The Art of Cooking with Olive Oil
Olive oil, with its rich history and diverse applications, has long been at the centre of Mediterranean cuisine and beyond. Beyond its culinary features, olive oil offers a myriad of health benefits and adds depth and complexity to dishes. In this blog post, we explore the art of cooking with olive oil, from its versatile uses to practical tips for incorporating it into your kitchen.
A Versatile Culinary Companion: Olive oil's versatility knows no bounds in the kitchen. From sautéing and roasting to dressing salads and marinating meats, its smooth texture and delicate flavour enhance a wide array of dishes. Whether used as a cooking medium or a finishing touch, olive oil elevates the taste and texture of all your favourite dishes.
Health Benefits Beyond Measure: In addition to its culinary prowess, olive oil boasts a plethora of health benefits. Rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds, olive oil is known to improve cardiovascular health, lipoprotein metabolism, and diabetes in clinical nutrition.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil: Selecting the right olive oil is essential for achieving the desired flavour and texture in your dishes. Extra virgin olive oil, with its fruity aroma and low acidity, is ideal for drizzling over salads, dipping crusty bread, and finishing cooked dishes. It's high levels of polyphenols and mono-unsaturated fats also make it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as frying and roasting.
Practical Tips for Cooking with Olive Oil:
- Use olive oil generously in your cooking, allowing its flavour to shine without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Experiment with different varieties of olive oil, from mild and buttery (such as our Signature evoo) to robust and peppery (like our Coratina evoo), to discover your preferred flavour profile.
- Store olive oil in a cool, dark place away from heat and light to preserve its freshness and flavour.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a smoke point between 200 and 220 Degrees Celcius. The oil remains stable when cooking at high heat, but it will begin to smoke as you approach these temperatures.
Culinary Inspiration: To ignite your culinary creativity, here are some simple yet flavourful recipes showcasing the versatility of olive oil:
- Mediterranean Salad with Zesty Lemon Lime Dressing: Toss crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives with a zesty dressing made from extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Coat an assortment of vegetables—such as carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers—in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped herbs, and roast until golden and tender.
- Linguine Aglio e Olio: Cook linguine until al dente, toss with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for a simple yet satisfying pasta dish.
Or get inspired on our recipe page, here.
In Conclusion: Cooking with olive oil is not just about enhancing the flavour of your dishes—it's about celebrating the art of culinary craftsmanship and nourishing your body with wholesome, flavourful ingredients. So, the next time you step into the kitchen, let olive oil be the hero throughout your dishes with its unique flavour and Mediterranean charm. Bon appétit!
