Description
Luxurious Mediterranean olive oil dip invites culinary wanderers to savor rich, herbaceous flavors straight from Italian kitchens. Crusty warm bread becomes the perfect companion, offering a simple yet elegant gateway to authentic Mediterranean comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Serving:
- Warm crusty bread
Instructions
- Mince fresh garlic cloves and finely chop aromatic herbs to release their intense flavors.
- Pour extra virgin olive oil into a shallow serving dish, creating a smooth, rich base for the dip.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes directly into the olive oil.
- Gently season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Whisk the ingredients together, allowing the herbs and spices to infuse their essence into the olive oil for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
- Warm crusty artisan bread in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes until slightly crisp and golden around the edges.
- Transfer the aromatic olive oil dip to the table and serve immediately alongside the warm, freshly toasted bread for a rustic, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
Notes
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most robust and authentic flavor profile.
- Freshly minced garlic provides a more potent and aromatic taste compared to pre-chopped garlic from a jar.
- Toasting herbs briefly in a dry pan before adding to the dip can enhance their natural essential oils and deepen the overall taste.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a small pinch and increase according to personal spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg