Homemade infused oil is the laziest way to make vegetarian food taste expensive: warm olive or neutral oil with one well-chosen flavoring — herbs, whole spices, crushed garlic, or ginger and shallots — until the oil carries their perfume. Twenty minutes, then it's a finishing drizzle for everything.
Unlock a World of Flavor with Homemade Infused Oil!
There’s a little secret to making simple vegetarian dishes taste extraordinary, and it’s all about the finishing touches. This homemade infused oil is my go-to trick! It’s incredibly easy to make and transforms everything from roasted veggies to a simple bowl of pasta into a gourmet experience. Forget store-bought versions; creating your own allows you to customize the flavors perfectly to your taste. Whether you’re a fan of robust rosemary, zesty garlic, or warm, exotic spices, this recipe is your canvas. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
• MAKES: ½ cup / 120 mlTIME: 20 minutes, plus cooling
• ½ cup / 120 ml (4.1 fl oz) Extra virgin olive oil or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
• Pinch of saltChoose ONE of the following flavoring options:Herbs
• ¼ cup / 15 g (0.53 oz) Washed and thoroughly dried fresh herb leaves: rosemary, thyme, tarragon, marjoram, oregano (or 1-2 dried bay leaves)Spices
• 1 tbsp / 15 g (0.53 oz) Whole spices: star anise, peppercorns, cloves, allspice, dried chilesAromatics
• 2 Garlic cloves, lightly crushed
• 2 tbsp / 30 g (1.06 oz) Ginger slices, roughly chopped shallots, or scallions
Instructions
1. Combine the oil, salt, and your chosen flavoring (herbs, spices, or aromatics) in a small saucepan.2. Place the pan over low heat. Warm the mixture gently until it just begins to sizzle. Do not let it boil or smoke.3. Continue to cook over low heat for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the to gently toast and the oil to become very fragrant.4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oil cool completely to room temperature.5. Strain the cooled oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, dry bottle or airtight container.6. Seal and store in the refrigerator. For best flavor and safety, use within one week.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 tablespoonCalories: 120Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 0gProtein: 0g (0 oz)( is an estimate and varies based on used.)
Pro Tips
• If your finished oil’s flavor is too strong, simply dilute it by stirring in a little more fresh, unflavored oil.
• It is crucial that fresh herbs are completely dry before you add them to the oil. Any moisture can cause dangerous splattering and will make the oil spoil much faster.
• For a more intense flavor from whole spices like peppercorns or cloves, give them a quick, gentle crush with the flat side of a knife before adding them to the pan.
• Use this oil as a finishing drizzle over soups, pizza, and roasted vegetables, or mix it with balsamic vinegar for a simple, delicious bread dip.
FAQ
Q: What are the best vegetarian dishes to use this infused oil with
A: This infused oil is incredibly versatile for vegetarian cooking. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, toss it with pasta, use it as a base for a salad dressing, or serve it as a dip for crusty bread. It’s also fantastic for finishing soups and grain bowls.
Q: How can I safely store homemade infused oil
A: For maximum safety, it is essential to strain out all solid ingredients like herbs or garlic after cooling. Store the finished oil in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within one week to prevent the risk of bacterial growth.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil for this recipe
A: Absolutely. While extra virgin olive oil adds a robust flavor, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like grapeseed, sunflower, or avocado oil. A neutral oil will allow the flavors of your chosen herbs and spices to be more prominent.
Q: Is this infused oil recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan. All the base ingredients—oil, salt, herbs, spices, and aromatics—are plant-based, making it a perfect flavor enhancer for any vegan or vegetarian dish.
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Homemade Infused Oil for Vegetarian Dishes
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the oil, salt, and your chosen flavoring (herbs, spices, or aromatics) in a small saucepan. 2.
- Place the pan over low heat.
- Warm the mixture gently until it just begins to sizzle.
- Do not let it boil or smoke. 3.
- Continue to cook over low heat for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the to gently toast and the oil to become very fragrant. 4.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oil cool completely to room temperature. 5.
- Strain the cooled oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, dry bottle or airtight container. 6. Seal and store in the refrigerator. For best flavor and safety, use within one week.
