Flavored oils add a whole new dimension to every dish, perfect for seasoning meats, fish, salads, and risottos. It only takes a few steps to turn an excellent European extra virgin olive oil into a fragrant and versatile elixir.
European olive oil has the unique quality of keeping its fresh and typical flavors while adapting and transforming. Let’s see how to prepare delicious flavored oils at home.
It doesn't matter which aromas you add to the oil, the process is rather simple: let your senses guide you.
The recipe on the Italian website "Gustossimo" suggests washing a citrus fruit well, drying it and removing the peel. Once removed, cut into very small pieces, making sure to completely remove the white and spongy part, because of its bitterness. Then pour the oil into a closed container (preferably dark glass) and add the zest. Let macerate for 3 to 4 days and it’s ready to be used.
This fragrant oil is particularly recommended to season meat and fish based dishes but also fruit salads: it will add flavor and enrich every dish with all the magnificent antioxidant properties of the fruit and the olive oil.
For spicier dishes, flavored turmeric oil is a more suitable option:
To make it you need 500 ml of extra virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons of turmeric powder. Simply pour the oil into a dark glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and stir in the turmeric. Close and let macerate for one week. Every day shake the jar and on the eighth day decant into a bottle.
The cooking Italian website "Giallo Zafferano" recommends using a few drops for your daily face and body skincare routine as it nourishes and stimulates circulation.
Another tip shared on the website reveals how to make other herb-flavored oils in no time.
All that is needed for each recipe is 100 grams of European extra virgin olive oil. Firstly, the oil should be gently warmed on the stove. Once warm turn off the flame and while the oil is still moderately hot, place the herbs in for two hours. Finally, strain everything and store in the refrigerator (use within two weeks).
For pasta, use parsley, basil, thyme and garlic; for vegetables, use mint, thyme and garlic; for meats, use rosemary, thyme and garlic and fennel oregano and garlic on fish.
Enjoy!
22 June 2022
