Citrus-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this Citrus-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil, inspired by Jeff Smith's classic recipe from 'The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Italian'. This aromatic oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, tossing with pasta, or enhancing the flavor of grilled fish. The careful extraction of lemon zest through gentle pounding ensures a non-bitter oil that celebrates the zesty brightness of lemons. With organic lemons at the forefront, your dish will burst with vibrant flavor and a hint of sunshine. Ideal for anyone looking to create gourmet dishes at home, this infusion is simple, yet profoundly rewarding. Store in the refrigerator for best flavor or freeze for extended use.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Lemons
6 (Peeled and reserved for juicing)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cups (Divided into two portions: 1/4 cup for infusion, 3 3/4 cups for final mixture)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue, aiming to use organic lemons to avoid pesticide exposure.
2
Using a potato peeler, carefully peel the lemons, avoiding as much of the white pith as possible to ensure a balanced flavor profile. You should yield about 1 cup of lemon peels.
3
Set the peeled lemons aside; they can be used for juicing in other recipes.
4
In a mortar and pestle, combine the lemon peels with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Use the pestle to gently pound and rub the peels for about one minute, releasing the essential oils.
5
Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart glass jar or a sealed plastic container, and add the remaining 3 3/4 cups of extra virgin olive oil. Stir well to combine.
6
Allow the mixture to marinate at room temperature for four days, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
7
After the marinating period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the lemon peels. This will leave you with a clear, flavorful infused oil.
8
For safety and maximum taste, store the infused oil in the refrigerator. Use it within a few weeks for best results. Alternatively, pour into ice cube trays and freeze for quick thawing as needed.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
0g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
It is a flavorful culinary oil made by infusing high-quality extra virgin olive oil with the essential oils and zest of fresh lemons.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Jeff Smith's classic recipe from 'The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Italian'.
What are the best culinary uses for this infused oil?
It is perfect for drizzling over salads, tossing with pasta, or enhancing the flavor of grilled fish.
Why should I use organic lemons for this recipe?
Using organic lemons is recommended to avoid pesticide exposure, as the recipe relies heavily on the lemon peels.
How do I prepare the lemons before peeling?
You should wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
How much lemon peel is required?
You will need enough peels from approximately 6 large lemons to yield about 1 cup of peels.
Should I include the white pith when peeling the lemons?
No, you should avoid as much of the white pith as possible to ensure a balanced flavor profile and prevent bitterness.
What can I do with the lemons after they have been peeled?
The peeled lemons can be reserved and used for juicing in other recipes.
What is the purpose of using a mortar and pestle in this recipe?
The mortar and pestle are used to gently pound and rub the peels with a bit of oil to release their essential oils.
How long should I pound the lemon peels?
You should pound and rub the peels for about one minute.
How much olive oil is used for the initial infusion step?
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil is used for the initial pounding process with the peels.
What is the total amount of extra virgin olive oil needed?
The recipe requires a total of 4 cups of extra virgin olive oil.
In what type of container should I marinate the oil?
You should use a 2-quart glass jar or a sealed plastic container.
How long does the oil need to marinate?
The mixture should marinate at room temperature for four days.
At what temperature should the oil marinate?
The oil should marinate at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I remove the lemon peels after marination?
After four days, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
What should I do with the lemon peels after straining?
The lemon peels should be discarded after they have been strained out.
Where is the best place to store the finished oil?
For safety and maximum taste, the infused oil should be stored in the refrigerator.
How long will the oil stay fresh in the refrigerator?
It is best to use the infused oil within a few weeks for the best results.
Can I freeze the citrus-infused olive oil?
Yes, you can freeze the oil for extended use.
What is a convenient way to freeze the oil?
You can pour the oil into ice cube trays and freeze them for quick thawing as needed.
How many calories are in a serving of this oil?
There are approximately 125 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 14g of fat.
Does this oil contain any carbohydrates or protein?
No, this recipe contains 0g of carbohydrates and 0g of protein.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, this infusion is simple to prepare, yet it provides a profoundly rewarding gourmet flavor.
What is the primary flavor profile of this oil?
It has a vibrant, zesty brightness with a hint of sunshine from the organic lemons.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 2 main ingredients: large lemons and extra virgin olive oil.
Can this oil be used for Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is highly suitable for Italian-inspired dishes like pasta and grilled seafood.
Is it necessary to use a fine mesh strainer?
Yes, using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth ensures you have a clear, flavorful oil without debris.
Why is extra virgin olive oil specifically recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, premium base that complements the citrus notes perfectly for a gourmet result.