Garlic Scented Infused Oil

The first time I made this garlic-infused oil, the warm, inviting scent filled my kitchen and instantly brought back memories of my grandma's Mediterranean cooking. It's such a simple way to add deep, savory flavor that feels like a little secret between friends.

I remember when unexpected guests showed up and all I had was this infused oil and some bread; it instantly turned into an impromptu feast that everyone raved about.

Ingredients

• Garlic cloves: Using thinly sliced garlic really lets the oil soak up all the savory goodness without overpowering
• Extra virgin olive oil: I always reach for a fruity, fresh bottle because it makes all the difference in flavor
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note if you're feeling fancy
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives the oil a subtle kick perfect for drizzling

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Gather your garlic, oil, and any optional herbs. Having everything measured and sliced makes the process smooth from start to finish.

Gentle Simmering:

Warm the olive oil and garlic over low heat. You'll notice a gentle sizzling sound and the kitchen fills with a sweet, garlicky aroma. Be careful not to brown the garlic or the flavor changes.

Add the Twist:

Drop in fresh rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes in the final minutes to infuse more layers of fragrance and flavor.

Cool and Strain:

Remove from heat and let the oil cool just enough to strain it. Watch how clear and golden it looks as it passes through your sieve.

Store and Enjoy:

Pour into a clean jar and refrigerate. The oil thickens a bit when cool but warms quickly again with a stir.

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Sharing this oil during family dinners turned what was a simple drizzle into an act of love and celebration, reminding me how small details make meals memorable.

Keeping It Fresh

Always store the infused oil in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and avoid any off smells or cloudiness. Typically, it keeps beautifully for up to one week.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love drizzling this garlic oil over roasted vegetables or stirring it into warm pasta for an effortless flavor boost. It's also amazing when used as a dip for crusty bread.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, when unexpected guests arrived and the fridge was quite bare, this infused oil instantly transformed stale bread and simple veggies into a comforting, impressive spread.

• Don't hesitate to double the recipe if you use it often—it keeps your kitchen ready for any craving
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the oil before storing for an extra flavor pop
• Use the reserved garlic slices in sautéed greens or scrambled eggs to avoid waste

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Thanks for hanging out and chatting about this simple recipe that brings so much warmth. Can't wait to hear what you create with your garlic oil!

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the garlic infused oil prepared?

Sliced garlic is gently cooked in olive oil over low heat until golden and fragrant, avoiding browning, then optionally enhanced with herbs or pepper flakes before straining.

→ What dishes work best with garlic infused oil?

It complements roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, freshly baked bread, and serves as a flavorful base for salad dressings and marinades.

→ Can I use whole garlic cloves instead of sliced?

Yes, whole garlic cloves create a milder infusion, lending subtle flavor without overpowering the oil.

→ How should the infused oil be stored?

Store the infused oil in a heatproof jar in the refrigerator and use it within one week to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.

→ Are there options to alter the flavor profile?

Adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes during the last minutes of cooking provides additional aroma and subtle heat.