Cooking4Infusions
Why not buy it? – Infused Olive Oil’s from the super market can be over priced and full of preservatives. There is way more satisfaction and show off value in making your own infused olive
Time consuming? – Infused oil is quick, simply and easy to do at home. (less than an 1 hour)
What type of oil to use? – Olive Oil carries flavours the best and the healthiest option. Try Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. Buy the best quality if you can.
What to add to the oil? – Popular are infusions with dried herbs, strong flavoured dried vegetables , spices and even some smoked foods. Feel free search online for some great additions.
The rule of thumb , the longer the infusion, the more intense the flavour.
Can it make you sick? -Be careful with moisture containing foods like fresh fruit and vegetables as it may change the consistency of the infusion and support bacterial growth. You can overcome this problem by refrigerating for a week, add strong vinegar or heat the mix for impending consumption.
For information on what to avoide, click here Click here to read more thanks to the Olive Press.com
Try also not to deep fry with infused oils due adverse burning and bad taste issues
Try something different? – Do be afraid to experiment, drop in your favourite flavours, keep the additives simple and refrigerate for a few days before serving.
Where is it used?- Salad dressing, dipping oil , drizzles and cooking oil bases are the most popular uses, it’s very much up to you.
Short cut? – Popular short cut when no time make an cheap infused oil? Try the oil jar of semi dried tomatoes as a great cooking base.
Recipe to try? Here is a simple yet scrumptious infusion for you to try. Garlic, Rosemary and Balsamic infusion
Step 1 – Heat up 1 cup of Extra virgin Olive Oil in a small saucepan (just below the smoking point) or place in the oven for 20 minutes at 150 degrees C.
Step 2 – Add 6 cloves/heads of Garlic, 1 sprig of garlic and a pinch of your favourite spices, keep at the same heat for another 20mins to start the infusion process (look at my earlier post on how to peel garlic quickly)
Step 3 – Oil and cloves of garlic to a small pot or ramekin, drizzle 5 table spoons of balsamic vinegar, let it race to the bottom carefully
Step 4 – Dip and enjoy.
This infusion is ideally used as super healthy entree or starter. Fantastic for the immune system.
Go now and infuse !