Whether you want to prepare a macerated oil or prepare sauces, extra virgin olive oil is your best ally, but which aromatic herbs go best with the liquid gold in each case?
We review some of them, recommend possible recipes and some surprises…
Basil and extra virgin olive oil
The base of a good pesto sauce and many other dishes. If we want to lighten the calorie content of this sauce, we can reduce the proportion of parmesan cheese and choose to make it with an oil with an intense flavour. Any EVOO will be delicious marinated in basil.
A very personal flavour: EVOO and rosemary
This herb can be a good addition to sauces and dressings, both dry and fresh. In stir-fries and pistos, the combination of rosemary and olive oil gives a very Mediterranean and very Spanish flavour.
Olive oil and dill
Olive oil with dill can be the perfect touch for cooking a multitude of fish, but if we had to choose just one recipe, it would undoubtedly be baked salmon with dill. Dress, sprinkle and bake. More flavor and health with less effort!
Garlic, parsley and olive oil: a classic
A classic dish from our kitchen. A dressing of olive oil, parsley and garlic lifts grilled meats and fish with a magnetic flavour. Extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic and parsley... and a mortar. As you already know, this picada will brighten up everything from steaks to hake.
Bay leaves in stews with olive oil
The leaves of the lentils are essential in all kinds of stews, such as oxtail. If you prefer legumes, take note of this tip: choose a mild oil and fry the vegetables in the lentil broth. Then cover with water, add the lentils and bay leaf. In just over an hour you will have a very healthy and delicious stew.
Cilantro and extra virgin olive oil: surprise yourself
Indian and Mexican cuisine have a lot to do with this herb. Although it is not foreign to our geography, it is somewhat exotic to our cuisine and to olive oil. However, this new gastronomic friendship is giving a lot to talk about. From guacamoles, curries or cilantro mayonnaise made with olive oil can add a refreshing and tropical touch to your table.
Now that you have the herbs, it's time to choose the oil.
There are no rigid rules for pairing. Just look for flavours and nuances of extra virgin olive oil that complement your favourite herbs and spices! Smell, taste, mix… And enjoy, which is the most important thing.
What aromatic herb do you usually combine with extra virgin olive oil?
