place one paper towel on a microwave-safe ceramic plate, scatter leaves in a single non-overlapping layer, and cover with a second paper towel.
  4. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
  5. Remove the plate and check for brittleness; if leaves are still flexible, microwave in 30-second increments until they shatter when touched.
  6. Allow the leaves to sit for 1 minute to finish setting.
  7. Gently crumble the dried leaves with your fingers into a small airtight glass jar.