How to Make Natural, Homemade Herbal Cooking Oil

I love to cook with herbs but sometimes I want to incorporate it in a different way than just simply sprinkling it onto my food. Herbal Cooking Oil is a great way to add variety.

So, which herbs can you use? For me, it depends on my mood. Sometimes, I like to make interesting combinations. Other times, I like to combine a few different things into one oil. Another thing you can do is make several different jars, each with its own herb or spice, and then combine the finished product as you are cooking.

You can use these oils both to drizzle over cooked food or while you are cooking. Use your creativity! Basically, wherever you normally use olive oil, substitute it for one of your homemade oils.

There are two methods. I have chosen to share with you my favorite. It's the easiest and yields the best flavor. The only problem is that you have to wait at least a week before you can use it.

I thought I would share with you some of my favorite combinations for herbal infused cooking oil.My favorite is to do this with an Italian or Greek theme since I cook both cuisines quite often. They have similar flavors so I find that the oils can be used for both.

However, I have been known to use other herbs that aren't common in these cuisines. I guess it just depends on my mood.

Single Herbs and Spices to Try

• Basic fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary, basil, marjoram, dill, parsley, cilantro, lemon balm, lavender, etc.
• Spices like cinnamon, red pepper, and fennel.
• You can also use fresh or dried garlic and onion.
• Dried lime, lemon, or orange peel
• Toasted, crushed nuts like almonds.

Herb and Spice Combinations

• Red pepper, garlic, and basil
• Oregano, basil, and rosemary
• Rosemary, red pepper, and onions
• Cinnamon, dried orange peel, and allspice
• Cilantro, red pepper, dried lime peels
• Lemon peel, Lime peel, cilantro, garlic
• Parsley, Dill, Lemon peel

Do you have any combinations that you've tried or had that you really like? Let me know what they are in the comments.

Culinary Uses for the Herbal OIls

In general, I use whatever I think makes sense for the mood I am in and the things that I want to cook. For example, if I go through a phase where I've been making a lot of pizza I will make an oil that contains Italian spices, garlic, and red pepper flakes. I absolutely love dipping my crust in an oil like that. I normally think crust is a little bland.

Another thing I like to do with it is use the herbal infused oils for salad dressing. It offers a gentle way to season a dressing while at the same time making a simple vinaigrette. You can use any oil for this. I sometimes like to add a little mustard to my salad dressings for a little heat.

Other than that, you can basically use these oils as a replacement for your regular cooking oil.