
oil
Oils are calorie-dense sources of fat, providing 120 calories per tablespoon; composition varies by type, with olive oil and avocado oil rich in monounsaturated fats, while coconut oil contains primarily saturated fats, and oils from seeds typically contain polyunsaturated fats including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
About
Oil is a lipid substance that is liquid at room temperature, derived from plant seeds, nuts, fruits, or animal sources. Oils are composed primarily of triglycerides—fatty acids bound to glycerol—and vary widely in their fatty acid composition, which determines their flavor, smoke point, and culinary applications. Plant-based oils are extracted through pressing, crushing, or solvent extraction from sources such as olives, rapeseed (canola), sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, coconut, and peanuts, while animal-derived oils include fish oil and rendered fats from meat. The color, flavor intensity, and nutritional profile vary significantly by source and extraction method; cold-pressed or extra virgin oils retain more flavor and nutrients, while refined oils undergo processing to remove impurities and increase smoke points.
Culinary Uses
Oils serve multiple functions in cooking: as cooking mediums for sautéing, frying, and roasting at temperatures suited to their smoke points; as finishing drizzles to add flavor and richness to completed dishes; as emulsifying agents in vinaigrettes and sauces; and as a primary ingredient in marinades and dressings. Different oils are matched to specific applications based on their heat stability and flavor profiles—neutral oils like canola and sunflower are used for high-heat cooking, while robust oils like extra virgin olive oil and sesame oil are typically used unheated or at low temperatures to preserve their distinctive flavors. Oils also feature prominently in baking and pastry-making, where they contribute to texture and moisture in cakes, cookies, and breads.
Used In
Recipes Using oil (832)
Mr Wiggles Seitan
_Wiggles's_Recipes Mr. Wiggles' seitan recipe, as posted in Buttermilk ICSA XXXIII.
Mulo Telapiah
Fish and radish masala. This is a Bengali fish recipe that is dry and tangy. Its my mom's favourite as it is simple to prepare and delicious too.
Mung Beans and Brown Rice
This is a hearty vegetarian dish that can be eaten hot or cold and served as an entire meal. The recipe will feed four with leftovers and keeps for a week refrigerated.
Murgh Mulligatawny Soup
right|Name of the Recipe
Mushroom Burgers
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Mushroom Casserole I
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 12 Serv
Mushroom Kathi Roll
A treat for children and adults alike. Every day food has to look interesting and of course different to please appetites! Makes 4 rolls.
Mushroom Pilaf
In Romanian: Pilaf de ciuperci.
Muthya
Muthya from the Recidemia collection
Mutton Curry
A dish rich and aromatic, spicy yet not hot! It's filled with the wonderful fragrance of coriander and curry powder!
My Mom's Poppy Seed Bread
This recipe was given to me by my friend, Tracy Wernsman. It is very yummy and I know holds a special place in her heart. Enjoy!
Naeamia be Dakwa
Serve warm with aseeda or kissra.
Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng Nasi goreng (fried rice) is a popular Indonesian dish. It is easy to make an
Native American Fry Bread
Native American Fry Bread from the Recidemia collection
Nauratan
right|Name of the Recipe
Nepali Goat Curry
In this recipe, the meat is marinated in a small amount of yogurt, ginger, garlic, red chile paste, turmeric, salt and clarified butter for up to four hours. It is then cooked with several other herbs and spices.
Nest Style Biscuits
In Romanian: Pesmeciori cuiburi
New Zealand Lamb
1 serving New Zealand Lamb
New Zealand Roast Lamb
New Zealand Roast Lamb
Nigerian Beef-Spinach Stew
Nigerian Beef-Spinach Stew from the Recidemia collection
Nigerian Ojojo
Nigerian Ojojo from the Recidemia collection
Nigerian Stew
Nigerian Stew from the Recidemia collection
Njamma Jamma
Njamma Jamma from the Recidemia collection

Noodle Salad
Noodle Salad
Oat Crackers
Oat Crackers from the Recidemia collection
Oatmeal Pancakes
From: Vegetarian Cooking for Diabetics by Patricia Mozzer
Oblong Cake with Sour Cherries
In Romanian: Chec cu visine
Ojojo
Serve hot with hot pap or agidi.
Okra in Yoghurt
Okra in Yoghurt from the Recidemia collection
Old-fashioned Peanut Butter: Food Processor Method
Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Yield: 1 cup smooth or 1½ cups chunky peanut butter.
Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a true Italian classic dish. Chicken Marsala is make with wine, onions, mushrooms, and chicken breasts. You can serve this with mashed potatoes or even pasta. You can make Chicken Marsala just like the Olive Garden at home.
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
This is a copycat version of the soup from the Olive Garden. NOTE: Makes 9 quarts!! Just cut the recipe down for smaller batches.
Oriental Cabbage Salad
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6-8.
Oriental Salad Dressing
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: My old rec
Othello Layered Cake
In Romanian: Tort Othello
Oven-fried Eggplant
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: My old rec
Oven Pancakes
Oven Pancakes from the Recidemia collection
Paav Bhaaji
Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Pachadi
Pachadi from the Recidemia collection
Palak Aur Kali Mirch Ka Soup
right|Name of the Recipe
Palak Bhaaji
Palak Bhaaji
Palak Muragh
right|Name of the Recipe
Panamanian Fried Bread I
Panamanian Fried Bread I from the Recidemia collection
Paneer in Cashew Sauce
The literal translation of Shahi Paneer is ‘Royal Paneer’…very appropriate – A dish fit for a king. The richness of the sauce comes from the cashews. Serves 6.
Papas Rellenas
Papas Rellenas
Papletchi Amti
Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner
Parmesan Fried Mushrooms
You just have to try them. They are delicious.
Passion Fruit Vinegarette
right|PassionFruitVinegarette
Passover Bagel
Passover Bagel from the Recidemia collection
Passover Hot Dog Roll-ups
Passover Hot Dog Roll-ups from the Recidemia collection