Garden-Fresh Basil Tomato Juice is a refreshing, vibrant blend that captures the essence of summer. It's perfect for using up an abundance of ripe tomatoes and basil from your garden, delivering a zesty, wholesome drink.
Tomatoes are the star of this juice, providing a rich, savory base packed with flavor and nutrients. Choose ripe ones for the best taste. Basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes. Fresh is key here. Cucumber lends a refreshing, hydrating quality that balances the acidity. Celery contributes a subtle saltiness and crispness to the mix. Carrot adds a hint of sweetness and an extra dose of vitamins. Lemon juice brightens everything up, enhancing the flavors while sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper introduce a balanced seasoning and a touch of heat.
This juice pairs excellently with a light breakfast, such as avocado toast or a simple omelette. For a refreshing afternoon snack, enjoy it with a handful of nuts or a cheese platter. It also makes a great palate cleanser between courses at a summer dinner party.
Start by giving your vegetables a good wash. Then, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, celery, and carrot into coarse chunks. No need to be precise here; they’re all going into the pot to simmer. Combine these chopped veggies in a large pot over medium heat. Let them simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This will soften them and meld the flavors.
Once the vegetables have simmered and everything smells divine, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly—just enough so it’s safe to handle. Then, add the fresh basil leaves and lemon juice to the pot.
With an immersion blender, puree the mixture until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender will do—just work in batches if necessary. Once pureed, strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp and seeds, leaving you with a smooth, silky juice.
Season your juice with sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Finally, transfer the juice to a container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the juice to cool nicely.
Share