Lemon-Garlic Herb-Infused Olive Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with this Lemon-Garlic Herb-Infused Olive Oil, inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. This delightful oil combines the vibrant zest of lemon with the aromatic charm of fresh herbs and garlic, providing a robust flavor that enhances everything from salads to grilled meats, seafood, and roasted vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll have a versatile condiment that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. Use it to sauté, drizzle over dishes, or as a dipping oil for bread—once you try it, you'll want to add a splash to everything!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (measured)
Canola oil
1/2 cup (measured)
Fresh garlic cloves
6 (peeled and smashed)
Fresh thyme
1/2 bunch (whole, washed)
Fresh bay leaves
2 (whole)
Lemon zest
1 (zest only, no white part)
Fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Dried red pepper flakes
1 pinch (whole)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the extra virgin olive oil and canola oil.
2
Add the smashed garlic, fresh thyme, bay leaves, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, and dried red pepper flakes to the oils.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to help release the flavors.
4
Once boiled, remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to sit on the warm burner for about 1 hour. This will help the oil infuse with all the aromatic elements.
5
After one hour, strain the infused oil through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container, discarding the solid ingredients. Note that the oil may appear cloudy, which is normal due to the infusion process.
6
Pour the strained oil into a tightly sealed dark-colored glass bottle to preserve its flavor and aroma. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Garlic Herb-Infused Olive Oil?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired oil infused with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for enhancing various dishes.
What are the main flavor profiles of this recipe?
The oil features a robust flavor profile combining vibrant lemon zest with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs.
What types of oil are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 cup canola oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 6 fresh garlic cloves for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be peeled and smashed before being added to the oil.
Which fresh herbs are included in the infusion?
The infusion includes fresh thyme, fresh bay leaves, and fresh rosemary.
How much rosemary should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
How is the thyme prepared for this recipe?
Use 1/2 bunch of whole, washed fresh thyme.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 whole fresh bay leaves.
What is the correct way to zest the lemon?
Zest one lemon, making sure to only use the yellow part and avoiding the bitter white pith.
Is there any heat or spice in this oil?
Yes, a pinch of dried red pepper flakes is added for a hint of warmth.
How do I begin the infusion process?
Combine the oils and all aromatics in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Should I boil the oil?
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to release the flavors.
How long does the oil need to sit after heating?
Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and let it sit on the warm burner for about 1 hour.
What happens during the one-hour resting period?
This rest period allows the oil to fully infuse with the aromatic elements of the garlic, herbs, and lemon.
How do I remove the solids from the oil?
Strain the infused oil through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container and discard the solids.
Why does my infused oil look cloudy?
Cloudiness is a normal result of the infusion process with fresh ingredients and does not affect the quality.
What is the best container for storing the oil?
A tightly sealed dark-colored glass bottle is best to preserve the flavor and aroma.
Where should I store the finished oil?
Store the oil at room temperature, making sure it is kept away from direct sunlight.
Can I use this oil for salads?
Yes, it is excellent as a dressing or drizzle for fresh salads.
Is this oil suitable for grilled meats?
Absolutely, it provides a robust flavor that enhances grilled meats and seafood.
Can I use this for roasted vegetables?
Yes, drizzling this oil over roasted vegetables transforms them into an extraordinary side dish.
Can I use it as a dipping oil?
Yes, it is perfect as a flavorful dipping oil for fresh bread.
Can I use this oil for sautéing?
Yes, the oil is versatile enough to be used for sautéing various ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 8 simple ingredients.
How long does the active preparation take?
The recipe is categorized under '< 15 Mins' for active preparation.
What is the main culinary inspiration for this oil?
The flavors are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Why is a dark-colored bottle recommended?
Dark glass helps protect the oil from light, which can degrade the flavor and aroma over time.
Is it okay to use dried herbs if I don't have fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh herbs and garlic to achieve the best Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.