Description
This Rustic Bread Dipping Oil combines extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh tomatoes, garlic, Castelvetrano olives, basil, and herbs for an easy Italian-inspired appetizer perfect with warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 Roma tomato
- ¼ cup Castelvetrano olives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 5 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For Serving:
- Warm crusty Italian bread
- Ciabatta
- French bread
- Sourdough
- Focaccia
Instructions
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a shallow serving bowl or small platter.
- Add the balsamic vinegar.
- Using a grating plate or fine grater, grate the garlic directly into the oil mixture.
- Finely dice the Roma tomato and add it to the bowl.
- Grate the remaining portion of the tomato over the grating plate or box grater, allowing all of the flavorful tomato juice and pulp to fall into the oil.
- Add the chopped Castelvetrano olives, diced red onion, fresh parsley, basil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the salt, if needed.
- Serve immediately with warm crusty bread for dipping.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Use a premium extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- A shallow serving dish allows every bite of bread to scoop up the herbs, tomatoes, and olives.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
- Serve the bread warm for the ultimate appetizer.
- Fresh, ripe tomatoes make all the difference in this recipe.
- Finish with flaky sea salt just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- This recipe is equally delicious served over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or mixed into cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/Italian