Description
Elevate your next gathering with Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip. Discover a flavorful recipe for your next party. Try it today!
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- garlic
- fresh rosemary
- fresh thyme
- fresh oregano
- dried Italian herbs
- crushed red pepper flakes
- sea salt
- black pepper
- fresh lemon juice
- lemon zest
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- crusty bread for serving (like ciabatta or baguette)
Instructions
- Step 1: Select and Prepare Your Olive Oil Pour your extra virgin olive oil into a shallow serving bowl. The shallow shape maximizes the surface area, allowing your bread to easily dip and collect the flavorful herbs. If you’re planning ahead, gently warm the oil to about 100°F (38°C) by placing the measuring cup in warm (not hot) water. This helps release the aromatic compounds when you add herbs, but be careful not to overheat as this can damage the delicate flavors.
- Step 2: Add Aromatics and Herbs Add your minced garlic, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to the oil. Using your fingers, lightly crush the herbs as you add them to help release their essential oils. Stir gently with a small whisk or fork to distribute everything evenly throughout the oil.
- Step 3: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients Add the sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the mixture. The acid from the lemon juice will brighten all the flavors and create a beautiful balance with the rich olive oil. If using Parmesan cheese, fold it in gently at this stage. Watch how the cheese slightly thickens the dip, adding both texture and a savory umami element.
- Step 4: Allow Flavors to Meld Cover your Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to marry. This resting period is crucial for developing depth of flavor as the oil extracts the essence from each herb and spice. Give it an occasional gentle stir during this time.
- Step 5: Serve with Bread While your dip is resting, slice your bread and warm it slightly in the oven. The contrast between warm bread and room-temperature dip creates a sensory experience that elevates this simple appetizer. Just before serving, give your dip one final stir to redistribute the herbs and adjust seasonings if necessary. Place the bowl of Mediterranean Olive Oil Dip in the center of your bread arrangement for easy dipping.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg