Imagine drizzling a golden, vibrant oil that captures the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic herbs across your favorite dishes. This Italian-inspired Infused Tomato Oil is not just a condiment, but a culinary magic potion that can elevate everything from salads and pastas to grilled vegetables and crusty breads. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a gourmet ingredient that will make your home cooking taste like it came straight from a Mediterranean kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the ripe tomatoes thoroughly, then chop them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Crush the garlic cloves using the flat side of a chef's knife, releasing their aromatic oils and enhancing the infusion's depth of flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the olive oil, chopped tomatoes, crushed garlic, and dried oregano. Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed.
- Place the saucepan over low heat, maintaining a gentle temperature to prevent burning and allow flavors to slowly merge.
- Simmer the mixture for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely, allowing the ingredients to continue releasing their flavors into the oil.
- Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract maximum flavor while removing solids.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning carefully to complement the infused oil's natural flavors.
- Transfer the strained infused tomato oil to a clean, sterilized glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store in a cool, dark place and use within 1 week for optimal flavor and freshness.
Tips
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes possible for maximum flavor intensity.
- Keep the heat consistently low to prevent burning and preserve the delicate flavors.
- Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil as your base for the best results.
- Make sure all equipment is completely dry to prevent any potential bacterial growth.
- For a smoother infusion, consider removing tomato seeds before chopping.
- If you want a more intense tomato flavor, you can slightly roast the tomatoes before infusing.
- Always strain the oil thoroughly to ensure a clear, smooth final product.
- Store in a cool, dark place and use within a week for optimal taste and freshness.
- Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme for unique flavor variations.
- Use a clean, sterilized glass container with an airtight lid for storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
