Garlic Infused Olive Oil is a condiment with a great deal of versatility. Used widely in many dishes by both home cooks and chefs alike, it is the perfect addition to any dish, are sure to provide a fantastic pop, in terms of flavour. Given the diverse range of usage in the common kitchen, we have prepared the ultimate guide to garlic infused olive oil, particularly for those who are looking to use the oil for the first time and need a little more information.
What is garlic infused olive oil?
Garlic infused olive oil is generally made through either steam distillation of fresh garlic cloves or when garlic cloves are left to soak in olive oil long enough to achieve a harmonious blend of olive oil with a hint of garlic flavour. By leaving the cloves to soak, the garlic flavour, and the active components are “leached” into the oil, and the cloves are then later removed, leaving behind an aromatic flavoursome oil. Garlic infused olive oil has a wonderful subtle garlic aroma, and this is transferred directly to the taste buds, creating an intense burst of flavour. Generally speaking, it has a wonderful subtle nutty garlic flavour to any dish it is added to.Are there any health benefits?
As garlic is one of the healthiest things you can add to your diet, garlic infused olive oil has an amazing array of uses and benefits, making it a great versatile staple item to have in your kitchen. Garlic has properties which aid in the decrease in the frequency of contracting common coughs and colds, but also has other health benefits which include:- Boosting your immunity. Studies have shown that the regular inclusion of garlic into your diet helps to boost your immune function due to, amongst other things, the number of antioxidants contained within it.
- There is research that suggests a regular intake of garlic may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels which can then, in turn, assist in heart health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties which can assist in reducing inflammation throughout your body
How do I best use garlic infused olive oil in my cooking?
Using garlic infused in olive oil in your cooking knows no boundary. It can be used across such a vast variety of food dishes that your imagination is the limit. By substituting butter with the garlic infused olive oil when basting or sauteing any meats or vegetables, it adds a wonderful subtle nutty flavour, with an underlying hint of garlic to the dish. This is perfect for when roasting means and vegetables – it will have your audience asking for your secret to enhancing the natural flavours of the dish with that subtle underlying nutty flavour. Garlic infused olive oil can be used for basting and sautéing, roasting, grilling, drizzling over steamed broccoli and cauliflower or pasta, marinating meats and tofu. By using a drizzle of the infused garlic oil to your roast lamb or chicken, adds a wonderful subtle underlying flavour of garlic, slightly nutty, which is not overpowering but enhances the flavour of any dish it is used in. It is perfect for making your own vinaigrette with vinegar, spices and your garlic infused olive oil, blended to make a delicious vinaigrette for salad that is full of flavour and only takes minutes to put together. Not to mention it is packed with antioxidants, which makes using the garlic infused olive oil basically self-care. If you are looking for a quick, healthy, and tasty meal to cook for your family, it is made quick and easy with this kitchen staple. Cook your pasta al denté, drizzle garlic infused olive oil over the pasta and mix in some pesto, makes a delightful, flavoursome dish that was quick, easy, and healthy – perfect for those busy nights! Garlic infused olive oil can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It is absolutely divine by itself when used for dipping delicious crusty bread into, or when drizzled over mashed potatoes or poached for added flavour and as an alternative to butter.What else can garlic infused olive oil be used for?
A diverse and rich product means, many uses! Some of the additional uses for garlic infused olive oil include:- A substitute for butter when frying or sauteing meats and vegetables;
- Adding to your dish when cooking roasted meats and vegetables. Just drizzle in the pan, over the meat and vegetables, before putting into the oven to let it works it magic of adding depth and flavour to your dish.
- Marinating meats and vegetables
- When adding garlic infused oil to soup, it adds depth to flavours in the soup and enhancing it at the same time.