| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 160 | 18g | 3g | 1g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
As someone with a passionate love of food and a preference for unique flavours, the Costmary and Garlic Infused Olive Oil has quickly become one of my absolute favourites. Drawing on the subtle complexities of Louisiana’s Creole culture and the chic simplicity of my French heritage, this recipe is an intoxicating blend of elegance and richness which I find utterly captivating. The image below perfectly captures the essence of this recipe.
Subtle Sophistication With A Healthy Twist
The Costmary and Garlic Infused Olive Oil offers a unique balance of flavor profiles that dance on the palate, with the rustic charm of garlic juxtaposed against the subtly sweet and mint-like tones of costmary. The combination brings forth a harmonious balance that not only adds depth and character to any dish, but also delivers significant health benefits. The olive oil is loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats, which are associated with reduced risk of heart disease, while garlic comes with its own share of benefits like boosting the immune system and regulation of blood pressure.
Moreover, the lemon zest gives it a bright, citrus lift and the costmary (aka Bible Leaf), although less-known, brings an intriguing mint-like, balsamic taste that is similar to a blend of spearmint and tarragon. Used in medieval times for various ailments, costmary leaves are antioxidant-rich and have potential anti-inflammatory properties.
A Versatile Symphony of Flavors
You’ll find this exquisite infused oil to be tremendously versatile. It can elevate a humble loaf of bread into a gourmet delight or transform a simple vinaigrette into a celestial dressing. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it to sauté shrimp, the garlic and costmary flavors play well with other ingredients, complementing rather than overwhelming.
But why stop there? It could be used to add an extra layer of flavour to pasta, pizza bases, or even risottos. This oil has a Mediterranean feel, giving a nod to the kitchen of Italy, Spain, Greece, and of course, France in a rich tangy and slightly bitter symphony of flavors. Detailed observations of these distinct but complimentary flavors can be found in this article about flavored olive oils.
In an age of culinary exploration and health-conscious choices, the Costmary and Garlic Infused Olive Oil is a celebration of bold and nuanced flavors. Crafting it at home not only allows you to control the quality of ingredients but also gives you the freedom to manipulate the recipe according to your taste. Savory, subtly sweet, tangy, and bursting with character, this infused oil embodies all that I am, and all that I love about the magic of the culinary arts.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 4 large costmary leaves
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 appropriate bottle or jar for storage
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the costmary leaves thoroughly. Next, allow them to dry completely. This can be achieved by laying them out on a clean dish towel and patting them gently. The leaves must be completely dry to avoid any water contaminating the oil.
Step Two
Take your clean and appropriate bottle or jar for storage and place the 4 large costmary leaves, 2 peeled and crushed garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest into it.
Step Three
Pour the 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients in the jar. Ensure that all ingredients are completely submerged in the oil. If necessary, add a little more olive oil.
Step Four
After securing the lid tightly on the jar, give it a gentle shake to mix everything together. Then, set the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. This allows the flavours to infuse into the oil.
Step Five
After the 2 week period, you can start using your costmary and garlic infused olive oil! Just remember to give the jar a gentle shake before using to mix all the flavours together.
