Take Garlic, But Don’t Make the Same Mistake Many People Do

Garlic-Infused Olive Oil

Title: Garlic-Infused Olive Oil: Take Garlic, But Don’t Make the Same Mistake Many People Do

Ingredients:

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8-10 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Start by peeling the garlic cloves. Once peeled, thinly slice them. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and proper infusion of the garlic flavor into the oil.
2. Heating the Oil:
   • Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan.
   • Heat the oil over low to medium-low heat. It’s important not to rush this process by using high heat, as this can burn the garlic and ruin the flavor.
3. Infusing the Garlic:
   • Add the sliced garlic to the warm oil.
   • Allow the garlic to cook gently. The key here is to let the garlic infuse the oil without browning too quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Monitoring:
   • Keep a close eye on the garlic. As the garlic slices begin to turn golden brown, which should take about 10-15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. The residual heat will continue to cook the garlic slightly, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and take it off the heat a bit early.
5. Straining:
   • Let the oil cool down for a few minutes.
   • Once cooled, strain the oil into a clean, airtight container. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to catch the garlic slices.
6. Storing:
   • Store the garlic-infused olive oil in a cool, dark place. It should last for up to a month. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but remember that the oil may solidify in the fridge. Simply bring it to room temperature before using.

Tips:

• Avoid Burning the Garlic: The most common mistake people make is burning the garlic. Burnt garlic can make the oil taste bitter. Always cook the garlic on low heat and keep a close watch.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
• Versatile Use: This garlic-infused olive oil can be used in a variety of dishes. Drizzle it over salads, use it as a dipping oil for bread, or add it to pasta dishes for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your homemade garlic-infused olive oil, and remember, the key to perfecting this recipe is patience and attention to detail!