You can very well use other types of cooking oil for this garlic-prepping hack since they also contain lipids. However, olive oil is simply a great ingredient to always have on hand in the kitchen because of the nutritional benefits it is known for. It’s a source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, plus the myth about olive oil’s low smoke point has already been debunked by experts. Using it for cooking is not just a healthy choice — depending on the type of olive oil you use, it can impart a herbaceous, floral, nutty, or buttery flavor to your dish.
Why not combine it with garlic to make your kitchen creations more pleasing to the palate? Creating your own bottle of garlic-infused olive oil is quick and easy. Simply cook olive oil and peeled and smashed garlic cloves in a saucepan over low heat until the garlic turns brown. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool before removing the cloves. Strain the oil as you transfer it into a bottle and add your choice of fresh herbs for extra flavor. Use it to cook your stir-fried vegetables or as salad dressing, a bread dip, and more. Remember to store your garlic-infused olive oil in the refrigerator, though, and not in the pantry to prolong its shelf life.
Read More: The Olive Oil Hack That Makes Chopping Fresh Garlic Easier