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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.001.0076.001

Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil and Olives

PASTA WITH TOMATOES AND BASIL

RCI-ND.001.0077.001

Pasta with Uncooked Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette

Pasta with Uncooked Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0227.001

Pastelon de Platanos Maduros

Sweet plantain baked with every thing, but the kitchen sink.

RCI-MT.002.0200.001

Pata de Cerdo

Canary Island-style pork roast. Very popular in the Canary Islands, these roast pork sandwiches are sure to please! The meat is juicy, and tender. Perfect for a picnic!

RCI-VG.002.0114.001

Patatas a lo pobre

Patatas a lo pobre

RCI-SP.003.0492.001

Patrick's Irish Lamb Soup

Patrick's Irish Lamb Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0154.001

Pat's Famous and Healthful Low-cholesterol Salad Dressing

Pat Piper of Sonoma, California, sends us her recipe rather assertively called Pat's Famous and Healthful Low Cholesterol Salad Dressing. She first tried a balancing act of 1 to 1 (equal parts oil and vinegar).

Pattaya fried rice
RCI-RC.004.0215.002

Pattaya fried rice

(Thai:นาซีโกเรงปาตตายา); in Malaysia called is a Thai cuisine made by covering chicken fried rice in the omelette shaped like pouch.

RCI-RC.004.0215.001

Pattaya fried rice

(Thai:นาซีโกเรงปาตตายา); in Malaysia called is a Thai cuisine made by covering chicken fried rice in the omelette shaped like pouch.

RCI-SP.003.0493.001

Pawtucket Chili

Pawtucket Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0444.001

Peach, Tomato and Celery Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Peach, Tomato and Celery Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0445.001

Pea, Feta and Mint Salad With Pistachios

Fresh or baby garden peas are great with this refreshing salad.

RCI-RC.006.0090.001

Pearl Couscous with Olives and Roasted Tomatoes

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

RCI-SP.002.0148.001

Pea Soup

right|Name of the Recipe

Pebre
RCI-SC.005.0126.001

Pebre

300px| Pebre This is similar to Italian pesto or Argentinean chimichurri, and a staple on Chilean tables. It pairs will Pastel de Choclo, with grilled meats and is good stir fried into pasta or rice. Yield: 8 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1011.001

Pecan and Mushroom Burgers

* Source: Eating Well, Summer 2002 * Formatted by ChupaBabi in MC: 06.20.07 * Makes 8 servings

RCI-SF.001.0275.001

Peixe a Lumbo

Shrimp and fish stew that originated in Mozambique, South Africa and serves four (4). There is known Portuguese influence upon many of the recipes of Mozambique. This nation being a coastal area, fishing becomes a very important food source.

RCI-ND.001.0078.001

Penne alla Casa

Italian cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Pasta

RCI-ND.001.0079.001

Penne All'amatriciana

Submitted by Ishamael Pasta with a spicy, smoky red sauce. And easy, too!

RCI-ND.002.0101.001

Penne alla Pesto

Original recipe Prep Time: 15 Minutes Servings: 4

RCI-ND.001.0080.001

Penne All'Arrabiata

For 2 persons

RCI-ND.001.0081.001

Penne alla Vodka

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

RCI-ND.005.0113.001

Penne Mediterranean Delight Salad

By Chef Antonio Cecconi Original recipe Prep Time: 25 minutes | Chill: 2 hours 8 side servings

RCI-ND.001.0083.001

Penne Primavera

This can be a satisfying vegetarian meal in itself. You can add cubed chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. Substitute in-season vegetables, dial up or minimize the heat by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes.

RCI-ND.002.0104.001

Penne Primavera with Shrimp

The key here is that the recipe is made from this pasta.

RCI-ND.002.0105.001

Penne Rigate all Tricolore

Penne rigate with roasted red pepper sauce by Chef Antonio Cecconi. Spicy and creamy, this sauce is made up of ingredients that have all the colors of the Italian flag.

RCI-ND.001.0084.001

Penne with Asparagus

Penne with Asparagus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0085.001

Penne with Eggplant, Olives and Feta

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

RCI-ND.002.0106.001

Penne with Pesto and Vegetables

Penne with Pesto and Vegetables from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0087.001

Penne with Roasted Red Peppers and Zucchini

Penne with Roasted Red Peppers and Zucchini from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0107.001

Penne with Summer Squash

Penne with Summer Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0193.001

Peppercorn-crusted Seared Beef with Orange Salsa

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * MAkes 4 servings o

RCI-MT.001.0194.001

Peppercorn Strip Steaks

A homemade steak sauce finishes this meal all off. The sauce sure is better than that A1 stuff.

RCI-MT.004.0639.001

Pepper-Crusted Chicken

Pepper-Crusted Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0449.001

Pepper Salad

Pepper Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1015.001

Peppery Green Beans

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Manes Estate in Venus, Texas in 1981.

RCI-EG.001.0045.001

Perfect Date Omelet

Have a great and nutritional breakfast, even more fun if you are sharing it with a date :) Makes 6 main-dish servings.

RCI-SC.007.0238.001

Peri Peri Sauce

This sauce can be used when you are baking, broiling, or charcoal Grilling. Use with Pork, Chicken or Shrimp.

RCI-RC.001.0152.001

Persian Chicken Pilaf

Persian Chicken Pilaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1017.001

Persian Kidney Beans

A great vegetarian entree, this is a little bit spicy but can be adjusted to taste. Adapted from a recipe by Molly Katzen.

RCI-VG.004.1018.001

Persian Soup

Cook Time: 2 hours plus overnight prep

RCI-VG.003.0095.001

Persian Spinach and Black-Eyed Peas

Sabzi

RCI-VG.004.1019.001

Persian Stuffed Grape Leaves

Serves six as a meal or 12 as an appetizer.

RCI-MT.005.0235.001

Persian-style Lamb Meatballs

Persian-style Lamb Meatballs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0454.001

Persian Tomato and Cucumber Salad

A very light and refreshing salad that goes well with everything. The longer this stays the better it taste. You will also notice that the liquid increases as the salad sits.

RCI-SP.003.0503.001

Peruvian Vegetable Stew

Peruvian Vegetable Stew

RCI-SW.001.0067.001

Pesto California Avocado Torta

Pesto California Avocado Torta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0129.001

Pesto Honduras

Pesto Honduras from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0132.001

Pesto Sauce I

Original recipe Source: dLife Servings: 48

RCI-ND.005.0114.001

Pete's pasta

I invented this recipe for children and vegetarians as it combines ingredients that they seem to love. It is also excruciatingly easy to make, and it's very tasty.