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olive oil

Oils & FatsYear-round availability, though freshly pressed oils from the autumn harvest (September–November in the Northern Hemisphere) offer peak flavor and quality for several months following production.

Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil is associated with cardiovascular health benefits; extra virgin varieties contain higher concentrations of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

About

Olive oil is a liquid fat extracted from olives (Olea europaea), the fruit of the olive tree native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is produced through mechanical pressing or crushing of ripe or unripe olives, with production methods ranging from traditional stone-grinding to modern centrifugal techniques. Quality and flavor vary significantly by harvest time, olive cultivar, growing region, and production process. Extra virgin olive oil, the least processed form, is obtained from the first cold pressing and retains the most flavor, aroma, and polyphenols. Virgin and refined olive oils undergo additional processing for higher smoke points and more neutral flavors. The oil's color ranges from pale yellow to deep green, depending on olive ripeness and processing methods, with flavor profiles spanning from buttery and fruity to grassy, peppery, and herbaceous.

Culinary Uses

Olive oil is fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine and widely used across global cooking traditions. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for finishing dishes, dressings, and dips where its flavor is highlighted, while refined or light olive oil is suited for cooking at higher temperatures. The oil is essential in Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines for sautéing, roasting, emulsifying vinaigrettes, and drizzling over soups, grains, and vegetables. Regional preferences influence usage: Spanish oils often accompany hearty stews and grilled meats, while Greek and Italian oils complement tomato-based dishes, fresh herbs, and cheeses. Beyond savory applications, olive oil appears in Mediterranean desserts and breads.

Used In

Recipes Using olive oil (1,807)

RCI-ND.002.0055.001

Healthy Chicken Pasta

Healthy Chicken Pasta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0113.001

Heart Healthy Chicken Chili

This recipe includes diced canned tomatoes which is rich in lycopene and is one of the most potent antioxidants.

RCI-SP.002.0108.001

Hearts of Palm and Leek Soup

Hearts of Palm and Leek Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0294.001

Hearts of Palm Salad

Hearts of Palm Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0130.001

Hearty Meat Pizza

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-ND.004.0016.001

Hearty Noodle and Spinach Soup

Hearty Noodle and Spinach Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0318.001

Hearty Vegetable Stew

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RCI-SP.003.0320.001

Hearty Vegetarian Tofu Chili

This is a delicious colourful chili with a perfect blend of many vegetables with tofu in a thick spicy tomato base. This original recipe came from Runner's World magazine, although I have altered it to suit my likings.

RCI-SP.003.0321.001

Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew

Hearty Winter Vegetable Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0070.001

Heidelberg Wurstsalat

Heidelberg Wurstsalat

RCI-SP.003.0322.001

Hendrix Kale and Potato Soup

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-RC.001.0091.001

Henson Estate Mexican Rice

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Henson Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1982.

RCI-VG.001.0299.001

Herbal Salat

Salads, made mainly of herbs, were popular throughout the Middle Ages

RCI-SC.002.0015.001

Herbed Artichokes with Sour Cream Sauce

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Braham Estate in Greenville, Texas in 1992.

RCI-SN.003.0133.001

Herbed Seafood Bruschetta

* Source: Diabetic Living Diet * Total Time: 25 minutes * Servings: 24

RCI-SP.002.0110.001

Herbed Tomato Soup

American cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Soups

RCI-SN.003.0134.001

Herbed Vegetable Kebobs

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0660.001

Herb Grilled Aubergine

Herb Grilled Aubergine from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0191.001

Herb Grilled Snapper

Oregano, dill, parsley, and rosemary give a Greek feel to regular snapper.

RCI-SC.003.0094.001

Herb Lime Vinaigrette

Herb Lime Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0132.001

Herb-roasted Beef Tenderloin

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at

RCI-VG.002.0057.001

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Get Togeth

RCI-VG.002.0058.001

Herb Roasted Potatoes I

Part of Herbs 'N Spices: A Holiday Menu: a complete menu for a holiday open house or buffet-add the appetizers.

