Olive oil of the highest category (extra virgin) is essentially freshly squeezed olive juice, which professionals call first–pressed oil. This oil is obtained by cold pressing the fruits and separating the excess liquid in a centrifuge. Fresh olive is a capricious product, and within a day after harvesting it begins to oxidize, lose its shape, taste and aroma, so olives are turned into oil as close as possible to the place of collection and never transport fruits over long distances. This means that the first-pressed oil retains the unique aroma of olives of the region where it was made. Notes of flowers and fruits, artichokes and fresh grass.
Such a bright personality requires careful handling: extra virgin olive oil works best in its natural form at room temperature in salads, appetizers, sauces and even in cold desserts. Many manufacturers enrich its notes with additional flavors – basil, lemon zest, garlic, dried tomatoes and truffle. So the oil turns into a ready-made refined dressing. It is enough to dip a piece of ciabatta in olive oil with the aroma of noble white truffle to feel a powerful polyphony of flavors.
Olive Oil for Frying
Many home cooks are sure that frying and stewing in extra virgin olive oil is not right. From the heat, fragile natural flavors are destroyed, the oil changes texture and color, and the piquant bitterness turns into outright bitterness. But this is only partially true. In fact, the so–called “smoking point” (that is, the temperature limit after which all of the above irreversible processes begin to occur in the oil) even in first-pressed oil is quite high – up to 180 ° C, depending on the acidity of the product. In other words, if the dish is slowly languishing or baked in the oven with gentle heating, extra virgin oil releases all its flavor and transmits it to the products, which is exclusively beneficial for fish, meat or vegetables. This is the secret, for example, of the Provencal ratatouille – only mixed vegetables cooked in “virgin” olive oil turn into a luxurious, fragrant southern sun whole.
But if we are talking about high temperatures – deep-frying or frying in a hot frying pan, then the temperature shock will kill all living things. For these purposes, it is logical to use refined olive oil: it is sold both in pure form and mixed with a small amount of extra virgin (usually in a percentage ratio of 80:20). This oil is a workhorse in the kitchen, it is more affordable and absolutely universal, suitable for salad dressings and frying in a frying pan. Due to the high density, olive oil practically does not penetrate into the product during frying. And this is good news for those who want to eat a ruddy steak and observe the principles of a healthy diet: after frying, it is easy to remove excess olive oil with a paper towel.
It is worth considering that due to the high density, olive oil practically does not penetrate into the product during frying. The only thing to avoid is deep–frying and a hot frying pan
Ratatouille – a dish that was born in Provence, and then quickly spread throughout the southern region of the country, is now known and loved by many not only in France, but all over the world. Classic ratatouille should contain zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, tomatoes. Vegetables are cooked in olive oil with onions and /or garlic and, of course, Provencal herbs – fresh or dry. Modern chefs, of course, often modify the recipe in every possible way, as it happens with all known classical recipes. Let me introduce you to my version. In this recipe, I used ratatouille as a pie filling. Suitable when a simple vegetable stew is a little boring. Pumpkin dough is just a godsend. It’s nutritious, delicious, bright!
Crispy crumbly “onion” and completely summer, fragrant and juicy filling. There are a lot of biscuits on the site, I have a slightly different option. There are never too many biscuits. Low-fat, fragrant, juicy and incredibly delicious. It is delicious both hot and warm, and cold. Great as a snack. Perfect as a main course for dinner. To taste it?
Today I have a lean oatmeal biscuit with apples. Very delicate and fragrant! The dough turned out crispy, but when I lift it, it becomes softer. The amount of sugar in the filling can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of the apples. Apples can be safely replaced with an addition to the plum or even replaced with pears or berries (after sprinkling them with starch)! Ideal during Lent.
I suggest cooking simple and delicious cookies that will appeal to both children and adults, especially lovers of all kinds of seeds. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
No matter how much these birds are marinated and baked, there is never anything left “for later”. Therefore, if you find it difficult to find a bird, you can bake small chickens or just chicken. Very, very tasty, and not only with quails, but also with an amazing dry filling! This dish is sure to decorate any festive table.
Very tasty marmalade! The bright natural taste of marmalade is ideal for meat and poultry dishes, and also serves as a good spread on toast bread, goes well with cheese. Ideal for healthy eating.
I know that there are many options for cooking pastrami on the site, but let me suggest my own option and share such a wonderful dish once again. Pastrami can be added to a salad, served in slices and in the form of sandwiches. In general, a very tasty substitute for sausage.
