Vibrant Spiced Olive Oil (Printable)
Aromatic spiced olive oil infused with warm spices, ideal for enhancing grilled dishes and vegetables.
# Ingredient List:
→ Base Oil
01 - 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
→ Spices & Aromatics
02 - 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
03 - 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds
04 - 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
07 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)
# Steps:
01 - In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, toast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
02 - Add extra virgin olive oil, garlic slices, cinnamon stick, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to the saucepan.
03 - Reduce heat to low and gently infuse the oil for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent garlic from burning.
04 - Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean, airtight glass container, discarding solids.
05 - Refrigerate the oil for up to two weeks and bring to room temperature before use.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It takes less than 15 minutes but tastes like you spent hours hunting for the perfect condiment.
- One bottle elevates everything from bread to grilled vegetables without any complicated techniques.
- It's vegan and gluten-free, making it the kind of gift that actually gets used and appreciated.
02 -
- Don't let the garlic brown; it will turn bitter and ruin the whole thing—low heat is non-negotiable here.
- The oil will thicken slightly in the fridge from the olive oil's natural properties, but it loosens immediately at room temperature.
- Taste a tiny spoonful once it cools to check your heat level; you can always make the next batch spicier or milder based on what you learn.
03 -
- If you're making this for gifting, strain it completely and add a fresh cinnamon stick or a few pretty peppercorns to the bottle for visual appeal—people eat with their eyes first.
- Keep a small dark glass bottle in your pantry for daily use and reserve the prettier bottles for giving away; infused oils are some of the most meaningful gifts a cook can offer.