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Caviar and basil is amazing, but I had a really fun idea that I wasn’t quite sure was going to work out but, spoiler alert, it did and these Basil Chips and Caviar are PERFECT! This caviar appetizer is great for a special occasion or the holidays and it is so beautiful + delicious. It sure to impress anyone you have over!
Why You’ll Love Basil Chips and Caviar
Caviar and basil is often paired together because of the fresh, slightly sweet taste of the basil that compliments the salty, briny taste of the caviar really well. This recipe just elevates it that much more. The fried, crisp basil leaves develop a slight nutty taste and adds another perfect element that compliments everything. The dollop of créme fraîche, amazing salty caviar with the piece of fresh basil on top brings the best of all world into one gorgeous caviar appetizer bite.
How To Prepare Basil Chips and Caviar
🥄 Preheat your oil. You will know it’s ready when you put the back of your spoon into the oil and it bubbles. See video for visual.
🌿 Flatten your basil leaves the best you can and then add them to the oil (make sure it’s not too hot). Fry until translucent but make sure they don’t brown. You might need to lower the heat. Look at the recipe to see what it should look like.
🍽️ Top with créme fraîche, caviar, a baby basil leaf and you have your gorgeous caviar appetizer.
♥️ And that is it, subscribe for more!
Substitutions for Basil Chips and Caviar
- You can use sage leaves instead of basil if you want a more festive touch.
- While I love my Imperia Caviar, Kaluga, it is expensive. If you are looking to save some money, another great option is Tsar Nicoulai Classic Caviar.
- If you don’t have créme fraîche, the best substitute will be a full fat sour cream.
Variations for Basil Chips and Caviar
- Cheesy Variation: Grate a tiny bit of parmesan cheese on top to add a slight nutter flavor.
- Honey Variation: A small drizzle of honey on top will add a little sweet to your salty.
- Flower Variation: For an extra beautiful touch, you can add some small edible flowers. It won’t change the taste much but it will be a beautiful touch for these basil chips and caviar bites.
🔥Chef Nadia’s Tip🔥
Be careful not to let the basil chips brown or it will get bitter. Make sure you are keeping an eye on it at all times and that the oil is not too hot when you first put it in. When you put the end of a wooden spoon in the oil, it will boil around it and that is when you know your oil is ready. If you want a visual, I show you in the video at the bottom of the Basil Chips and Caviar recipe.
Other Caviar Recipes
This is what it should look like next to a fresh piece of basil.
Common Questions
For this Basil Chip and Caviar recipe I use Imperia Caviar, Kaluga. It has a very balanced flavor and comes in a large size.
I am using my 10 inch D3 allclad pan!
Yes, of course you can! Just make sure you let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container.
Basil Chips and Caviar
Ingredients
- basil leaves, the largest you can find and make sure you leave some of the stem + extra tiny leaves for topping
- Olive oil, for frying
- Caviar of choice, I use Imperia Caviar, Kaluga
- Creme fraîche
Instructions
- Preheat your oil. You will know it's ready when you put the back of your spoon into the oil and it bubbles. See video for visual.
- Flatten your basil leaves the best that you can. Add them to your oil and fry your until translucent but make sure they don’t brown. You might need to lower the heat.
- Top with créme fraîche, caviar, a baby basil leaf and that is it.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
