Olive oil in the kitchen: a delicious journey of discovery

Olive oil is not only a star in Mediterranean cuisine, but also a true all-rounder that expands the culinary possibilities. Its rich flavour and health benefits make it an indispensable ingredient in many dishes. In the Mediterranean region, much more olive oil is consumed per capita than in Germany. In Greece, per capita consumption is around 16 litres, whereas in Germany we make do with a modest 1 litre. But don't worry, the love of liquid gold is growing here too. Because it is not only a flavour enhancer, but also the VIP guest of a healthy lifestyle.

To further increase this love for olive oil, here we share some creative tips and suggestions for using olive oil in the kitchen to realise the full potential of this golden elixir.

Salad dressing with olive oil

In many German kitchens, the liquid gold is mainly found in salad dressings, and that's a good thing. Olive oil plays the leading role in a wide range of vinaigrette variations - take a look at our selection: Olive oil for salads

Lemon and olive oil dressing:

Mix extra virgin olive oil (we recommend olive oil from Kalamata) with freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely grated garlic, honey, salt and pepper. This refreshing dressing goes perfectly with leafy salads with a slightly bitter flavour.

Honey-mustard-olive oil dressing:

Combine olive oil (we recommend a classic Greek olive oil - here)with Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. This sweet and tangy dressing harmonises wonderfully with mixed salads, especially when nuts and fruit are added.

Balsamic olive oil dressing with herbs:

Mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar, freshly chopped herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. This aromatic dressing adds a Mediterranean flavour to any salad.

Yoghurt and olive oil dressing:

For a creamy version, mix Greek yoghurt with olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt and pepper. This dressing goes particularly well with salads with cucumber and tomatoes.

Olive oil for flavouring

However, olive oil is more than just an ingredient for salad dressings, it is also a seasoning and flavouring agent, perfect for refining sauces, soups, stews and many other dishes. Grilled vegetables, rice dishes (paella, arroz con pollo, risotto, etc.) and stews in particular benefit from a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Here is a classic dish from Spanish and Latin American cuisine, where olive oil really comes into its own:
Arroz con pollo with cumin & olive oil
Ingredients:

500 g chicken breast, cut into pieces
2 cups of rice
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 red pepper, cut into strips
1 green pepper, cut into strips
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (Demeter olive oil from Spain)

Instructions:

Heat some olive oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Fry the onions and garlic in the same pan until soft. Add the pepper strips and fry briefly.
Add the rice and fry lightly. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, paprika powder, oregano and cumin. Flavour with salt and pepper.
Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan and mix everything well. Put the lid on the pan and simmer over a low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Before serving, sprinkle with some fresh parsley and drizzle with olive oil.

Baking and desserts with olive oil

But anyone who thought that the use for salad dressings and savoury dishes was over was wrong. Olive oil is also ideal for desserts and baking. When it comes to baking, we naturally think of pizza and pasta dough as well as focaccia. But there are also other recipes, one of which we would like to share:

Olive oil biscuits

Ingredients:

250 g flour
100 g sugar
120 ml olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and a pinch of salt.
Add the olive oil, egg, vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix well until a dough forms.
Shape the dough into small balls and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Flatten slightly with a fork.
Bake the biscuits for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

Voilà, delicious olive oil biscuits!

When it comes to desserts, there are heavenly creations in which the green gold can shine. For an unusual but delicious dessert, you can drizzle vanilla ice cream with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. This gives the ice cream a unique flavour that will tantalise your taste buds.

Using high-quality olive oil, as available in our Protos Mediterranean Specialities range, will take your culinary enjoyment to a new level. Be sure to choose extra virgin olive oil to ensure full flavour and health benefits.