Back in my days at an Italian restaurant, Ball jars of garlic-infused olive oil ruled the kitchen. We splashed it on pizza, whipped it into vinaigrettes, and marinated everything in its savory goodness. I recall making garlic oil every day so we always had a fresh supply.
With this simple recipe you can have this delightful garlic oil in your kitchen too.
Homemade Garlic Infused Olive Oil
Having a jar of garlic oil in the fridge means deliciousness is always at hand. And making garlic oil will fill your home with the comforting aroma of an Italian trattoria, which for us garlic lovers, is a good thing.
There are many methods you can use to make garlic oil, but I particularly like this recipe because of its simplicity. The best part is that it not only makes garlic oil but also a form of garlic confit – possibly the most incredible condiment ever imagined.
How to Make Garlic Oil
Making garlic-infused oil at home is super easy.
Begin by peeling some garlic cloves.
Then, in a small saucepan, combine the cloves with olive oil. Heat the mixture over low heat for about 50 to 60 minutes until the cloves become tender and the oil absorbs their flavor.
Ensure the heat is low to prevent burning. Once the garlic is lightly browned, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Next, strain out the garlic from the oil using a sieve. Or, you can leave the garlic in the oil if you plan to store the garlic.
Finally, transfer the infused oil into a clean airtight container for storage.
How Long Garlic Infused Olive Oil Last
Garlic Oil (and garlic if you are storing the cloves) can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The oil may turn cloudy and harden when placed in the refrigerator, but this will not have an impact on its quality or taste. Once the oil is brought back to room temperature, it will liquefy again and regain its original color.
PrintGarlic Infused Olive Oil
This easy garlic oil recipe yields the liquid gold that will transform your recipes into something extraordinary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 10 cloves garlic, peeled
Instructions
-
Place the oil and the garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the garlic is soft and lightly browned, approximately 50-60 minutes. (see Note #1)
- Allow to cool. Strain the garlic from the oil using a sieve. (see Note #2)
- Use immediately or store in an air-tight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure the heat is low to prevent burning and producing a bitter taste.
- As an alternative, you can leave the garlic in the oil if you plan to store the garlic cloves.
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