Lemon-Infused Bay Leaf Olive Oil: A Mediterranean Delight 🍋🌿

Recipe: Olive Oil with Lemon and Bay Leaf 🍋🌿

Overview:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 cup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Citrus, Fruit, Low Protein, < 30 Mins, Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh lemon
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

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   • Scrub the lemon thoroughly under running water to remove any surface impurities.
   • Pat the lemon dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

2. Infusing the Oil:

   • In a small, heavy saucepan, pour in the extra virgin olive oil.
   • Using a zester, carefully zest the lemon directly into the olive oil, avoiding the white pith.
   • Add the bay leaf and peppercorns to the saucepan with the olive oil and lemon zest.

3. Heating the Oil:

   • Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the oil gradually.
   • Heat the oil to a temperature between 200 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, maintaining this temperature for about 10 minutes.
   • This gentle heating process allows the flavors of the lemon, bay leaf, and peppercorns to infuse into the olive oil.

4. Cooling and Bottling:

   • Once heated, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the infused oil to cool slightly.
   • Carefully strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lemon zest, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
   • Transfer the infused olive oil to a clean, hot, sterilized bottle or container.
   • Seal the bottle tightly to preserve the freshness of the infused oil.

5. Storage:

   • Store the bottled olive oil with lemon and bay leaf at room temperature.
   • Properly sealed, the infused oil can be stored for up to 2 months without refrigeration.
   • Ensure the bottle is kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain optimal flavor and quality.

Serving Suggestions:

• This aromatic olive oil with lemon and bay leaf makes a delightful dipping oil for crusty bread or artisanal crackers.
• Use it as a flavorful drizzle over grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or seafood dishes.
• Incorporate the infused oil into salad dressings or marinades for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1952.3
• Fat: 216.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 29.9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 11.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 16.9g
  • Fiber: 7.3g
  • Sugar: 0.1g
• Protein: 2.2g

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this homemade olive oil infusion, crafted with the bright essence of lemon and the subtle aroma of bay leaf. Perfect for adding a touch of Mediterranean flair to your culinary creations! 🌿🍋