Making the most of the benefits of olive oil is easy and fun with our home cooking tips. These pointers will also help take your recipes to the next level.
Olive oil is the main ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and it can be used for more than simply making the perfect appetizer, pasta with olive oil, tomatoes, basil and mozzarella or chicken stir fry. And because it is so versatile, olive oil can be used as a substitute for other ingredients such as butter, resulting in healthier recipes. Are you ready for some home cook tips?
To preserve all of its flavors, opt for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in cold dishes
To cook recipes like a true chef, olive oil is the ideal choice, except in the case of cold dishes, for which extra virgin olive oil is best. This will offer the most antioxidants and nutrients, making your dishes more nutritional and with an exquisite aroma and flavor.
Its prominent flavor will give the end result an edge, particularly when used to add more body and depth, or to create harmony in raw recipes.
Although olive oil has a high smoke point, the flavor of extra virgin olive oil may vary as cooking temperatures rise. So if your goal is to savor its purest flavor, we suggest using it for recipes like cold pasta salad with olive oil and garlic.
The trick behind meat that looks irresistible
To seal the flavor of meat by creating a juicy outer crust, try drizzling olive oil over the meat before roasting it. The outcome will be perfect!
The oil easily penetrates the top layers of marinated foods. So if you plan on making meat recipes, this chef’s tip will make a difference.
Tip for baking: always use olive oil
Many people feel that adding olive oil to baking recipes is unnecessary, but not everyone can make bread like a true chef!
Aside from being healthier, using a light-tasting oil such as Sunflower Oil & Extra Virgin Olive Oil for baking—particularly when making savory bread and sweets such as cookies, cakes and other desserts—will help the dough withstand high baking temperatures and prevent dry results.
Don’t worry about the flavor of the oil because it won’t overpower the other ingredients in muffins or cakes. Instead, it will add certain nuances and personalize your recipe.
Not a fan of acidic flavors? Then oil will be your best ally
Olive oil balances out the acidity of certain foods, such as tomatoes, vinegar, wine or lemon. So if you carefully pair the flavors and add a touch of olive oil, your taste buds will be delighted with the pleasant aroma.
If these new tips inspire you to become an expert in olive oil, then be sure to read this post about olive oil fun facts and other interesting aspects!
