Citrus Oil
Citrus Oil is a fragrant infused condiment made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon peel, sea salt and dried chilli flakes. This Thermomix TM7 preparation blends and gently warms the ingredients so the citrus aromas release fully. Ideal for drizzling over salads, bread, grilled vegetables or fish, adding a bright, spicy finish.
About this recipe
Citrus Oil with the Thermomix TM7 is one of those small luxury condiments that transforms everyday cooking with almost no effort. This recipe for infused olive oil brings together just four ingredients: good extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon peel, flaky sea salt and a pinch of dried chilli flakes. People searching for citrus oil recipes or homemade flavoured oil with an all-in-one kitchen machine will love how the TM7 handles every step. The machine grates the lemon peel so finely that the essential oils release fully into the warm olive oil, while precise, gentle heating draws out the aroma without cooking away the delicate citrus notes. A hint of chilli adds a soft, warming sparkle and the sea salt rounds everything into a balanced finishing oil. Drizzle it over burrata, grilled courgettes, roasted fish or a simple tomato salad, or serve it with crusty bread as an aperitif dip. It also makes a lovely homemade gift, poured into a small sterilised bottle with an extra strip of peel.
Preparation tips
- Wash the lemons thoroughly in warm water and dry them before grating, since the peel carries the aroma and you want it completely clean. Use untreated lemons if possible, as their zest gives the citrus oil a noticeably brighter, fresher character.
- Taste the oil after the chilli flakes have infused and adjust to your preference. For a milder citrus oil, remove the chilli after a short infusion; for more heat, add a few extra flakes and let them steep longer in the olive oil.
- Pour the finished citrus oil into a sterilised glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark cupboard. Let the lemon peel, sea salt and chilli flavours mature for a day or two before serving, as the infusion deepens noticeably over time.
Recipe variations
- For a softer, family-friendly version, simply leave out the dried chilli flakes and let the lemon peel and sea salt shine on their own. This gentle citrus olive oil is lovely drizzled over mozzarella, roast potatoes or fresh goat's cheese.
- Try a seasonal variation by replacing half the lemon peel with orange or lime zest for a festive winter blend, or add a sprig of rosemary and a strip of orange for a Mediterranean version that makes an elegant homemade gift.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Grating the lemon peel in the TM7 releases the essential citrus oils directly into the olive oil for maximum aroma
- Precise heating of the extra virgin olive oil in the Thermomix draws out the lemon flavour gently without any bitterness
- The built-in scale weighs the olive oil straight into the mixing bowl, so your citrus infusion has exactly the right proportions
- Mixing the sea salt and chilli flakes evenly through the warm oil gives the citrus infusion a consistent flavour in every drop
- Chopping extra lemon peel finely in the Thermomix creates delicate flecks that suspension beautifully in the finished oil
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- lemon peel
- fine sea salt
- dried chilli flakes