Citrus Marjoram Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this fragrant Citrus Marjoram Infused Olive Oil, a perfect accompaniment to grilled seafood and shellfish, particularly sumptuous lobster. The zesty brightness of fresh lemons and the aromatic essence of marjoram combine beautifully with the richness of extra virgin olive oil, creating a luxurious drizzle that enhances any dish. This infusion can be used immediately for a burst of flavor or stored for future use. Whether you use store-bought limoncello or whip up a homemade batch using my Limoncello recipe, this oil is visually appealing in a decorative bottle and makes a fantastic gift for any food lover!
N/A
Servings
112.5
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (None)
lemons
3 (Juice and zest)
fresh marjoram
1 bunch (Tied at the stem)
limoncello
3 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by tying the stems of the fresh marjoram together tightly with a piece of string, ensuring it remains intact during the infusion process.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a near-boil. Be careful not to let it boil fully, as you want to preserve the flavors.
3
Once heated, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture into a heatproof bowl.
4
Immediately add the tied marjoram sprigs and limoncello to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and allow the mixture to steep for about 1 hour, like brewing tea. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. If gifting, place a few marjoram sprigs into the bottom of a decorative jar.
6
Using a funnel, carefully pour the warm strained oil and limoncello mixture into the jar, making sure to capture any remaining essence. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place, or gift it to someone special!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
0.375g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Marjoram Infused Olive Oil?
It is a fragrant culinary oil made by infusing extra virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, marjoram, and a touch of limoncello.
What are the best food pairings for this infused oil?
This oil is a perfect accompaniment to grilled seafood and shellfish, and it is particularly sumptuous when drizzled over lobster.
How many calories are in a serving of this oil?
There are approximately 112.5 calories per serving of this infused olive oil.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and richness.
Do I need to use fresh or dried marjoram?
This recipe requires one bunch of fresh marjoram, tied at the stem, to achieve the proper aromatic essence.
What is the role of limoncello in this recipe?
Limoncello adds a concentrated citrus sweetness and depth that complements the fresh lemon and herbal notes of the oil.
Can I use homemade limoncello?
Yes, you can use either store-bought limoncello or a homemade batch to make this infusion.
How should I prepare the lemons?
You should use 3 lemons, extracting both the juice and the zest for the infusion process.
Why do I need to tie the marjoram stems together?
Tying the stems ensures the bunch remains intact during the infusion and makes it easier to remove or manage during the process.
Should I boil the oil mixture?
No, you should bring the mixture to a near-boil over medium heat but avoid a full boil to preserve the delicate flavors.
How long does the infusion take to steep?
The mixture should steep for about 1 hour, similar to brewing tea, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How do I remove the solids from the oil?
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the marjoram and zest.
Can this infused oil be given as a gift?
Absolutely! It is visually appealing in a decorative bottle and makes a fantastic gift for food lovers.
How should I store the finished oil?
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness and flavor profile.
Can I use this oil immediately after making it?
Yes, the oil can be used immediately for a burst of flavor or stored for later use.
What is the total fat content?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5g of fat.
Are there any carbohydrates in this infusion?
Yes, there is a very small amount of carbohydrates, approximately 0.375g per serving.
Does this oil contain any protein?
No, this Citrus Marjoram Infused Olive Oil contains 0g of protein.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lemons, fresh marjoram, and limoncello.
Can I put marjoram sprigs in the gift jar?
Yes, placing a few fresh marjoram sprigs at the bottom of a decorative jar before adding the oil enhances its visual appeal for gifting.
Is this oil suitable for a keto diet?
With high fat and negligible carbohydrates, it is generally suitable for those following keto-friendly culinary practices.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
While designed for seafood, its lemon and marjoram profile makes it an excellent base for a zesty lemon dressing.
What equipment do I need to strain the oil?
You will need a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure all solids are properly removed.
How much limoncello is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of limoncello.
What is the primary flavor profile of this oil?
The flavor profile is a combination of zesty citrus brightness and aromatic herbal essence from the marjoram.
Does the recipe contain any sodium?
The nutritional data indicates no significant sodium content.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this infused olive oil is cholesterol-free.
How do I transfer the oil into a decorative jar?
It is recommended to use a funnel to carefully pour the warm strained oil into your chosen container.
What type of heat should I use to warm the oil?
The oil mixture should be heated over medium heat in a small saucepan.
Should the bowl be covered during steeping?
Yes, you should cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap during the 1-hour steeping period to trap the aromatics.