Warm Herb Oil Dressing

Prep time 2 min Cook Time 1 min

Finding an interesting dressing for vegetables that does not drown their natural flavor is challenging. Making a small quantity of dressing without using a blender is even more demanding because the quantity is so small it won’t blend properly. However using a good olive oil as a base, you can create delicious and versatile dressings with fresh herbs and spices.

The idea is to warm up the oil with the ingredients so that they infuse it their with rich flavors. The combination of what to add to the oil is endless and there is no set recipe. The only condition is that you use fresh herbs or freshly ground spices and here is a starter recipe to get you going.

What you need for two portions ( you can vary the quantities depending on how much vegetable you have to dress).

A Generous teaspoon of coarsley chopped rosemary, oregano, thyme, basil on their own or any combination you have available
4 Tbs Olive oil
A small garlic clove – finely chopped
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper

Heat the herbs and garlic till they sizzle

What to do
1 – Put 4 Tbs oil in a small frying pan add the herbs, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2 – Heat over medium-low heat untill the herbs and garlic start sizzling and release their flavours.
3 – Remove from heat, add lemon juice, stir and set aside in a small bowl. The flavored oil will get richer while you cook your vegetables.
4 – Drizzle on cooked vegetables and toss as you would a salad.

Delicious on grilled fish as well.

Variations

To that base recipe and before you heat the oil, you can add the crushed seeds of 3 cardamom pods, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little chopped sun dried tomatoes.

Another variation includes a teaspoon of fresh dill and a pinch of dried crushed fennel seeds instead of the herbs.

You can even skip the herbs altogether and just heat up the oil with half a teaspoon each of of crushed dried cumin and coriander seeds before adding the lemon juice.

Bulk up on the quantity of any dressing you make if you wish. it keeps refrigerated for up to a week.