Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil: A Delightful Recipe

Introduction to Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil

Garlic scapes are the stems of garlic plants that emerge in mid-summer. They have a milder flavor than garlic cloves and can be used for making delicious dishes such as garlic scape infused olive oil. This type of infusion combines the flavorsome combination of garlic scapes with extra virgin olive oil and is ideal for adding richness and depth to many recipes. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to make garlic scape infused olive oil, the benefits of doing so, some tips on creating different flavor combinations, and ideas for using it in recipes.

Ingredients Needed for Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil

Making garlic scape infused olive oil is simple and requires only two ingredients: garlic scapes and extra virgin olive oil. The ratio between these two ingredients should depend on your own taste preferences but typically you will use around 3 parts garlic scapes to 1 part olive oil. You can adjust the ratios according to your personal preference.

Preparing the Sautéed Vegetables

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, you will need to prepare them before combining them together. Start by washing and chopping up the garlic scapes into small pieces, about ¼ inch thick or less. Next, heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add some extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil has heated up, add the chopped garlic scapes to the pan and let them cook until they start to turn golden brown, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Remove from heat once done and set aside.

Making the Savory Sauce

Now it’s time to make the savory sauce that will help bring out all of the flavors in your garlic scape infused olive oil. Start by heating a pot over medium heat and add some extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add some chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. Then add some crushed garlic and stir until fragrant. Finally, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste along with any other herbs or spices you may want to include. Cook everything together until everything is well combined then remove from heat and set aside.

Combining Ingredients to Create the Infusion

Now that you have both your sautéed vegetables and your savory sauce ready, it’s time to combine them together. Place your cooked garlic scapes in a large glass jar or container, followed by the prepared onion and garlic mixture from earlier. Top off the mixture with extra virgin olive oil until it covers all of the ingredients completely. Put the lid on the jar or container and give it a good shake to combine all of the ingredients together evenly. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours so that all of the flavors infuse into each other nicely.

How to Store the Infusion for Later Use

Once the infusion has had enough time to develop its full flavor profile, you can strain it through a cheesecloth into an airtight container or bottle. Make sure that no solids remain behind in the straining process. Keep the finished product stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight as this could cause oxidation which would reduce its shelf life. If properly stored, your garlic scape infused olive oil should last up to six months.

The Benefits of Making Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil

The most obvious benefit of making your own garlic scape infused olive oil is the incredible flavor it adds to various dishes. It’s perfect for sautéing vegetables or making flavorful sauces due to its rich aroma and subtle hint of garlic. But another great benefit of homemade infused oils is that they are much healthier than store bought versions because they don’t contain any preservatives or artificial flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly cost effective as you won’t have to purchase pre-made infusions every time you need one!

Tips on Creating Different Flavor Combinations

One great thing about making your own garlic scape infused olive oil is that you can experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your own tastes. Try adding different herbs or spices such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, chili flakes or black pepper for added complexity. Or try adding other vegetables like shallots or carrots for more depth of flavor. Have fun experimenting and see what unique flavors you can create!

Ideas for Using Garlic Scape Infused Olive Oil in Recipes

Garlic scape infused olive oil makes a wonderful addition to many dishes ranging from pasta sauces to salad dressings. Drizzle some over roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor, mix it into hummus or spread it over crusty breads for an easy appetizer. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Garlic scape infused olive oil is an incredibly flavorful addition to any dish that is also surprisingly easy to make yourself! Not only does it provide great taste but it also has health benefits too due to being made without any artificial additives or preservatives. And with all the tips included in this article, you’ll be able to make any number of delicious flavor combinations that everyone will love. So why not give it a try?