Cooking with extra virgin olive oil & Recipe

Extra virgin olive oil is also suitable for cooking.

Despite what is usually believed, extra virgin olive oil can be used for more than just a salad dressing. It is versatile and can be used for cooking, poaching, sautéing, frying and baking, adding its unique flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. It is important for each person to experiment and find the best extra virgin olive oil for their preferences, taking into account factors such as variety, origin and producer. The distinct flavour of extra virgin olive oil can greatly enhance the taste of a dish, such as using a fruity and peppery oil to liven up a mild dish or an herb-infused oil for fish and salads. A medium to high intensity oil with green olive freshness can be used in various dishes such as salads, soups and even sweet cakes instead of butter.

Is it necessary to use only extra virgin olive oil for cooking?

The high levels of monounsaturated acids and vitamin E in extra virgin olive oil make it particularly resistant to high temperatures. Studies have shown that it can withstand temperatures up to five times higher than seed oils, which can break down into harmful substances when heated. The antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil help in the absorption of vitamins and protect the body from free radicals and cholesterol.

Tips for using extra virgin olive oil in cooking:

• Experts recommend cooking extra virgin olive oil at a temperature between 160°-180° C, which is equivalent to being just above the middle of your kitchen’s heat settings.

• For frying, it is important to note that even if you use “extra virgin olive oil”, you should never exceed 15-20 minutes at 180° C. Other oils, such as seed oils, have a shorter shelf life when exposed to this temperature.

• And how can we use the used one?
  Based on various experiments conducted over time, it is recommended to change extra virgin olive oil, “olive oil – a mixture of refined olive oil and edible virgin olive oil” or olive kernel oil, after three fryings in a frying pan or air fryer. However, extra virgin olive oil has a longer shelf life. This, of course, assumes that the stated temperatures and frying times are adhered to.

• If any other oil – apart from extra virgin olive oil – is used repeatedly, it is oxidized and its components are significantly altered, leading to the creation of free radicals that are associated withcardiovascular diseases and even cancer.

• When it comes to the colour of the food after frying, it is likely that extra virgin olive oil will have a slightly darker shade compared to seed oil.
  This raises the question: what is more important, health or appearance? Extra virgin olive oil is not just a fatty substance. serves as a protective element for our health and is a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet. In addition, its incorporation in dishes enhances their taste. Its growing popularity in confectionery shows its versatility and value as a key ingredient in various recipes.

• Can we mix extra virgin olive oil with seed oil?
  Not allowed at production level! Why would you think about it? There is no benefit to it and it will actually harm the product. Seed oils have polyunsaturated fatty acids, while extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated acids that are more stable and offer health benefits.

The recipe we have all been waiting for

Indulge in the exquisite aroma of baby potatoes with this recipe, similar to the irresistible charm of freshly cooked potatoes.

Vegetarians will enjoy these delicious crispy baby potatoes as a delicious meal, perfectly complemented by a refreshing green salad. Similarly, for meat lovers, they serve as an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the flavours of sumptuous roasted meats and poultry.

Materials

Indulge in a delectable dish for four people, with 1kg of washed, dried and halved baby potatoes, ready to be transformed. Up the flavors with 2 generous teaspoons of dakry Olive extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of aromatic garlic powder and 1 note of vibrant turmeric. Enhance the flavor with 1 teaspoon of sweet salt, sweet pepper and sweet or spicy paprika of your choice. Enrich the dish with the aromatic fresh thyme essence and chopped rosemary leaves for a truly exquisite culinary experience.

For the execution

To get started, preheat your oven to 200°C, making sure it’s set to Air Fryer mode.
Then take the potatoes as specified in the ingredients and prepare them carefully. Place the prepared potatoes in a bowl, ready for seasoning.
Drizzle the potatoes with a generous amount of olive oil, making sure to coat each piece.
Then sprinkle with the garlic, turmeric, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary and thyme, distributing the flavours evenly throughout. It is important to mix the ingredients well, making sure that each potato is covered with the delicious spice mixture.
Once the potatoes are well coated, spread them on a tray equipped with a special rack. Now it’s time to bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
Remember to stir them well at least once during this cooking period, ensuring even distribution of heat and flavour.
Finally, when the potatoes are cooked to perfection, serve them warm as a delicious side dish or even as a hearty main course.

In this way, one can effortlessly transform the simple process of preparing and serving potatoes into a truly elegant culinary experience, always accompanied by Dakry Olive’s Exquisite Olive Oil.