Infusing/spicing/herbing olive oil....?!
Infusing/spicing/herbing olive oil....?
Has anyone done this? How long does it take? I'm having a party and would like some herbed olive oil to dip bread in but I don't know where to begin, how much, etc....or if there is a good one that I can get off the shelf....
Answers:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Balsamic vinegar
Pinch red pepper flakes
Pinch salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Hot crusty loaf Italian or French bread, sliced
To make the garlic oil, in a small saucepan, gently heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it is fragrant but not colored, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Cover and let steep for 1 hour. Strain into a sterilized bottle or jar and discard the garlic. Use within 24 hours. (Or store in a sterilized container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.)
To make the dipping sauce, place the oil at room temperature in a shallow bowl or decorative plate. Swirl a drizzle of balsamic decoratively into the center. Sprinkle with the pepper flakes, salt, and ground black pepper, and top with a light coating of cheese.
Serve as a dip for hot bread.
Source(s):
foodnetwork.com