️ + zeet
☕️ + zeet 🫒😳 is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Koul Time on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $5.55 total, $0.69 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high‑quality Tunisian or Mediterranean oil, room temperature)
- 20 g Fresh Basil Leaves (washed, patted dry, roughly torn)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (peeled and lightly crushed)
- 1 tbsp Coffee Beans (lightly toasted, coarsely ground (optional for a subtle aroma))
- ½ tsp Sea Salt (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions
Prepare Aromatics
Wash the basil leaves, pat them dry, and tear them roughly. Peel the garlic cloves and give each a light crush with the side of a knife. If using coffee, toast the beans briefly in a dry pan and coarsely grind.
Time: PT5M
Warm the Oil Slightly
Place the olive oil in a small saucepan and warm over low heat just until it shimmers (about 30‑40°C). Do NOT let it boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 30-40°C
Combine Ingredients
Transfer the warm oil to the glass jar. Add the torn basil, crushed garlic, toasted coffee grounds, and sea salt. Stir gently to distribute.
Time: PT3M
Infuse
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place (or refrigerator) for at least 3 days, preferably 7 days. Shake the jar once daily.
Time: PT5M
Strain and Store
After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Discard the solids. Label the bottle with the date.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 0g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Garlic, Coffee (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Cold‑pressed avocado oil, Light olive oil
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Italian parsley, fresh oregano
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Coffee Beans: espresso powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Sea Salt: kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Small Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Mixing Bowl (optional)
- Wooden Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure aromatics are fully covered by oil to prevent bacterial growth
- Do not overheat the oil; keep temperature below 45°C
- Shake the jar daily during the infusion period
Chef Tips from the Video
- Lightly bruise basil leaves before adding to release more aroma.
- Toast coffee beans just until fragrant; over‑toasting can make the oil bitter.
- Use a small amount of sea salt to enhance the herb flavors without making the oil salty.
Troubleshooting
Oil turns cloudy or develops sediment.
Cloudiness is normal with herb particles; strain again through a finer filter. If mold appears, discard the batch.
Garlic flavor is too sharp.
Reduce the number of garlic cloves or remove garlic after 2‑3 days of infusion.
Oil smells rancid after a week.
Make sure the oil was stored in the refrigerator and that all aromatics were fully submerged. Use fresh oil next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks in a sealed glass bottle
Freezer: Not recommended; oil may become cloudy and lose flavor
Room temperature: Up to 1 week if kept in a cool, dark pantry
Make-Ahead Tips
- Infuse for a minimum of 3 days; the flavor intensifies up to 2 weeks.
- Shake the jar daily to evenly distribute the aromatics.
- For a stronger coffee note, increase coffee grounds to 2 tbsp but reduce basil slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of flavored olive oil in Tunisian cuisine?
In Tunisia, olive oil is a culinary cornerstone, and infusing it with herbs like basil or garlic is a traditional way to add aromatic depth to simple dishes. Historically, families would preserve fresh herbs in oil during the olive harvest season, creating a versatile condiment for bread, salads, and grilled meats.
What regional variations of herb‑infused olive oil exist within Mediterranean cuisine?
Besides the Tunisian basil‑garlic blend, coastal Italy favors rosemary‑infused oil, Spain often uses smoked paprika, and Greece commonly adds oregano and lemon zest. Each region tailors the herbs to local dishes and seasonal produce.
How is basil‑infused olive oil traditionally served in Tunisian households?
It is typically drizzled over fresh flatbread (khobz), used as a dip for raw vegetables, or added to the final stage of a pizza before baking to give a fragrant, green‑herb finish.
During which celebrations or meals is flavored olive oil most commonly used in Tunisian culture?
During Ramadan evenings and family gatherings, flavored olive oils are offered alongside mezze platters, enhancing olives, cheese, and warm bread, making them a staple for festive hospitality.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Tunisian basil‑garlic olive oil versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic recipes call for high‑quality extra‑virgin Tunisian olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and raw garlic cloves. Substitutes can include Italian basil, roasted garlic, or a pinch of dried herb, but the fresh Mediterranean flavors are key to authenticity.
What other Tunisian dishes pair well with this basil‑garlic infused olive oil?
It pairs beautifully with grilled fish (sardines), roasted eggplant, chickpea salads, and the classic Tunisian pizza (Merguez or vegetable toppings). A light drizzle adds aroma without overwhelming the dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making basil‑garlic infused olive oil?
Overheating the oil, not fully submerging the herbs, and storing the oil at room temperature for too long are the biggest pitfalls. Over‑infusing garlic can also turn the oil bitter.
Why does this recipe warm the oil only to 30‑40°C instead of cooking it?
Gentle warming helps release the basil and garlic aromatics without degrading the delicate polyphenols in extra‑virgin olive oil. Higher temperatures would create a cooked flavor and could reduce the health benefits.
Can I make this infused olive oil ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare it up to a week in advance. Store the sealed jar in the refrigerator; the oil will keep 2‑3 weeks. Shake before each use and discard if you notice mold or off‑odors.
What does the YouTube channel Koul Time specialize in?
Koul Time focuses on quick, trend‑driven Tunisian and Mediterranean cooking videos, often exploring local ingredients, street‑food hacks, and modern twists on traditional dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Koul Time's approach to Tunisian cuisine differ from other cooking channels?
Koul Time blends casual, conversational style with a strong emphasis on ingredient experimentation—like testing new flavored olive oils—while many other channels stick to classic recipes. This makes Koul Time a go‑to source for discovering emerging food trends in Tunisia.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
