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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-BR.005.0375.001

Kourabiethes

Kourabiethes Small almond cakes

RCI-VG.005.0099.001

Koypepia me Klimatofilla

Stuffed vine leaves

RCI-SP.003.0367.001

Kremithosoupa

An onion soup Onion Soup Cooking Time: 35 minutes

RCI-VG.004.0762.001

Kurdish Chickpea Salad

A spicy Persian salad that is served warm with a sprinkling of herbs. You can use chickpeas, or a variety of other beans in this dish.

RCI-VG.004.0763.001

Kushari

Rice | Kushari

RCI-VG.004.0764.001

Kushry

Lentil rice

RCI-VG.001.0340.001

Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad

Kuwaiti Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0054.001

Lapin a la Moutarde

Lapin à la Moutarde aka rabbit in mustard sauce is one of the favourite meats in Burgundy.

Lasagna
RCI-ND.002.0059.001

Lasagna

Submitted by Eller I am relatively new to cooking but I like doing it and enjoying the results. In this case, I now have a couple of days worth of food for lunch that actually taste better being leftovers. To begin, you'll need the following.

RCI-ND.002.0060.001

Lasagne with bean sauce

Pasta Recipes | Vegetarian

RCI-SC.003.0111.001

LAVENDER AND HONEY SALAD DRESSING

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RCI-SW.001.0041.001

Lazy Punk Sandwich

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Lemon and Ricotta Risotto
RCI-RC.002.0015.001

Lemon and Ricotta Risotto

Lemon and Ricotta Risotto is a light dish to use as either an appetizer or a side dish.

RCI-SC.002.0025.001

Lemon Mayonnaise

Lemon Mayonnaise from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0218.001

Lemon Sole in Cornmeal with Tomato Caper Relish

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wilmot Estate in Rowlett, Texas in 1996.

RCI-SC.003.0112.001

Lemon Vinaigrette

Lemon Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0113.001

Lemony Italian Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-MT.001.0146.001

Lengua de Res

– Cow Tongue.

RCI-VG.004.0775.001

Lentil and Rice Crispy Onions

Lentil and Rice Crispy Onions from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0779.001

Lentil-Brown Rice Salad

Makes 4 servings

RCI-VG.004.0780.001

Lentil Butter

Lentil Butter

RCI-VG.004.0784.001

Lentil Hummus

Lentil Hummus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0787.001

Lentil One Dish

Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 6

RCI-VG.004.0788.001

Lentil Rice Loaf

This isn't exactly a meatloaf imitation, but it is a hearty version of a vegetarian classic. It's not too far from a version that was sold commercially in the past, but has been discontinued.

RCI-VG.004.0794.001

Lentils and rice

Lentils and rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0795.001

Lentils and Sausages

* 4 servings

RCI-VG.004.0796.001

Lentils Italiano

Contributed by Healthy R

RCI-VG.004.0797.001

Lentil soup

Vegan Cuisine | Soups

Lentil Soup
RCI-VG.004.0798.001

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup aka Zuppa di lenticchie is a nutritous meal for protein without the meat.

RCI-VG.004.0801.001

Lentil Soup With Vegetables (Lentille Bil Khodra)

Lentil Soup With Vegetables (Lentille Bil Khodra) from the Recidemia collection

Lentil Stew
RCI-VG.004.0803.001

Lentil Stew

Lentil Stew is a good incorporation of vitamin E and calcium that tastes great.

RCI-VG.004.0804.001

Lentil-stuffed Peppers

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hall Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1994.

RCI-VG.004.0808.001

Lentil Vegetable Salad

Lentil Vegetable Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.004.0020.001

Le Tourin

Le Tourin is a type of garlic soup. This recipe is from the village of Le Fleix in Dordogne.

RCI-MT.004.0537.001

Light Chicken Stogranoff

Source: Sunset Diabetic Cookbook * Makes 4 servings

RCI-SP.003.0377.001

Lightening-quick Fish Soup

If you have fish stock and fish scraps in the freezer, combine them here. If not, use chicken stock or water and fresh fish.

RCI-ND.002.0061.001

Light Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp and Peas

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servin

RCI-SC.003.0116.001

Lime Dill Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-RC.004.0163.001

Lime Rice and Black-eyed Peas

Lime Rice and Black-eyed Peas from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0158.001

Lime Shrimp Kebabs

Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Limes by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-SC.003.0118.001

Lime Vinaigrette

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2½ cups

RCI-ND.001.0047.001

Linguine One-pot Strata

Linguine One-pot Strata from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0063.001

Linguine Primavera Mediterranean

Italian cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Pasta

RCI-ND.001.0048.001

Linguini with Scallops

Linguini with Scallops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0159.001

Lobster and Crabmeat-stuffed Mushrooms

Makes about 50 mushrooms

Lobster Bisque
RCI-SP.002.0124.002

Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque is a seafood accompaniment that bursts with flavour.

RCI-SF.002.0162.001

Lobster Salad with Vegetables

Lobster Salad with Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0153.001

London Broil Teriyaki

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Grade A Re

RCI-MT.002.0172.001

Lone Star State Barbeque Spareribs

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0380.001

Loubia b'Dersa

Algerian chili