Description
Mediterranean olive oil bread dip delivers pure culinary magic with its rich, herbaceous blend of extra virgin olive oil, aromatic herbs, and zesty spices. Elegant simplicity makes this appetizer perfect for gatherings, inviting guests to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon (4 g) fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
Aromatics:
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) fresh garlic, finely minced
Instructions
- Combine extra-virgin olive oil with finely chopped fresh basil in a small mixing vessel, allowing the herb’s vibrant essence to infuse into the liquid.
- Incorporate minced garlic, creating a pungent aromatic base that will intensify the dip’s flavor profile.
- Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar into the mixture, introducing a tangy complexity that balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Sprinkle ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to build layers of subtle heat and depth.
- Gently fold in salt to enhance the overall taste, carefully calibrating the seasoning to achieve a harmonious blend.
- Generously dust grated Parmesan cheese across the surface, adding a nutty, savory dimension to the dip.
- Let the mixture rest for 7-12 minutes, enabling the ingredients to marry and develop a more rounded, integrated flavor.
- Transfer the vibrant, aromatic concoction to a shallow serving dish, presenting an inviting appetizer companion for warm, crusty artisan bread.
Notes
- Choose high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile and richness in the dip.
- Freshly chopped basil provides more intense aromatics compared to dried herbs, elevating the overall taste experience.
- Adjust red pepper flakes and black pepper to control the spice level, making it suitable for different heat tolerances.
- Let the dip rest at room temperature to allow ingredients to blend and develop deeper, more complex flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg