Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
Special equipment needed:
- Glass jar with lid
- Fine mesh strainer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the fresh thyme sprigs and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 180°F.
3. Add the thyme sprigs to the hot oil and let them infuse for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oil cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the thyme-infused oil into a glass jar and seal it with a lid.
6. Let the oil sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer to remove the thyme sprigs.
8. Transfer the thyme-infused olive oil to a clean glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Heat the olive oil to 180°F
Serving size:
- Makes 1 cup of thyme-infused olive oil
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme, but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons.
Variations:
- Add other herbs such as rosemary, basil, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Use different types of oil such as grapeseed or avocado oil.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Store the thyme-infused olive oil in a dark glass bottle to prevent light from degrading the oil.
- Use the infused oil for salad dressings, marinades, or as a finishing oil for roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Storage instructions:
- Store the thyme-infused olive oil in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- There is no need to reheat the thyme-infused olive oil.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the thyme-infused olive oil in a small glass bottle with a pour spout.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a slice of lemon.
Pairings:
- Use the thyme-infused olive oil to dress a simple green salad or drizzle over roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the oil starts to smell rancid or off, discard it and make a fresh batch.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and equipment when making the thyme-infused olive oil to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Olive oil has been used for centuries in Mediterranean cuisine and is known for its health benefits.
Flavor profiles:
- The thyme-infused olive oil has a subtle herbaceous flavor with a hint of earthiness.
Serving suggestions:
- Use the thyme-infused olive oil as a finishing oil for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
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Taste: Herbaceous, Savory, Aromatic, Earthy, Tangy