A staple in every Italian house, the Oil Cruet is more than just a fancy addition to your kitchen: it's a practical tool to elevate your homemade pizza and cooking experience
First thing first: what is an oil cruet?
An oil cruet is a small container or bottle designed for holding and dispensing oil, especially olive oil, which is a staple in many kitchens around the world. These cruets can be made from various materials such as glass, ceramic, or metal and often come with a pour spout or a drizzle cap to allow for controlled dispensing of the oil. The design of the cruet can range from simple and functional to decorative and elaborate, making them not only useful kitchen tools but also a part of the table setting.
When it comes to making Neapolitan pizza, an oil cruet plays a significant role in both the preparation of the dough and the finishing of the pizza before baking. Here's how it can be used:
Finishing touch: before baking, olive oil is often drizzled over the pizza toppings. This not only adds flavor but also helps in achieving a golden, crispy crust. An oil cruet is perfect for this task as it allows for a fine, controlled drizzle of oil over the pizza.
Serving: in many pizzerias and Italian restaurants, an oil cruet is placed on the table, allowing diners to add a little extra olive oil to their pizza if they wish.
When can I use my oil cruet?
An oil cruet can be used in various situations in the kitchen and at the dining table, making it a versatile tool for both cooking and serving. Here are some common scenarios where an oil cruet comes in handy:
Cooking
Dressing salads: an oil cruet allows for a controlled pour of olive oil or your dressing of choice over salads. Its precise pouring helps ensure that salads are not overdressed, maintaining the right balance of flavors.
Sautéing and frying: when cooking, use the cruet to drizzle oil into pans for sautéing or shallow frying.
Marinating: Use the cruet to pour oil over meats, vegetables, or other foods you're preparing to marinate.
Serving
At the table: place the oil cruet on the dining table to allow guests or family members to add extra oil to their dishes according to their taste preferences.
Finishing dishes: use the cruet for a final drizzle of oil over dishes before serving. This is often done in Mediterranean cuisine to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, pastas, and pizzas.
Hosting and entertaining
Oil tasting: if you're hosting a tasting event or educating guests on different types of olive oils, a cruet is an elegant way to present and serve each variety.
Decorative table setting: a stylish oil cruet can add to the aesthetic of your table setting, especially if you're going for a particular theme or ambiance.
How to use and clean your oil cruet
Using an oil cruet is quite straightforward, but there are a few tips and techniques to get the most out of it, especially when aiming for precision and avoiding spills. Here's how to use an oil cruet effectively:
Filling the cruet
Choose your oil: decide on the type of oil you want to store in your cruet. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its frequent use in dressings and cooking, but you can use any liquid cooking oil.
Use a funnel: to avoid spills, use a small funnel to transfer oil from its original container to the cruet.
Don't overfill: leave a little space at the top to prevent spills when you insert the stopper or cap.
Dispensing oil
Remove the cap or stopper: carefully remove the cap, stopper, or lid from the cruet. If it has a flip-top or a spout with a cover, open it gently.
Tilt and pour slowly: tilt the cruet over your cooking pan, salad, or measuring spoon, and pour the oil slowly. The design of the cruet should allow for a controlled flow of oil, enabling you to drizzle or pour as needed.
After use
Wipe the spout: if any oil dripped down the spout or the outside of the cruet, use a cloth or paper towel to wipe it clean. This helps prevent drips on your countertop and keeps the cruet looking neat.
Replace the cap or stopper: always replace the cap, stopper, or cover after use to keep the oil fresh and prevent exposure to air, which can cause oxidation.
Store properly: keep the cruet in a cool, dark place if possible, especially if it's made of clear glass. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the quality of oil over time.
Where can I buy an oil cruet?
You can now pre-order your 1/4 l or your 1/2l Traditional Neapolitan oil cruet at our IMPASTIAMO Shop
