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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-MT.004.0567.001

Mediterranean Baked Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Prep: 10 minutes |

RCI-SP.003.0403.001

Mediterranean Beef Stew

This is a hearty and flavoursome beef stew inspired by the Mediterranean. It is based on a dish cooked by Keith Floyd in his Floyd around the Med TV series.

RCI-SF.005.0036.001

Mediterranean Catfish and Roasted Vegetable Chowder

A Catfish recipe.

RCI-SF.005.0037.001

Mediterranean Catfish Stew

Mediterranean Catfish Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0568.001

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0854.001

Mediterranean Lima Bean Salad with Cumin

Humble limas are transformed into a sensational Mediterranean spread that is vibrant with a mix of fresh herbs and spices.

RCI-BR.002.0061.001

Mediterranean Pizza

Meterranean Pizza from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—oiginal source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 12

RCI-VG.004.0855.001

Mediterranean Quinoa

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RCI-SC.005.0103.001

Mediterranean Red Pepper Sauce

* Source: Eating Well Diabetes Cookbook * Formatted by Chupa Babi in MC: 07.12.07 * Prep time: 10 mi

RCI-VG.001.0383.001

Mediterranean Salad with Clementines, Fennel and Olives

Mediterranean Salad with Clementines, Fennel and Olives from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0038.001

Mediterranean Seafood Supper

Mediterranean Seafood Supper from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0173.001

Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice Salad

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-RC.001.0123.001

Mediterranean Shrimp Pilaf

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-ND.001.0055.001

Mediterranean-style Beef Stir-fry

Mediterranean-style Beef Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0405.001

Mediterranean-style Soup

Serve 8.

RCI-MT.004.0570.001

Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry

Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0858.001

Mediterranean Vegetables

Mediterranean Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0859.001

Mediterranean Vegetables I

Packet up these veggies and take them out to the grill. The secret to crisp tender Mediterranean Vegetables is adding a few ice cubes to the packet before grilling for just the right amount of moisture.

Mejadra
RCI-VG.004.0863.001

Mejadra

Extremely simple to cook, this dish is a fundamental component of Middle Eastern cuisine. It provides carbohydrates, proteins, and a full stomach. It also tastes great. When cooked with rice, this recipe is gluten-free.

RCI-VG.004.0865.001

Melitzanes Fournou

Baked Eggplants. Try them with a cheese garnish!

RCI-SN.001.0247.001

Melitzanosalata

Eggplant salad

RCI-ND.002.0071.001

Melon Pasta Salad

Melon Pasta Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0068.001

Mesquite Chicken Sandwich

Mesquite Chicken Sandwich from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0037.001

Mesquite Chicken Wraps

Mesquite Chicken Wraps from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0387.001

Mexicali Rose Taco Salad

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RCI-VG.004.0870.001

Mexican Bean Salad I

Servings per recipe: 8

RCI-VG.002.0090.001

Mexican Potato Salad

Mexican Potato Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.004.0034.001

Mexican Shrimp

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-SP.003.0412.001

Mexican Sopa de Fideos

Mexican sopa de fideos (noodle Soup), from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 4 to 6

RCI-RC.002.0016.001

Microwave Risotto

. This risotto is made using the microwave. It requires very little stirring and turns out quite well.

RCI-VG.004.0874.001

Microwave Roasted Garlic

Easy peasy roasted garlic, why not give this a try? com. It's nice to have more than one head, this goes quickly into dips, for veggies, pizzas, pastas, chicken, most anything.

RCI-MT.003.0063.001

Middle Eastern Lamb Kabobs

Middle Eastern Lamb Kabobs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0045.001

Middle Eastern Tomato Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cabrera Estate in Malakoff, Texas in 1986.

RCI-SF.001.0244.001

Middle Eastern Tuna Salad

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Yield: 4 servings (about 3½ ounces tuna) From: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible

RCI-VG.004.0877.001

Mike's Bean and Rice Bake

Vegetarian | Vegan Cuisine

RCI-VG.004.0878.001

Mike's Saffron Rice and Beans

This recipe originally started as a vegetarian approximation to paella. It has since diverged from its resemblance to paella.

RCI-SP.003.0413.001

Minestra

- a typical Genoese dish not to be confused with the Basque ‘menestra’ which is simply mixed boiled vegetables, or with Italian minestrone, a thick vegetable soup.

RCI-SP.003.0414.001

Minestra Dagnello

This is THE Lamb SOUP for a quiet, intimate evening on a rainy day. My family uses white Burgundy wine which blends wonderfully with the vegetables and ends up tasting a bit sweet. Children wont even know there's wine in the soup.

RCI-SP.003.0415.001

Minestra di Riso con Cavolo Rosso

I have more cookbooks... but many do not have recipes on page 17. It's usually some part of an intro to the cookbook.

RCI-SP.003.0421.001

Minestrone Vegetable Soup

Minestrone Vegetable Soup means big soup, this soup is a meal full of vegetables, you can easily substitute for another vegetable if desired.

RCI-VG.001.0390.001

Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0422.001

Mini Meatball Soup

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray Show: 30 Minute Meals Episode: 30-Minute Chocolate Blast From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SC.005.0108.001

Mint Chutney I

Active time: 10 min | Start to finish: 30 min Makes about 1¼ cups

RCI-VG.001.0391.001

Mint Cucumber Feta Salad

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cabrera Estate in Malakoff, Texas in 1986.

RCI-VG.004.0883.001

Minted carrot and green bean salad

Minted carrot and green bean salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0392.001

Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad

Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.001.0035.001

Miraval Omelet

Miraval Omelet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0889.001

Misir Wot

Lentil stew - Elisabeth Freeman This is an Ethiopian recipe. Berbere is a traditional Ethiopian spice, which is hard to find in the US (don't know about other countries). If you can't find it, you can fake it.

RCI-EG.002.0049.001

Miso and Mustard Tofu Scramble

Miso and Mustard Tofu Scramble from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0119.001

Miso-seared Chilean Seabass

Miso-seared Chilean Seabass