If you've been here a while, you know I love basil. If you are new (hello!), I love basil so much I named our dachshund Basil. Fresh basil is my favorite thing to have in a vase in the kitchen, growing in my garden, as a lingering scent on my hands.
Yep, even though it's already winter out there, in my kitchen I'm still acting like it's summer. Strawberries and fresh basil. Always a perfect pairing in my opinion, and this is one I have been wanting to do for a while.
Bird's eye shot of my Vita Mix. See, told you she's an Old Lady Vita. Look at that old school handle. I bought this in college and I keep saying I should stop bragging that I've used it with no problems for ... um ... many years. Don't want to jinx her.
Don't think I will.
Anyway, between the few minutes of chopping the berries and chiffonading the larger basil leaves and the ten seconds of blending, this "recipe" comes together quick. Well. Then there's a couple hours of dehydrating.
I really wanted to tip this tray on it's side and drink it. So good. Glad I waited though, because the fruit rolls are even better!
strawberry basil fruit rolls
gluten free, vegan, no added sugar
2 quarts fresh strawberries
1 large bunch (1 cup) fresh basil leaves
Blend in high powered blender until smooth. Pour onto solid sheet for dehydrator, spread to a ½ inch thickness (thinner might rip or crack). Dehydrate at 130 for 3-4 hours. Alternately, you can pour into plastic wrap on a baking sheet, place in oven on 120 with door open for... several more hours.
These taste amazing! They have the fruity sweet flavor of the strawberries, and the basil is strong in the best way possible.
Are you a basil fan? How about a Basil fan? 😀
Do you like fruit rolls? Favorite flavor?
Ginna says
I've made these so many times that I can't count but it was from a recipe very similar I found on tastespotting months ago http://www.insockmonkeyslippers.com/strawberry-basil-fruit-leather I must have some sour strawberries becasue I can't imagining making it without sugar but yours looks good! Love strawberry basil fruit leather.
Lou says
LOVE basil. I wanted to name my son Basil, but my partner wouldn't let me... I reckon it's a cool name 🙂 Your pup is a cutie!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I know I've said this before, but I really need a dehydrator! Max would flip out if I made him this! I LOVE basil...and Basil!
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says
omg I want these in my face right MEOW!
Jess says
You amaze me yet again - this is the COOLEST recipe I've ever seen. I used to LOVE fruit roll ups as a kid! This version is WAY BETTER, my mouth is watering, seriously!
Alyse says
I, too, love basil in a criminal way. My last outdoor plant finally succumbed to winter—so it's time to get an indoor one and pretend like summer never ended.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I loved strawberry fruit rollups as a kid - though far less clean and healthy of course. These, as everything you make, sound and look incredible. Love the simplicity in the ingredients but I have no doubt the flavors are anything but.
Evan Thomas says
The vegan/gluten-free bakery near me makes their own raw fruit leather. I'm very intrigued to try it
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Ok you have me wanting to make fruit roll ups and dust off the dehydrator of mine.
Gorgeous pics, too, of something that I could see being tricky to photograph but you did an amazing job on the pics!
Pure2raw twins says
wow those look incredible!!! we still have yet to make fruit rolls in our dehydrators, that needs to change!