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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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Pumpkin Risotto

American cuisine | Holiday | Rice

RCI-SP.002.0170.001

Pumpkin Soup with curry

Pumpkin Soup with curry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0171.001

Puréed Zucchini Soup with Basil Oil and Ricotta

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RCI-SP.002.0173.001

Purée of Portabello Mushroom Soup

Purée of Portabello Mushroom Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0131.001

Purple Potato Salad

Peruvian purple potatoes

RCI-SC.001.0046.001

Puttanesca Sauce by Viridius

Submitted by viridius Uploaded by Schpyder This is a delicious, quick, and cheap pasta sauce that will keep well in your refrigerator to be reheated during the week. I adapted this recipe from the Dean and DeLuca cookbook.

RCI-ND.001.0091.001

Puttanesca Sauce over Spaghetti

This recipe comes from an Estate Sale and were obtained when The Family Collection from The Wetzel Estate in Plano, Texas was purchased in 1982.

RCI-VG.004.1082.001

Quick and Easy Hummus

Quick and Easy Hummus from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0685.001

Quick Coriander Chicken Breasts

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0686.001

Quick Creole Chicken

Quick Creole Chicken from the Recidemia collection

Quick garlic croutons
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Quick garlic croutons

Croutons

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Quick Hummus

Garbanzo bean dip

RCI-MT.002.0231.001

Quick Pork Chops

Quick Pork Chops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0544.001

Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew

Quick Provençal Mushroom and White Bean Stew Serving Size: 4

RCI-SF.002.0214.001

Quick Shrimp Paella with Sausage and Veggies

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SW.003.0059.001

Quick Veggie Wraps

Quick Veggie Wraps from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0095.001

Quinoa Risotto

Serves 2 – 6, depending on whether or not you serve this as a main or a side dish.

RCI-RC.006.0098.001

Quinoa Salad with Dried Apricots and Baby Spinach

This spicy salad with little jewels of dried apricot in the mix would be welcome at lunch or a simple weekday dinner. You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time.

RCI-VG.004.1092.001

Quinoa, Shiitake Mushrooms and Adzuki Beans

Quinoa, Shiitake Mushrooms and Adzuki Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0258.001

Rabbit in Tarragon Sauce

Contributed by Darlene in BC via Catsrecipes Y-Group

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Rabbit Pie

Serve 4.

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Radiatore Provençal

Radiatore Provençal from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1094.001

Radish and Butter Bean Salad

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

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Radish Slaw

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 10 – 12

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Ragu

classic Italian ragù A staple of northern Italy's Bologna, Ragu is a meat sauce that is typically served with pasta. Though different than the French Ragout, both are derived from the verb ragouter, which means to stimulate the appetite.

RCI-ND.001.0093.001

Ragu Napoletano

When making this, I ended up with ground chuck instead of the regular boneless. I opted not to remove this from the recipe, nor the Sausage, which I crumbled. They gave it a nice texture, so just go with whatever you are able to get.

RCI-EG.003.0118.001

Rakott Krumpli

(potato casserole) baked in the oven, a popular dish in Hungary.

RCI-SC.003.0160.001

Ranch Dressing

Makes 3 1/2 cups, takes 15 minutes to prepare. This is a great dressing to use for, just not salads, but for sandwiches and as a dip with crudités.

RCI-SC.003.0164.001

Raspberry Dressing

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

RCI-VG.002.0133.001

Ratatouille

200px|right Provençale recipes | Vegan Cuisine is a traditional Provençale stewed vegetable dish that can be served as a meal on its own, accompanied by rice, potatoes or French bread, or as a side dish. It can be served hot or cold.

RCI-VG.004.1101.001

Ratatouille Dip

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-VG.002.0135.001

Ratatouille I

Source: TJ Hill - Appetites Catered * 6 Servings

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Ratatouille Pasta

Ratatouille Pasta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0136.001

Ratatouille with Polenta

Ratatouille with Polenta from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0051.001

Ravioli con la Trota

Smoked ocean Trout ravioli, with crunchy asparagus and mint leaves. To serve five.

RCI-SN.001.0310.001

Red and White Onion Tapenade

Prep. Time: 10 min. Cook Time: 0 min.

RCI-SP.003.0554.001

Red Bean Soup with Guacamole Salsa

Red Bean Soup with Guacamole Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0049.001

Red Crab Gazpacho with Avocado Chutney

This is a spicy, wild, Asian style gazpacho. This gazpacho showcases all of my favorite foods, fresh avocados, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, this soup is lip smacking good! Low fat, High Taste!

RCI-SP.005.0198.001

Red Curry Chicken

Red Curry Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0137.001

Red Fried Potatoes

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

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Red Lentil Kofte

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Red Lobster Shrimp Pasta

This dish is filled with flavor as shrimp and clam juice combine to give you a pasta dish bursting with seafood flavor. Besty sent in her recreation of this wonderful dish from the Red Lobster. This is very easy to make.

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Red Pepper and Zucchini Quiche

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RCI-SP.006.0050.001

Red Pepper Soup

Red Pepper Soup cold soup is a nice flavourful treat on a hot summer day.

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Red Roasted Potatoes

Red Roasted Potatoes from the Recidemia collection

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Red Snapper with Coconut Sauce

Red Snapper with Coconut Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0480.001

Red, White and Blue Salad

Featured for the Fourth! When fresh tomatoes are in season, I could literally live on this salad. ” and the colors are just right for the patriotic 4th (or 14th) of July. From Chef June Jacobs,sdapted from Pierre Franey Contributed by SF&SC Y-Group.

RCI-VG.004.1122.001

Refried Beans I

Original recipe Yields 6 servings, each one equal to ½ cup

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Rice and Beans with Sauce and Tasso

Rice and Beans with Sauce and Tasso from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1128.001

Rice and Garbanzo Beans

Makes 4 servings