Things You'll Need:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Sink
- Paper towels
- Small bowl
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Step 1
Rinse the basil in cool water. Lay the basil on a stack of paper towels. Fold the paper towels over the basil and gently blot the water off of the herbs.
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Step 2
Remove the basil leaves from the stem. Use you fingers to gently pull each leaf off, or use a pair of kitchen shears to trim them. Discard the stems.
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Step 3
Sort the basil leaves by size. Lay the largest leaf down on your work surface. Layer the remaining leaves on top of the first according to size, largest to smallest.
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Step 4
Turn the leaves so that they are laying horizontal to you. Tightly roll the leaves up with your fingers. Roll the leaves so that they resemble a rolled cigar. Hold the rolled leaves in place with one hand.
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Step 5
Slice through the roll of leaves beginning at the tip. Gently rock a very sharp knife over the leaves to chop them. Move the knife down the roll of basil until the entire roll is sliced.
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Step 6
Rotate the cutting board 90 degrees. Cut the basil again, by rocking the knife on the cutting board, through the leaves. Continue to chop the herbs in this manner until a fine consistency has been reached.
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Step 7
Scrape the basil leaves together with the sharp edge of the knife. Use your opposite hand to push the leaves onto the blade. Transfer the basil to a small bowl until you are ready to use it.