RCI-MT.001.0133.001

Herb-roasted Sweet Potato Skins

Bake the potatoes until they are just tender and still a tad firm so they don't turn to mush and fall apart. These potato skins are a great side dish to meat, tofu or salmon.

RCI-VG.004.0661.001

Herb Roasted Tomatoes

Herb Roasted Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0302.001

Herb Salad with Chicken Liver

Herb Salad with Chicken Livers

RCI-SP.002.0111.001

He’s Just An Old Crab Chowder

Purchased from the Patterson Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1992. Notation on card indicates this was a favorite of Mr. Rodgers. Dated 1931.

RCI-MT.002.0145.001

Hickory Smoked Pork Chops

Pork chops seared hot then cooked slowly over hickory wood makes your mouth water just thinking about it, right?

RCI-SP.005.0114.001

Hidden Value Chili

This recipe hides extra nutritional value so that the end result is rich and full, but it is hard to identify the additions.

RCI-MT.004.0466.001

Hobo Chicken Bama-style

This recipe has been redone to the way we serve it in Warrior, Alabama. If you like hot dishes at the end sprinkle chopped jalapeno peppers over top of chicken mixture — this is optional — so peppers are not listed in ingredients.

RCI-SN.004.0084.001

Homemade Croutons

Homemade Croutons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0085.001

Homemade Croutons I

Homemade Croutons These are so fresh. They really are great on top of a big green salad.

RCI-ND.002.0056.001

Homemade Lasagne

Homemade Lasagne from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0669.001

Honduran Spinach and Black Bean Quesadillas

Honduran Spinach and Black Bean Quesadillas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0471.001

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0150.001

Honey Lime Pork Loin

Honey Lime Pork Loin from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0197.001

Honey-Peppered Salmon

American cuisine | Fish

RCI-MT.002.0152.001

Honey Pineapple Pork Chops

This recipe uses a George Foreman Grill Makes 4 Servings Source (maybe): George Foreman Barbeque & Grilling Cookbook From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-VG.001.0304.001

Horiatiki I

Horiatiki Serves 4 persons

RCI-VG.001.0305.001

Horiatiki Salata

This is a recipe by a famous greek chef, Elias Mamalakis, who is now days very popular to the greek public not only for his recipes but also for his spirit.

RCI-VG.001.0306.001

Horiatiki Salata I

Hellenic (Greek) country salad. To many, this is known as kalokerini salata, a Greek summer salad. For others, it is a colorful salad that may have first been tasted in a local Greek restaurant.

RCI-VG.001.0307.001

Horitaki Greek Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wiggins Estate in Montgomery, Alabama in 1987.

RCI-VG.004.0671.001

Horta Vrasta

Boiled green vegetables. They can be found with sweet taste (vlita, antidia, zochi) or bitter taste (radikia, xorta tou vounou). Is is very usual to eat green vegetables in Greece.

RCI-SC.002.0022.001

Hot and Spicy Dip

American recipes

RCI-ND.001.0044.001

Hot and Spicy Sausage Sauce over Linguine

This extremely easy-to-make sauce uses only a handful of ingredients. Serve with warm crusty bread, a mixed green salad and a drink for a satisfying meal.

RCI-MT.004.0481.001

Hot Chicken Salad

Hot Chicken Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0103.001

Hot Potato and Broccoli Vinaigrette

Hot Potato and Broccoli Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.004.0018.001

Huckleberry Merlot Sauce

Makes about 1 cup

RCI-VG.004.0678.001

Hummer og Grøntsagssalat

Lobster and Vegetable Salad - Serves 20 Lobster and Vegetable Salad - Hummer- og Grøntsagssalat

RCI-MT.002.0155.001

Humming Jalapeno Pork

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Konder Estate in Dallas, Texas in 1991.