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oil

Oils & FatsYear-round; most culinary oils are refined and stored products with extended shelf lives, though harvest seasons for source plants (olives, rapeseed, sunflower) occur seasonally and affect availability of fresh-pressed and early-harvest oils.

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)

RCI-SF.002.0153.001

Karwari Prawns

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-ND.005.0065.001

Katsudon

Katsudon

RCI-BR.002.0053.001

Kenyan Chapati

Kenyan Chapati from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0154.001

Keralan Prawns

(shrimp) - cooked Kerala style.

RCI-SP.003.0360.001

Keralan vegetable stew

This coconut-flavoured is a famous dish of the South Indian coastal state of Kerala. It is often served with appam (rice pancakes). Though frequently made with chicken, this recipe is for the purely vegetable version of the stew.

RCI-RC.005.0047.002

Khara pongal

Khara pongal is a savoury porridge-like dish that is traditionally prepared in South India for the Makar Sankranti festival that heralds the arrival of summer.

RCI-RC.005.0047.001

Khara pongal

Khara pongal is a savoury porridge-like dish that is traditionally prepared in South India for the Makar Sankranti festival that heralds the arrival of summer.

RCI-SN.001.0236.001

Kinda Cheese

.

RCI-SN.002.0183.001

Kipspek

which literally translates into "chickenbacon" is a very easy snack that they used to make in the restaurant my mother managed.

RCI-SP.005.0131.001

Kissra be Omregayga

Serve with kissra. You can also serve fried meat in separate dish.

RCI-MT.005.0138.001

Kjebapchinja

Kjebapchinja from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0092.001

Klui-Klui

Klui-Klui from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0157.001

Kokosrijst I

Kokosrijst I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0041.001

Kold Sommersuppe

On a hot hot day where the appetite is as it should be, this soup in the perfect choice. You can even serve it laced with ice cubes.

RCI-SP.005.0132.001

Kolhapuri Chicken

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SF.001.0215.001

Kolhapuri Fish

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SP.005.0133.001

Kolhapuri Mutton Rassa

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-VG.004.0747.001

Kolhapuri Vegetables

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-VG.004.0750.001

Konkani Tomato Chutney

Konkani Tomato Chutney

RCI-SP.005.0134.001

Korma Sabzee

Korma Sabzee from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0077.001

Koshari (or Kushari)

Koshari (or Kushari) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0756.001

Kothambir Vade

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-VG.005.0102.001

Kronb Mbattan

Kronb Mbattan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0368.001

Krumplileves

Potato soup

RCI-MT.004.0528.001

Kuku na Nazi

Kuku na Nazi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0759.001

Kumara and Red Lentil Soup

1 batch Kumara and Red Lentil Soup

RCI-VG.002.0075.001

Kumara Salad

10 servings, 20 minutes preparation.

RCI-VG.004.0761.001

Kung Pao Tofu

Kung Pao Tofu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0137.001

Kurma

Kurma from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0049.001

LAPSI

LAPSI

RCI-VG.004.0774.001

Lentejas

Lentejas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0146.001

Lenten Bread

Lenten Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0384.001

Lenten Honey Cookies

Lenten Honey Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0307.001

Lenten Orange Cake

Lenten Orange Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0807.001

Lentil Tomato Stew

Lentil Tomato Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0117.001

Lime Garlic Marinade

A good combo for pork, poultry, fish and vegetables.

RCI-VG.004.0816.001

Lo-cal Eggplant

Lo-cal Eggplant from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0125.001

Low-calorie Tomato Dressing

Calorie-counters who are hungry for flavor will find this a very satisfactory salad dressing. It is only 26 calories per tablespoon.

RCI-BR.004.0318.001

Low-fat Chocolate Fig Cake

Figs, Whole, Dried by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 12

RCI-SP.005.0138.001

Luksha Shamdeh

Luksha Shamdeh

RCI-BR.004.0320.001

Luscious Four-layer Pumpkin Cake

Luscious Four-layer Pumpkin Cake Celebrate and enjoy a serving of this indulgent cake on a special occasion.

RCI-SF.001.0224.001

Maacher Jhaal

This recipe is from the Indian state of West Bengal, where the Great Carp fish,locally known as Rohu or Rui is very popular. If you don't find Carp use any white, firm-flessed fish such as Haddock, Red Snapper, Halibut, Cod or even Swordfish.

RCI-VG.005.0109.001

Macedonian Sarma

Macedonian Sarma from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0197.001

Machli ki Tikki

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-SC.005.0090.001

Madbucha

This is a salad originally from North Africa. It can be used as side dish, as well as put on bread.

RCI-SP.004.0203.001

Mafé I

Meat in peanut sauce

RCI-VG.004.0822.001

Maharagwe

Vegetable beans

RCI-RC.004.0166.001

Majao

Majao from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0267.001

Makai ka Dhokla

Scrumptious sweet corn and corn flour dhoklas ready within minutes.

RCI-MT.003.0058.001

Malai Meat

Preparation time: 45 – 50 minutes.