22 Oct
How can one cook with virgin olive oil? Can it be used to fry eggs, sausages, etc?
As a hispanic, my family used to cook with corn oil. But now that I’ve read about the benefits of olive oil, I have bought some. However, I don’t know how it’s used; I’ve heard that it can burn! How can it be used to cook hispanic dishes and are there anything important I must know first? Thanks for your help.
Posted by Leigh on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I started using it as a replcement to vegetable oil, i use it the same way as vegetable oil. I have fried with it among many other uses, never a problem. Not a cooking pro, but it seems to work the same way!!
Posted by Samantha on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I use it as a substitute for all oil except when I bake. It will burn at a temperature that is too high.
Posted by worldstiti on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
all oils burn, olive oil has a distinctive taste to it. you can fry in it but that can be expensive. use canola oil and add a little olive oil for taste when frying
Posted by fantasy_angel120 on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
yes u can use it for frying eggs and potato pancakes french toast pork chops burgers meat balls potatos its healthy choice too to cook with and sausages also its aslo great for peppers and onions and tomatos and many things
Posted by carmen d on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
My mother preferred to cook with olive oil. She however, bought olive oil for cooking and the virgin and extra virgin olive oil for salads or dipping. Remember to keep the heat medium or lower. There are many people who think olive oil shouldn’t be used for cooking. I fry with olive oil when making certain foods that require the olive oil flavor.
Posted by gls_merch on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
Given its cost, most chefs would probably tell you not to cook with extra virgin olive oil. The delicate flavor of this first pressing of olives is best used in “finishing a dish” (final drizzle in pasta for flavor) or in salad dressing. If you are just sauteing something just use plain virgin olive oil. It will add the flavor component you need. I would not pan-fry or deep-fry with olive oil because of its low burn point.
Posted by AlwaysOverPack on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I use light olive oil for almost everythng. I use extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings or to coat pasta as EV olive oil is more flavorful and light is more neutral in flavor.
Posted by anlarm on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
And why not! The only thing that can be said against olive oil is that it is too expensive compared to veg. oil, and also when frying, you might get a rather ‘heavy’ aroma if you overheat it.
I am a Turkish Cypriot. Every Sunday morning I fry eggs and hellim/halloumi (local cheese) in extra virgin olive oil. My wife uses it in many casserole dishes as well as salads. It is healthy and tasy. I am in love with olive oil.
Posted by Sue B on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I use it to cook even eggs! It has a buttery, nutty taste, I sprinkle on veggies and on chicken and then season, pop it in the microwave for 4 min. and there is a healthy quick entre. Just don’t use a high flame and you won’t scorch or burn the oil, you could add some corn oil to the olive oil for deep frying, but personally, I have no problem with it.
Posted by Paintballer77 on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I use it to make tostadas and it hasn’t burned yet. Also, I usually cut up the corn tortillas and make chips at the same time with no problems.
Posted by DRH on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I use it all of the time, but remember it can add flavor to some dishes. I think with Hispanic foods, you will be fine.
Posted by NiNa on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
It can be used in any dish…
My mom uses it in Puerto Rican yellow rice and it tastes really yum!
In fact, most “spanish” cooking is done with extra virgin olive oil because of the climate of spanish and the availability of spanish olives!
I would give it a try! its really good!
Posted by Val K on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
please don’t waste your expensive virgin olive oil on eggs and sausages, for that you can use any vegetable oil e.g canola, I use voo when cooking meats, in dressings etc
Posted by frida k on 22.10.08 at 12:51 am
I am also hispanic and switched to olive oil too. I even fry tortillas in it. I does have a lower smoking point than corn oil… so it’s best to be careful, but it’s really not THAT much a concern.
There are different flavor levels of olive oil. Extra Virgin, Virgin, Light…. If you like the flavor of olive oil then extra virgin is the only way to go. If you don’t like the flavor but still want the health benefits then you can opt for the light olive oil and you will hardly tell the difference between that and other vegetable oils.