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**My Italian Grandma Taught Me This Method, and I’ve Never Stopped Using It!**
When it comes to cooking, some lessons stay with you forever. For me, one of the most cherished lessons came from my Italian grandma. She wasn’t just an excellent cook—she was a master of creating dishes that brought the family together, filled the house with comforting aromas, and made everyone feel like they were part of something special. One of her methods, in particular, has stuck with me over the years, and I use it every time I cook.
This method, passed down through generations, is not just a cooking technique—it’s a way of bringing love and flavor into every meal. It’s simple, effective, and makes even the most basic ingredients taste incredible. Whether you’re preparing a hearty pasta dish, a fresh tomato sauce, or a warm family meal, this method will elevate the flavor and give you a taste of tradition.
Let me share this time-tested method with you and explain why it’s something you’ll never forget.
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### **The Secret to Perfect Flavor: The Infused Olive Oil Method**
One of the first things my grandma taught me was how to start any meal with **infused olive oil**. It sounds simple, but this step is key to building layers of flavor in Italian cooking. Instead of just heating up olive oil to cook with, my grandma would infuse the oil with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and sometimes a hint of chili flakes. This process not only added richness but also enhanced the natural flavors of the ingredients she was using.
It’s a method that works for almost any savory dish, and it’s something I’ve used in countless recipes. Here’s how to do it and why it works so well.
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### **How to Infuse Olive Oil: The Italian Grandma Way**
**Ingredients You’ll Need**:
– **Extra virgin olive oil** (about 1/4 cup, or enough to coat your pan)
– **2 garlic cloves**, smashed (or more if you love garlic!)
– **1 small onion**, chopped (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
– **Fresh herbs** like rosemary, thyme, or basil (a couple of sprigs)
– **Red chili flakes** (optional, for a little heat)
– **A pinch of salt** (to help bring out the flavors)
– **Freshly ground black pepper** (for seasoning)
**Steps to Infuse the Oil**:
1. **Heat the Olive Oil**:
Pour the olive oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for a couple of minutes. Don’t let it get too hot or smoky, as you don’t want to burn the oil.
2. **Add Garlic and Onion**:
Once the oil is warmed, add the smashed garlic cloves (don’t chop them—just crush them slightly with the back of your knife) and the chopped onion (if using). Stir them gently in the oil. The goal is to let the garlic and onion release their flavors into the oil without browning them too quickly.
3. **Add Fresh Herbs and Chili Flakes**:
After a minute or two, when the garlic and onion are softening, add the fresh herbs and chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat). The herbs should begin to infuse the oil with their fragrance, creating a flavorful base that will coat everything you cook with it.
4. **Simmer and Flavor**:
Let everything simmer in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the oil to become infused with the natural flavors of the ingredients. If you’re not using the oil immediately, you can turn off the heat and let it cool a bit before using it in your dish.
5. **Use the Infused Oil**:
Once your oil is infused, you can strain out the solids (garlic, onion, herbs) or leave them in, depending on your recipe. This oil is now ready to be used as a base for sauces, sautéing vegetables, drizzling over pasta, or even brushing on roasted meats. The infused oil will carry a rich, aromatic flavor that will take your dish to the next level.
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