Mediterranean Diet Crispy Chili Oil

Add a bold Mediterranean twist to your kitchen staples with this Mediterranean Diet Crispy Chili Oil—a rich, aromatic oil infused with warming spices and herbs. This recipe combines the robust flavor of extra virgin olive oil with golden-fried garlic and onion, smoky paprika, and a blend of oregano and thyme for a harmonious balance of heat and earthiness. Perfectly crispy chili flakes pack a punch, while the bay leaves lend subtle, herbaceous undertones. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this versatile condiment is ideal for drizzling over roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, fresh salads, or crusty bread. Stored in the fridge, this homemade chili oil will elevate your dishes for weeks to come. Try it today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 20

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup dried chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
• 5 large garlic cloves
• 1 medium onion
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the garlic cloves. Set them aside.

Step 2

Finely chop the medium onion. Make sure the pieces are uniform to ensure even cooking.

Step 3

In a small saucepan, pour the extra virgin olive oil and set it over low heat. Allow it to warm gently without reaching its smoking point.

Step 4

Add the sliced garlic, chopped onion, and bay leaves to the warm oil. Stir occasionally and cook until the garlic and onion turn golden brown. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes, make sure not to let them burn.

Step 5

Once the garlic and onions are golden, remove the bay leaves and discard them.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, then add the dried chili flakes, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and salt to the saucepan. Stir these ingredients carefully into the oil.

Step 7

Allow the mixture to infuse on the lowest heat for 5 minutes. This will help release and meld together the flavors.

Step 8

After the infusion process, remove the saucepan from heat. Let the chili oil cool to room temperature.

Step 9

Once cooled, transfer the crispy chili oil into a sterilized jar or airtight container. Ensure that the garlic and onion pieces are submerged in the oil.

Step 10

Seal the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This chili oil can be kept for up to one month. Stir well before each use.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(612.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3375.8

Total Fat 355.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1254.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 96.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.1g	0%
Total Sugars 13.8g
Protein 17.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 244.0mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 1925.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 87.6%

Protein: 1.9%

Carbs: 10.6%