Olivver Chilli, Ginger & Honey Oil

A little heat, a little sweetness and loads of flavour.Β This easy chilli oil brings together garlic, ginger, sesame and New Zealand extra virgin olive oil. Spoon over dumplings, eggs, noodles or roast kΕ«mara; swirl through hummus and scoop up with warm sourdough. We used Blue Earth Estate Classic Blend - a fruity, lightly spicy EVOO from Martinborough that works nicely with the chilli and ginger.

Ingredients

β€’ 3 spring onions, finely sliced
β€’ 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
β€’ Β½ fresh red chilli, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
β€’ 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
β€’ 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
β€’ 1Β½ teaspoons sweet paprika
β€’ 2 teaspoons dried chilli flakes
β€’ Β½ teaspoon fine sea salt
β€’ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
β€’ 2–3 teaspoons runny NZ honey
β€’ 190 ml Blue Earth Estate Classic Blend extra virgin olive oil (approximately ΒΎ cup)

Method

1. Β Wash the spring onions and chilli and dry before chopping. Place in a stainless-steel bowl with the garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, paprika, chilli flakes, curry powder, salt and pepper. Leave the honey aside for now.

2. Warm the oil.Heat the EVOO in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot and shimmering, but not smoking. A few drops carefully spooned over the mixture should sizzle.

3. Pour the hot oil over the mixture in three additions, pausing between each to let the bubbling settle. Stir with a long-handled spoon.

4. Once the sizzling subsides, stir in 2 teaspoons of honey. Let a small spoonful cool before tasting; add the remaining teaspoon if you’d like more sweetness.

5. Serve or chill. Spoon over your favourite dish, or cool promptly, transfer to a clean container and refrigerate within two hours.

Keep refrigerated and use within 5 days. Freeze small portions for longer storage.