Tired of the same old cooking oils? Ready to elevate your everyday dishes with a burst of vibrant flavor? Then look no further! This chilli infused olive oil recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the results are simply stunning. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, adding a kick to roasted vegetables, or even enhancing your favorite pasta dishes. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this quick and easy recipe. This recipe delivers delicious dishes and is a great addition to your healthy meals repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (choose a good quality oil for the best flavor)
- 1-2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for added herbal notes)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Carefully wash and slice the chillies. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or leave them in for an extra kick. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. If using, prepare the rosemary sprig.
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Infuse the Oil: In a clean, dry jar, combine the sliced chillies, garlic, and rosemary (if using). Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged.
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Steep the Oil: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will become. Give the jar a gentle shake every few days to distribute the flavors evenly. For a milder infusion, you can reduce the steeping time to a week.
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Strain the Oil (Optional): After the steeping period, you can strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the chillies, garlic, and rosemary. This step is optional, but it will result in a cleaner, less chunky oil. If you prefer a bit of texture, you can skip this step.
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Store and Enjoy: Once strained (or not!), transfer the chilli infused olive oil to a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Store it in a cool, dark place. Your homemade chilli infused olive oil will keep for several months.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
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Spice Level: Adjust the number of chillies to control the spiciness. Start with one chilli and add more to your preference. You can also experiment with different types of chillies for varying levels of heat and flavor.
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Oil Quality: Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the best flavor and aroma.
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Safety First: Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling chillies, as the capsaicin can irritate your skin.
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Creative Uses: Use this chilli-infused olive oil for more than just salads. It's wonderful drizzled over grilled meats, fish, or added to sauces and marinades. It also enhances the flavor of soups and stews.
Variations:
- Lemon Chilli Infused Oil: Add slices of lemon along with the chillies and garlic for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Garlic Chilli Infused Oil: Increase the amount of garlic for a more pungent flavor.
- Herb Infused Oil: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon, approximate):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
This chilli infused olive oil recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It's a quick and easy way to add a sophisticated touch to your cooking, turning everyday meals into delicious feasts. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile oil and discovering your favorite ways to use it. This simple recipe is a perfect addition to your easy recipes collection. It's ideal for busy weeknights and offers a healthy option for quick dinner ideas. Making your own food recipes is not only satisfying but also allows you to control the ingredients and create best recipes tailored to your taste.