If you're a fan of spice and want to add a little kick to your recipes, then you should definitely try making your own spicy olive oil at home. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also a great way to infuse your favorite dishes with a burst of flavor. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making spicy olive oil from scratch.
Ingredients
To make spicy olive oil, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1-2 dried red chili peppers
2 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing the ingredients. Crush the garlic cloves and remove the seeds from the dried chili peppers. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid getting any chili oil on your hands.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan or skillet. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns golden brown.
Step 3: Infuse the Oil
Once the garlic is golden brown, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a glass jar or bottle and let it sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours, or up to a week.
Step 4: Strain and Store
After the oil has infused for at least 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the solids and transfer the oil to a clean jar or bottle. Store the spicy olive oil in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Spicy olive oil is a healthy and flavorful addition to any dish. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for 1 tablespoon of spicy olive oil:
Calories: 120
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1g
Monounsaturated fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total carbohydrates: 0g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 0g
Uses for Spicy Olive Oil
Spicy olive oil can be used in a variety of dishes to add a kick of heat and flavor. Here are some ideas for how to use your homemade spicy olive oil:
Pasta
Drizzle spicy olive oil over pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio, penne arrabbiata, or cacio e pepe for an extra burst of flavor.
Pizza
Use spicy olive oil as a pizza sauce or drizzle it over your favorite pizza toppings for a spicy twist.
Meats
Use spicy olive oil as a marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or steak. Or simply drizzle it over grilled meats for an extra kick of flavor.
Vegetables
Drizzle spicy olive oil over roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a spicy side dish.
Bread
Use spicy olive oil as a dipping sauce for bread, or brush it over homemade garlic bread for a spicy twist.
Conclusion
Making your own spicy olive oil is a simple and easy way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have a delicious and healthy condiment that will impress your guests and elevate your cooking game. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious homemade spicy olive oil can be?
