Zesty Lemon Basil Infused Oil
Bringing the vibrant flavors of summer to your kitchen, this Zesty Lemon Basil Infused Oil is a delightful blend of fresh basil and zesty lemon. Perfect for enhancing salads, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or serving with warm crusty bread for dipping, this infused oil makes an ideal gift for food lovers. Made with simple ingredients from your garden, it's a fragrant addition to any dish, offering a burst of freshness that will elevate your meals. With a shelf life of up to one month in the refrigerator, this oil is not only delicious but also practical for your culinary adventures.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon Zest
2 tablespoons (Finely grated)
Fresh Basil Leaves
15 leaves (Whole)
Canola Oil or Olive Oil
1 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a glass measuring cup, combine the lemon zest and fresh basil leaves.
2
Pour the canola oil or olive oil over the lemon zest and basil, ensuring they are fully immersed.
3
Place the glass measuring cup on a pie plate in the center of a preheated oven set to 300°F (150°C).
4
Allow the oil to infuse for 1 hour and 40 minutes, monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer. The ideal temperature is around 250°F (120°C).
5
Once the infusion is complete, carefully remove the measuring cup from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
6
Prepare a small strainer lined with a moistened coffee filter to catch the bits of zest and basil.
7
Strain the infused oil into a hot, clean glass container, discarding the solids left in the filter.
8
Seal the container and store the infused oil in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Basil Infused Oil?
It is a vibrant blend of fresh basil and zesty lemon infused in oil, perfect for enhancing various dishes with a burst of freshness.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The ingredients include 2 tablespoons of finely grated lemon zest, 15 whole fresh basil leaves, and 1 cup of canola or olive oil.
How much lemon zest is required?
You need 2 tablespoons of finely grated lemon zest.
How many basil leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 15 whole fresh basil leaves.
What type of oil is recommended for infusion?
You can use either canola oil or olive oil for this recipe.
How should the lemon zest be prepared?
The lemon zest should be finely grated.
Do I need to chop the basil leaves?
No, the instructions specify using whole fresh basil leaves.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the lemon zest and fresh basil leaves in a glass measuring cup.
How is the oil heated for infusion?
The oil is poured over the ingredients in a glass measuring cup and placed in a preheated oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Set the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
How long does the oil infuse in the oven?
The oil should infuse for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
What is the ideal internal temperature for the oil?
The ideal temperature for the oil during infusion is around 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
How do I monitor the oil temperature?
You should use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature during the process.
What should I do after the infusion time is complete?
Carefully remove the measuring cup from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
How is the infused oil strained?
Strain the oil through a small strainer lined with a moistened coffee filter.
Why use a moistened coffee filter for straining?
A moistened coffee filter helps catch bits of zest and basil while allowing the oil to flow through cleanly.
What should I do with the solids left in the filter?
The solids left in the filter after straining should be discarded.
Where should the finished oil be stored?
Store the infused oil in a hot, clean glass container in the refrigerator.
How long will the infused oil last?
The oil has a shelf life of up to one month when stored in the refrigerator.
Is room temperature storage recommended?
No, the instructions recommend storing the oil in the refrigerator for safety and freshness.
What are common uses for this oil?
It is perfect for salads, drizzling over grilled vegetables, or serving with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Is this oil suitable as a gift?
Yes, it makes an ideal homemade gift for food lovers.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
Is the oil fragrant?
Yes, it is described as a fragrant addition to any dish, bringing the vibrant flavors of summer to your kitchen.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings.
Can I use garden-fresh ingredients?
Yes, the recipe is designed to use simple ingredients from your garden like fresh basil.
What equipment is needed for the heating phase?
You will need a glass measuring cup and a pie plate.
Should the oil be sealed?
Yes, the container should be sealed before placing it in the refrigerator.
Does the oil provide a strong flavor?
Yes, it offers a burst of freshness that will elevate your meals.
Is the infusion process easy?
Yes, it involves a simple oven-based method that is both delicious and practical for culinary use.