Greek celebrity chef Akis Petretzikis has shared a simple technique that can transform budget olive oil into a more luxurious-tasting product. The trick, demonstrated on Jamie Oliver's YouTube channel, takes just one minute to complete and uses affordable ingredients found in most kitchens.
Olive oil remains a kitchen essential for countless recipes, but premium varieties are not always affordable. Prices have been pushed up partly by the climate crisis affecting southern European nations where olive oil is produced, and with uncertainty over whether costs will fall, home cooks are looking for inventive ways to use their oil.
The One-Minute Infusion Method
In the video, Petretzikis explains that aromatic compounds are oil-soluble, making it easy to create a flavourful olive oil at home. Instead of buying expensive infused or flavoured bottles, shoppers can make their own using whatever cheap olive oil they have available.
He said: "If you come across a simple bottle of olive oil without any character, I will show you an easy way to make it tasty."
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavour
For variety, Petretzikis suggests using four 250ml glass bottles, though larger batches are also fine. He chose five sprigs of thyme, orange and lemon peels, and ten sage leaves, placing each aromatic into a separate bottle.
Once the aromatics are in place, the bottles are filled with olive oil and sealed. They should be stored in a cool, dark cupboard for two weeks to allow the flavours to infuse fully.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Petretzikis advises using the infused oils within two months for the best flavour. He recommends the citrus-infused oils for drizzling over salads to add a fresh, zesty kick, while the thyme and sage oils work best when cooking meat and poultry.
