Truffle oil is a flavored oil used to add flavor to dishes. It’s made by infusing oil with truffle, an edible fungus with a distinctive aroma and taste.
To make truffle oil, follow these steps:
- Get fresh or preserved truffles and good-quality olive oil. Fresh truffles can be found in gourmet shops or online; preserved truffles in gourmet food stores.
- Clean the fresh truffles and cut them into small pieces. If you’re using preserved truffles, drain them well.
- Put the truffles in a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour in enough olive oil to cover them completely.
- Close the jar and shake gently to mix.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
- After 2 weeks, the truffle oil is ready to use. You can strain out the truffles or leave them in the oil for an even stronger flavor.
Truffle oil adds flavor to all kinds of dishes, such as pasta, rice, potatoes, eggs, meat and salads. You can also use it for dipping bread or drizzle it over pizza. A little goes a long way, because its flavor and aroma are intense.
Keep in mind that homemade truffle oil doesn’t keep as long as commercial truffle oil, so use it within about a month, and store it in a cool, dark place like any other oil.