I had no clue about this

I Had No Clue About This: The Surprising Secret That Will Change How You Cook Forever

We all have our go-to cooking methods, passed down from family, learned from cooking shows, or simply based on trial and error. But every now and then, something new comes along that completely changes the way we approach food, and we realize that we didn’t know as much as we thought we did. For me, that moment came when I stumbled upon a simple kitchen trick that left me saying, “I had no clue about this!”

We’ve all heard the phrase “You learn something new every day,” and for me, this discovery was a true game-changer. This simple technique is not only easy to implement but also enhances the flavors and textures of dishes I’ve been making for years.

So, what was this shocking revelation? It’s all about infusing flavors into oil before cooking.

The Secret: Infuse Your Cooking Oil for More Flavor

I’m not sure why it took me so long to figure this out, but infusing oils with herbs and spices before cooking can elevate your dishes in ways you wouldn’t expect. By allowing the oil to absorb the flavors of ingredients like garlic, rosemary, thyme, or chili peppers, you create a flavorful base for your cooking that enhances the entire dish.

Here’s how this simple technique works:

1. Choose Your Oil: Start with any neutral oil (like vegetable, canola, or olive oil) that you typically use for cooking. Olive oil works especially well because of its rich flavor, but any oil will do.
2. Add Your Flavors: Toss in a few cloves of crushed garlic, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or even some dried chili flakes. The combinations are endless, and you can customize it to suit whatever dish you’re preparing.
3. Heat the Oil: Place the oil and your chosen flavorings into a saucepan over low heat. The key here is to heat the oil slowly, allowing the flavors to infuse over time. It doesn’t take long—about 5-10 minutes—before you start to notice the oil picking up the essence of your added ingredients.
4. Strain (Optional): Once the oil is infused, you can strain out the solids, leaving you with a beautifully flavored oil that’s ready to use in your recipe.
5. Cook as Usual: Use your infused oil as you would any cooking oil—whether you’re sautéing vegetables, searing meat, or even drizzling it over salads.

Why This Works

Infusing oil with herbs and spices allows the oil to carry more flavor throughout the cooking process, creating a deeper, richer taste in every bite. The oil acts as