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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-SP.003.0182.001

Chili (Vegan)

Vegan Chili is chili that uses no animal or meat products in its creation. Many variations of a vegetarian based chili have been created using meat substitutes, tofu and even vegetables.

RCI-SP.004.0103.001

Chilled California Avocado Gazpacho

Chilled California Avocado Gazpacho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0014.001

Chilled Cucumber and Yoghurt Soup with Prawns

My favourite soup on a hot summers day-I just love this. The prep time doesn't include chilling which I think takes about 6 hours.

RCI-VG.004.0284.001

Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette

Chilled Lentil Salad with Spicy Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0017.001

Chilled Moroccan Tomato Soup

With all of the spices of North Africa, thia tradtional appetizer is delicious and really simple to make.

RCI-SP.001.0021.001

Chilled Yellow Pepper Cilantro Soup

Chilled Yellow Pepper Cilantro Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0265.001

Chimichurri Chicken Strips

Chimichurri Chicken Strips Lemony, garlicky and lots of parsley! This is a delicious marinade that is typically used on beef, but its flavors make it outstanding on chicken or seafood.

RCI-SC.005.0025.001

Chimichurri Sauce from Argentina

You can mince the ingredients by hand or use a food processor, which is faster and easier. There are many variations on this condiment, and it is used on meat, rice, empanadas, etc.

RCI-VG.004.0294.001

Chinese Peppered Green Beans

Bright, crisp and spicy with crushed green peppercorns, fresh red chile pepper and garlic, these green beans will add lots of flavor and color to your meal. " Original recipe yield: 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.0296.001

Chinese-style Broccoli

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Corrigan Estate in Justin, Texas in 1992.

RCI-SC.005.0027.001

Chipotle-ancho chili pesto

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RCI-SC.007.0069.001

Chipotle BBQ Sauce

This sauce is really smoky and hot, so if you can't stand the heat, adjust it to your liking.

RCI-VG.001.0151.001

Chipotle Chicken Salad

This is from epicurious and it's simply fabulous! Super easy as it starts with a store bought cooked chicken. by Annacia © 2007 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved.

RCI-MT.004.0274.002

Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken

Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0274.001

Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken

Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0189.001

Chorizo and Kale Soup

Chorizo and Kale Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0092.001

Christmas Crackers

Christmas Crackers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0028.001

Christmas Pasta Sauce

Christmas Pasta Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0036.001

Christmas Savoury Strudel

Christmas Savoury Strudel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0055.001

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis

Christopsomo tis Kirias Zinis from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0192.001

Chtithat el Kercha/ El Bekbouka, Algerian Spicy Tripe

Chtithat el Kercha/ El Bekbouka, Algerian Spicy Tripe from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0194.001

Chunky Vegetable Stew

Chunky Vegetable Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0063.001

Chunky Zucchini Tomato Curry

* Source: Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies * Yield: 4 servings

RCI-SC.003.0047.001

Cilantro Dressing for Salads

This dressing is great on a fresh veggie salad, chicken salad, crisp green salad, taco salads or any tossed salad.

Cioppino
RCI-SF.002.0063.001

Cioppino

Cioppino is a fish stew, a descendant of the various regional fish soups and stews of Italian cooking. It was developed by the fishermen who settled in the North Beach section of San Francisco.

RCI-MT.004.0277.001

Circassian-style Chicken

Serves 16 persons.

RCI-SC.003.0049.001

Citrus dressing

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RCI-MT.001.0083.001

Classic Pot Roast

This pot roast recipe is even better than your mom made.

RCI-VG.004.0319.001

Cocido

this is what we have to do for our spanish class GOSH! Cocido

RCI-VG.004.0320.001

Cocido Madrileno

The Classic Madrid chick pea stew. Tradition rules that the ingredients of cocido must be served separately. Each serving is known as vuelco (overturn), as at each time the pot must be overturned to separate the ingredients.

RCI-SN.003.0095.001

Cocktail Kebabs

Cocktail Kebabs is a delicious recipe that you can cook quickly and easily.

RCI-MT.005.0058.001

Coclo

Big meatballs

RCI-RC.006.0042.001

Coco - Banana Salad

Coco - Banana Salad

RCI-MT.004.0282.001

Coconut Chicken

On a recent trip to the Caribbean I was impressed by all the roadside Barbecue stops that spring up on weekends, where you can buy, very cheaply, a portion of chicken, usually in a good, if rather sticky barbecue sauce, to take away and eat on a wonderful beach somewhere!

RCI-SF.003.0019.001

Cod Carpaccio

Cod Carpaccio is a finely sliced dish.

RCI-SP.004.0109.001

Cognac Beef Stew

Cognac Beef Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0160.001

Cold Asparagus Salad

Cold Asparagus Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0022.001

Cold Avocado Soup

Cold Avocado Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0323.001

Cold Lentil Salad

Cold Lentil Salad

RCI-SP.006.0030.001

Cold Sweet and Sour Soup

Cold Sweet and Sour Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0328.001

Colorful Black Bean and Crab Salad

This is a very colourful side dish that I serve with jerk chicken or barbecued steaks. I quite often will take this to a pot luck along with several copies of the recipe, as it is always requested.

RCI-SP.004.0111.001

Comlek

Rabbit casserole with onions and wine vinegar. The same recipe can be used for hare, with excellent results, by increasing quantities of other ingredients, since hare is much heavier than rabbit. , being soaked in vinegar.

RCI-SN.002.0100.001

Conch Fritters Dressing

Conch Fritters Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0012.001

Conch Stew

Conch Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0033.001

Condimento Pugliese

Condimento Pugliese from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0056.001

Confetti Black-eyed Pea Salad

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 8 servin

RCI-VG.001.0168.001

Confetti Chicken Salad

Confetti Chicken Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0330.001

Confetti Rice and Beans

The nutrition will be different depending on the type of rice used... brown basmati is a much better choice than white.

RCI-RC.001.0061.001

Confetti Rice Pilaf

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SC.003.0050.001

Confetti vinaigrette dressing

Confetti vinaigrette dressing from the Recidemia collection