Mediterranean Diet Friendly Cajun Herb Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is the backbone of this boldly spiced finishing oil, and it's exactly the kind of ingredient that makes this approach such a natural fit for Mediterranean-style eating. Smoked paprika, cayenne, dried oregano, and thyme get gently warmed in the oil until fragrant and just barely sizzling — a technique that coaxes deep, smoky flavor without scorching a single spice. Fresh parsley, chives, thyme leaves, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice go in off the heat, keeping their brightness fully intact. The whole thing gets strained into a clean jar, leaving behind the spent solids and delivering a silky, jewel-toned oil that tastes far more complex than the effort involved. Drizzle it over grilled fish, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a simple bowl of hummus and watch it completely transform the plate. It stores beautifully and makes an impressive little condiment to keep on the counter for whenever a dish needs a finishing punch of heat and herb.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp celery salt
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne, black pepper, kosher salt, and celery salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm, stirring occasionally, until the oil is fragrant and the spices begin to sizzle gently at the edges, about 3–4 minutes. Do not let the oil smoke or the spices scorch.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the spiced oil cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley, chives, fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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