How to Make Flavored Oils

Because herbs and spices are fat soluble, oil makes the perfect carrier for flavor. Not only does oil help to create a delicious burst of flavor in your favorite recipes, oil takes on the brilliant colors of your chosen herbs and spices, creating a dramatic and beautiful presentation on the plate. With just a few simple steps, you can begin to create your own flavored oils.

Things You'll Need

• Blender or food processor
• Fresh herbs
• Spices (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fine strainer or coffee filter
• Spoon
• Glass jar or bottle with tight fitting lid
• Extras (garlic cloves, hot peppers, whole herb leaves, etc.)

Instructions

1. Fill a blender or food processor with a couple of cups of your chosen herbs. You can make your flavored oil from one type of herb, or try a combination of two or three. If desired, add a tablespoon of your favorite spices as well, adding more or less according to your desired flavor. Spices are a great way to add color, for instance, paprika or cayenne will turn your oil red while cumin or curry will give it a yellow tint.

2. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the food processor or blender and mix until the herbs are finely chopped.

3. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer or coffee filter into a separate container. Use the back of a spoon to press the remaining oil from the herbs and spices. Strain once more as you pour your flavor oil into a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid.

4. Make your flavored oil a presentation by adding whole garlic cloves, hot peppers or herb leaves to your oil bottle. Store your oil in the refrigerator and enjoy.

Resources

• List of herbs and spices to make flavored oils