Infused and flavored olive oils can add a delicious and unique dimension of flavor to your cooking. They can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Marinades: Infused olive oils are perfect for marinating meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables. The flavors will infuse into the food while it marinates, resulting in a flavorful and juicy dish. For example, you could marinate chicken in rosemary-infused olive oil and garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Vinaigrettes: Infused olive oils can also be used to make delicious and flavorful vinaigrettes. Simply combine your favorite infused olive oil with vinegar, salt, and pepper, and whisk until well combined. For example, you could make a citrusy vinaigrette with lemon-infused olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey.
• Sauces: Infused olive oils can also be used to make sauces for pasta, meat, and fish dishes. For example, you could make a pesto sauce with basil-infused olive oil, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
• Finishing oils: Infused olive oils can also be used as finishing oils to drizzle over cooked dishes before serving. This is a great way to add a pop of flavor and interest to your meal. For example, you could drizzle truffle-infused olive oil over pasta or risotto, or garlic-infused olive oil over roasted chicken or vegetables.

Here are some specific ideas for using infused and flavored olive oil in your cooking:

• Rosemary-infused olive oil: Use it to marinate chicken, lamb, or vegetables, or to make a vinaigrette for a salad.
• Hot Pepper-infused olive oil: Use it to make a marinade for chicken, beef, or fish, or to add a kick to stir-fries or soups
• Garlic-infused olive oil: Use it to sauté vegetables, make a pasta sauce, or drizzle over pizza or roasted chicken.
• Lemon-infused olive oil: Use it to make a vinaigrette for a salad, or drizzle over fish or seafood dishes.
• Basil-infused olive oil: Use it to make pesto sauce, or drizzle over pasta, risotto, or caprese salad.
• Truffle-infused olive oil: Use it to drizzle over pasta, risotto, or eggs.

When cooking with infused olive oils, it is important to use them at a lower temperature than you would regular olive oil. This is because the infused flavors can burn easily. It is also important to taste the oil before using it, as the flavor intensity can vary depending on how the oil was infused.

Here are some additional tips for using infused and flavored olive oils:

1. Start with a small amount of oil and add more to taste.
2. Use infused olive oils in place of regular olive oil in your favorite recipes.
3. Experiment with different flavors and pairings to find what you like best.
4. Have fun and be creative!

 

Infused and flavored olive oils are a great way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your cooking. They are also a healthy and delicious alternative to butter and other cooking oils. So next time you are cooking, try using an infused olive oil to add a burst of flavor to your meal.

- Praful Mehta / Founder Aleta Organics