Here’s a simple way to make Flavored Olive Oil with your choice of herbs or garlic. These infused oils make excellent gifts, perfect for dipping, drizzling over salads, or adding flavor to cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, basil, or oregano) or garlic cloves
- You can also use dried chili peppers, lemon zest, or a combination of herbs for variety.
Materials Needed:
- Small decorative glass bottle with a tight seal (8–16 oz)
- Funnel for easy pouring
- Spoon or chopstick for mixing
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, if you want to strain the oil after infusion)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Herbs or Garlic
- For herbs: Wash and completely dry them. (Water in the oil can cause spoilage, so ensure they’re completely dry.)
- For garlic: Peel and slightly crush the garlic cloves to release more flavor.
- Warm the Olive Oil (Optional)
For a quicker infusion, warm the olive oil gently over low heat until slightly warm. (Do not boil or simmer; just warm.) This helps release the flavors faster. - Combine Ingredients
Place your prepared herbs or garlic into the decorative bottle. Pour the olive oil into the bottle using the funnel. You may add additional ingredients, like chili flakes or lemon zest, for more complex flavors. - Infuse the Oil
Seal the bottle tightly and let it sit at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 1–2 weeks. This allows the flavors to infuse into the oil. - Strain the Oil (Optional)
After infusing, you can strain out the herbs or garlic if desired. This can extend the shelf life by reducing the risk of spoilage. - Seal and Decorate
Cap the bottle tightly and label it with the flavor and date made. Decorate with a ribbon or tag to make it gift-ready!
Flavored Olive Oil Ideas:
- Garlic & Rosemary: Great for bread dipping and roasted vegetables.
- Lemon & Thyme: Perfect for salads, seafood, and chicken.
- Chili Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to pasta, pizza, or marinades.
- Basil & Oregano: Ideal for Italian dishes and dressings.
Storage
- Store in a cool, dark place. Use within 1–2 months for the best flavor.
These infused oils add gourmet flair to any dish and make thoughtful homemade gifts. Enjoy experimenting with your flavors!