Olive oil is much more than a simple kitchen ingredient — it’s a true ally that can elevate your dishes and bring out every flavor. La Compagnie de l’Huile d’Olive shares three chef-approved tips to help you cook with olive oil like a pro!
Gentle Cooking & Confit: Unlock Flavors Without Burning the Oil
One of olive oil’s greatest assets is its ability to enhance the natural taste of ingredients. Unlike other oils, olive oil supports slow cooking, helping preserve the full richness of aromas and nutrients.
Confit cooking is a fantastic technique with olive oil. It involves gently cooking foods — such as vegetables, tomatoes, or even meats — in warm oil over low heat for an extended time. This slow infusion allows flavors to intensify without burning the ingredients. Simply immerse the ingredients in warm (not hot!) olive oil and simmer on low heat for several hours. Use this for confit tomatoes, roasted peppers, or garlic.
The Art of Emulsion: Master Sauces, Dressings & Mayonnaise with Olive Oil
Olive oil is key to mastering emulsions — blending ingredients that don’t usually mix, like oil and vinegar or lemon juice, into a smooth, creamy texture.
To make a classic vinaigrette, start by whisking vinegar or lemon juice with a pinch of salt. Then slowly add the olive oil while whisking vigorously. This technique helps bind the ingredients into a rich, stable sauce.
Making homemade mayonnaise? Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth texture and a subtle, fruity flavor. Slowly pour the oil while whisking (or blending), and optionally add an egg yolk to stabilize the emulsion and boost creaminess.
Compared to store-bought mayonnaise, olive oil–based dressings are healthier and offer deeper, more authentic flavor.
Olive Oil for Perfect Texture: Silky Soups & Creamy Risottos
Olive oil also plays a surprising role in enhancing texture. In recipes like soups, veloutés, or risottos, a dash of olive oil creates a silky mouthfeel.
For soups, adding a small drizzle of olive oil just before serving gives a luxurious, velvety finish. In a vegetable soup or pumpkin purée, olive oil ties together the flavors and adds a light fruity note that complements the dish.
In risottos, adding olive oil at the end — after stirring in the cheese — enhances creaminess without weighing the dish down. It creates a smooth, luscious texture that balances the lightness of the rice. This trick works wonders with other rice or pasta dishes, too.
🌿 Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Your #1 Kitchen Companion
Whether you’re using it for gentle cooking, emulsifying sauces, or perfecting textures, extra virgin olive oil is a must-have in your kitchen. With these three tips, you can cook like a chef — bringing elegance, depth, and rich flavor to every meal, while preserving the natural benefits of olive oil.
La Compagnie de l’Huile d’Olive offers premium French extra virgin olive oils with unique tastes and textures. Discover the flavors of our heritage!