My mother’s menu planning method was to go to the produce market, look around and come home inspired. I see that I’m the same way. The other day I was at Osher Ad (Endless Bliss, in English-that name just kills me every time) and I saw something I’d never seen before -fresh oregano leaves!From Gush Katif, that wonderful company that brings us aphid and bug free produce. Bugs aren’t kosher-for this reason orthodox Jews have pioneered bug free hydroponically grown vegetables and kitchen herbs. Parsley, dill, cilantro and green onions are standards-you can find them not only in speciality markets but also in local groceries, but fresh oregano was something new and exciting. I tossed it into my cart without any idea of what to do with it. Add it to spaghetti sauce? Nah, dried oregano would do just as well. Put it over fish? No. The oregano seemed like a miscast actress taking the place of parsley which was fish’s natural herb. So then what?
Thank G-d for Mark Bittman. If you feel like this blog is turning into a paean to that great man of contemporary cooking, you’re right. That enormous red book, “How to Cook Everything” has become my go to cookbook. Leave it to Bittman to come up with a solution. Oregano infused salad oil! Cook up those oregano leaves in olive oil and voila-a, subtly herbal infusion, perfect for the vinagrette which coats our families Shabbat lunch salad.
And it takes about five minutes to make-my favorite kind of recipe. Here’s how.
Pour a cup of best quality olive oil into a small pan. Add a handful of fresh oregano, stems and leaves. (no need to mince) Cook together on low flame for five minutes . That is long enough for the oregano to infuse the oil with it’s wonderful aroma. Cool. Remove the oregano. Pour the infused oil into a clean glass bottle(no need to sterilize) . Refrigerate. The infused oil keeps for up to two months.
You can substitute or add fresh garlic, basil, rosemary, any aromatic you like. This oil is also wonderful when brushed on grilled veggies, chicken or meat. If you have a pretty glass jar, it can also make a lovely gift
Here are some pictures of the process.