Whether you want to make an infused olive oil or prepare sauces, extra virgin olive oil is your best ally. But which herbs pair best with liquid gold in each case?
We’ll review some of them, suggest possible recipes, and even a few surprises…
Basil and extra virgin olive oil
The base of a good pesto sauce and many other dishes. If you want to lighten the calorie content of this sauce, you can reduce the proportion of Parmesan cheese and make it with a high-flavour olive oil. Any early harvest EVOO will be delicious when infused with basil.
A very Mediterranean flavour: EVOO and rosemary
This herb works wonderfully in sauces and dressings, whether fresh or dried. In sofritos and ratatouilles, the combination of rosemary and olive oil gives a very Mediterranean and distinctive taste.
Dill and olive oil
Olive oil with dill can be the perfect touch for cooking many fish dishes. If we had to pick just one, it would undoubtedly be baked salmon with dill. Dress, sprinkle, and bake—more flavour and health with less effort!
Garlic, parsley, and olive oil: a classic
A classic in our cuisine. A dressing of olive oil, parsley, and garlic elevates grilled meats and fish with an irresistibly rich flavour. Extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic and parsley… and a mortar. As you know, this simple preparation enhances everything from steaks to hake.
Bay leaves in stews with olive oil
Bay leaves are essential in stews of all kinds, like oxtail. If you prefer legumes, here’s a tip: use a mild olive oil to sauté the vegetables for lentil broth. Then cover with water, add the lentils and bay leaves. In just over an hour, you’ll have a healthy and delicious stew.
Cilantro and extra virgin olive oil: a surprising combination
Indian and Mexican cuisines make great use of this herb. While it’s not native to our cuisine, it brings an exotic touch to olive oil. This culinary friendship is exciting: from guacamoles, curries, to cilantro mayonnaise made with olive oil, it adds a refreshing and tropical note to your table.
Now that you have the herbs, it’s time to choose the oil
Pairing has no strict rules. Just look for flavours and notes in your extra virgin olive oil that complement your favourite herbs and spices! Smell, taste, mix… and enjoy—that’s the most important part.
Which aromatic herb do you usually pair with extra virgin olive oil?
