Peel the garlic: place the cloves on a cutting board, press down with the flat side of a knife (e.g., chef's knife) and apply firm pressure until the skin cracks — this makes it easier to remove. After peeling, slice the cloves into thin slices (about 1-2 mm). Thin slices release their aroma into the oil evenly and are less likely to burn than finely chopped garlic.
Description
Aromatic garlic oil in a modern Polish version — a quick snack and addition that enhances the flavor of grilled bread, grilled vegetables, grain salads, or roasted potatoes. It is the essence of garlic in golden oil: gently infused, without a burnt aftertaste, with optional fresh parsley or a touch of hot pepper. Perfect when you need a simple summer addition prepared in 10 minutes; it provides a distinct aroma, a nice sheen, and an appetizing color. Served in a bowl at the table, it makes an ordinary piece of bread taste exquisite.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (6)
- Garlic 3 clove (~15 g)
- Olive oil 120 g
- 🌿 Spices
- Salt 2 g
- Black pepper 2 pinch (~1 g)
- ✨ Optional
- Parsley 0.5 bunch (~15 g)
- Ground hot pepper 2 g
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Preparation steps
Preparation
Oil infusion
Pour the oil into a small saucepan (diameter 14-16 cm or a small pot), add the chopped garlic, and set the heat to low. Gently heat for 5-7 minutes: a smaller, even bubble at the edge and a distinct but not sharp garlic aroma indicate readiness. Do not allow it to boil vigorously or for the garlic to brown — burning will give a bitter taste.
Cooling
Turn off the heat, remove the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the temperature to drop to warm/lukewarm (the oil should be warm, not hot). During this time, the aroma will stabilize, and the risk of burning the garlic will be minimized.
Seasoning
Add salt (2 g) and pepper (1 g) to the warm oil. Mix with a teaspoon, taste a little on the spoon, and assess the salt intensity. If you want a spicier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of hot paprika at this stage (optional).
Cleaning or leaving the garlic
If you want clear oil without pieces, strain the oil through a fine sieve or coffee filter directly into the serving dish. If you prefer pieces of garlic in the dip — leave the slices. You can also finely chop the parsley (15 g) and add it at the end for freshness (optional).
Serving and storing
Pour the oil into a small dipping bowl or a clean, sterilized bottle/jar. Serve with warm, crispy bread, grilled vegetables, or as an addition to salads and grains. If storing: seal and place in the refrigerator — the oil will partially solidify, take it out 20-30 minutes before serving to return it to a liquid consistency.
Fun Fact
Garlic-infused oils have been used in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries; in Polish tradition, similar flavored oils were known as an addition to simple dishes and bread, and today they are making a comeback in modern, seasonal variations.
Best for
Tips
Serve the slightly warm oil in a small bowl with added pepper and fresh parsley. Great as a dip for toast, for dipping bread with tomatoes, or as a finishing touch for salads with millet or spelt. If the oil thickens in the fridge, let it warm up to room temperature.
Store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 5 days in a tightly sealed, clean container. To extend shelf life, strain out some of the solid garlic remnants — this reduces the risk of oxidation and the development of undesirable flavors. Do not store at room temperature for more than 24 hours.
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