Chilli (Chili) Garlic Oil
infused oils make thoughtful gifts
Flavoured oils are time-savers in the kitchen and really easy to make. I made a chilli and garlic oil, infused with a little rosemary – an addition to my Edible Gift series, which could be the perfect gift for the host of a holiday season party you may be attending, the brother who loves to cook or cousin who finds every excuse not to.
Add a little chilli garlic oil to the pan when making Sunday scrambled eggs or drizzle over a spinach and ricotta salad for a little feisty kick.
- The rules for infusing oils are pretty strict – water introduces bacteria, so make sure everything you use is washed and dried throughly, herbs are dried well in the oven or in the sun and the infused oils are stored in the fridge. You can read more about infusing oils here. American health authorities recommend the oil be kept no longer than 2 weeks, as no preservatives are used. I’ve kept and used mine for a month at least. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
- Leave the garlic and chilli at the bottom of the bottle as I did, or strain for a more refined appearance.
Ingredients
Makes 500 ml
6 -8 large hot red chillis, chopped
6 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 springs dried rosemary (optional)
500 ml extra virgin or virgin oilve oil (use canola or sunflower oil for a cheaper version if making in bulk)
Method
In a pot on medium heat the chillis and garlic with 100 ml oil.
Cook for 5 minutes or so, careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the rosemary.
Add remaining oil and heat for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool.
Pour into sterilized bottles and seal with sterilized caps or lids.
Store in fridge.
Label and inform the receiver to store in fridge and to use within 2 weeks.
i just made this today! before i looked at your post… a guy in kenya had chilli garlic oil as a condiment and it had been standing forever so i think it should be fine…
Aah, good to know. Perhaps the overly sensitive American sensibilities…or the highly resistant Kenyan ones. Really cool that you made this same day I posted it. Can you guess what I’ll post next, I wonder ;-p
Love this, looks gorgeous as a gift!
I love infusing oils as it is such an easy thing to do and making your own flavor combinations is just awesome. These look delicious Ishay !
Found your blog via PnP; and happily am about to harvest fresh beetroot and mint and spinach (lucky me) from my garden to try with your hallumi and beet salad.
Thanks for the lovely visuals
Janet