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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)

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Mixed Salad

Mixed Salad from the Recidemia collection

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Mixed Seafood Risotto

Makes 6 servings

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Mixed Vegetable Salad

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny via World R

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Mjderah

A Vegetable Soup

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Mjeddrah

Mjeddrah is a stout lentil and rice stew, a Lebanese staple.

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Mofongo

Mofongo is a popular Caribbean dish which originated in Puerto Rico, and later has been adapted to Dominican cuisine. It is made from fried green plantains, seasoned with garlic, olive oil and pork cracklings, then mashed.

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Mojo Sauce

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

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Mojo Verde

This green, herb-flavored sauce is good on almost anything. From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Makes about 1½ cups.

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Mole Chicken

This delicious spicy dish is best served over rice or rice noodles.

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Mona-Lisa Onion Dip

A traditional recipe best served with raw vegetables or your favorite chips.

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Monkfish Kabobs with Lemon and Thyme

* Source: Great Healthy Food - Diabetes by Azmina Govindji * Yield: 4 servings

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Monney's Smoked Eggplant

Yields: 6 servings

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Monte Cristo Burgers

Everyone knows that a Monte Cristo sandwich is sort of a French toast sandwich, only savory, so I combine it with America's favorite ground beef dish, the burger.

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Monterey Jack Chicken Breasts

Cumin and Monterrey Jack cheese adds a nice Mexican kick to plain chicken. Your kids will love this recipe.

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Moroccan Blood Orange Salad

A quick and easy salad native to Morocco. Perfect if you have a busy lifestyle but want to eat healthily.

RCI-RC.006.0083.001

Moroccan Catfish Couscous

A Catfish recipe.

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Moroccan Chicken Bundles

These Moroccan-Style Chicken phyllo rolls have the delicious mix of Moroccan spices including cumin, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. These are great served with Spiced tomato Dipping Sauce - Moroccan Style.

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Moroccan Cigars

Cigars are a great appetizer before any meal. Served with dip, they make a nice change from more conventional hors d'œuvre.

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Moroccan Couscous

Moroccan Couscous from the Recidemia collection

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Moroccan Eggs

Moroccan eggs are great for vegetarians. The recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious and tasty as well! This is best served with bread.

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Moroccan Fennel Salad

This traditional salad is a delightful side dish or main meal. It is easy to prepare, which makes it all the more delicious.

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Moroccan Ginger Dip

This lovely dip combines sweet with sour, hot with mild. The dip is good for any hors d'oevre and is native to Morocco.

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Moroccan Lentil Soup

This is a great soup for vegetarians. Moroccan Lentil soup is healthy, nutritious and so easy to make. This recipe serves about 6.

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Moroccan Orange Walnut Salad

orange walnut salad is a combination of sweet and savoury, the kind that Morocco is famous for.

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Moroccan Pepper Sauce

A hot dip from Morocco suitable for serving with any salad or appetizer. Makes 10oz.

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Moroccan Potato Bean Soup

This soup is an authentic Moroccan recipe, guaranteed to warm the stomach! This recipe serves 6.

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Moroccan Ramadan Soup

As classic as Casablanca, this Moroccan soup has a combination of heady spices that fill the air with a longing for exotic places. Traditionally made with Lamb, this is a lighter version and a great choice for vegetarians.

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Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie

Moroccan Shepherds’ Pie from the Recidemia collection

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Moroccan Soup

Moroccan Soup from the Recidemia collection

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Moroccan Spice-crusted Tempeh with Couscous

Moroccan Spice-crusted Tempeh with Couscous from the Recidemia collection

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Moroccan Stew

Moroccan Stew from the Recidemia collection

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Moroccan Vegetable Stew

This stew is authentically Moroccan and provides a nutritious, filling meal! This recipe serves 4.

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Moros

Moros

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Mozzarella Meat Loaf

Mozzarella Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

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Mozzarella Tomato

Mozzarella Tomato is a simple appetizer or side dish that works with any Italian meal and takes almost no time to make. Since this recipe involves only a few ingredients, it is very important to have each ingredients in high quality.

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MPT

This is a delicious and quick recipe for a sunny day, or to bring back a little memory of summer. It's served warm so may not suit a winter evening!

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Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mr. Food

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Mtsvane Pamidori

Stewed green tomatoes right|Mtsvane Pamidori

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Muhammara

Turkish red pepper spread. Enriched with walnuts and olive oil, a jar of roasted peppers quickly turns into muhammara, a spread from southeast Turkey. Serve on toasted pita crisps or crisp sesame crackers.

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Mujadarra

300px| Mujadarra This recipe is for 8 servings

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Musakhan

also مسخّن (Arabic). A Palestinian country dish. It is chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, and garnished with fried pine nuts.

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Mushroom and Leek Galette

Mushroom and Leek Galette from the Recidemia collection

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Mushroom and Rice Soup

Makes 10 servings

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Mushroom and Spinach Savory Rice

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

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Mushroom Bolognese

Mushroom Bolognese from the Recidemia collection

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Mushroom Chili Stew

Mushroom Chili Stew from the Recidemia collection

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Mushroom-flavored Meatloaf

Mushrooms, Parmesan and herbs jazz up plain-old meatloaf for a dish that just might become a family staple. Serve with roasted vegetables on the side for a nourishing and hearty autumn meal.

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Mushroom Pecan Rice

Contributed by Recipe reprinted with permission from HealthRecipes.com

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Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Makes 4 servings

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Mushrooms stuffed with Spinach

Mushrooms stuffed with Spinach from the Recidemia collection