Extra virgin olive oil is more than just a cooking fat — it is a fundamental ingredient in healthy, flavorful, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Known for its rich taste and exceptional health benefits, using extra virgin olive oil in everyday cooking can elevate ordinary meals into gourmet experiences.
As consumers become more conscious of the ingredients they use in their kitchens, the demand for pure, cold-pressed oils has grown. Shkrela Olive Oil, made from native Albanian olive varieties, offers a high-quality, traceable product that is ideal for daily use. In this guide, we explore the top five ways to incorporate extra virgin olive oil into your everyday cooking, along with the reasons why it should become a staple in your pantry.
1. Creating Flavorful Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes
One of the most common uses of extra virgin olive oil in everyday cooking is as the base for salad dressings. Its rich, fruity, and slightly peppery taste complements both raw and cooked vegetables. A classic vinaigrette combines olive oil with an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar, along with seasonings and herbs.
To prepare a simple dressing at home:
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Mix three parts Shkrela Olive Oil with one part lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
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Add a small amount of mustard or honey to emulsify the mixture.
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Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs such as oregano or basil.
Unlike store-bought dressings, which often contain preservatives and refined oils, homemade dressings made with cold-pressed olive oil are fresher, healthier, and full of authentic Mediterranean flavor.
2. Dipping and Serving with Fresh Bread
Another delicious way to use extra virgin olive oil is as a dipping oil for fresh bread. This simple tradition, popular across southern Europe, allows the true flavor of the olive oil to shine.
Pour a small amount of olive oil into a dish and optionally enhance it with:
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Crushed garlic or shallots
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A touch of sea salt
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Cracked black pepper
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Dried rosemary or thyme
Pair this with fresh, crusty artisan bread to create a satisfying appetizer or side dish. This method not only offers a healthier alternative to butter but also introduces your guests to the rich taste profile of high-quality olive oil like Shkrela’s.
3. Sautéing and Pan Cooking for Better Flavor
Contrary to some misconceptions, extra virgin olive oil is suitable for sautéing and pan-frying at moderate temperatures. Its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants makes it more stable than many other oils, especially when cold-pressed and produced properly.
Use Shkrela Olive Oil for:
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Sautéing onions, garlic, and vegetables
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Cooking eggs or omelets
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Lightly pan-frying chicken, tofu, or fish
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Stir-frying grains like rice or bulgur wheat
For best results, keep the heat below the smoking point of approximately 190–210°C (374–410°F). Using extra virgin olive oil for cooking not only adds depth of flavor but also contributes valuable nutrients such as polyphenols, vitamin E, and oleic acid.
4. Drizzling Over Cooked Foods for Enhanced Taste
One of the best applications of extra virgin olive oil in everyday cooking is as a finishing oil. Drizzling olive oil over prepared dishes adds both richness and visual appeal. It is especially effective when added to:
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Pasta, risotto, or couscous
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Grilled or roasted vegetables
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Soups and stews, just before serving
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Cooked meats, poultry, or fish
Finishing oils are not subjected to high heat, meaning the nutritional compounds in the olive oil remain fully intact. This practice has become especially popular among chefs who wish to preserve the subtle notes of cold-pressed oil while amplifying the flavor profile of their dishes.
5. Baking with Olive Oil as a Butter Substitute
Extra virgin olive oil can be used in baking as a replacement for butter or margarine, resulting in moist, flavorful baked goods with a healthier fat composition. Olive oil adds a slightly fruity aroma and can enhance recipes such as:
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Citrus-based cakes and muffins
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Chocolate or almond cakes
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Brownies and quick breads
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Focaccia and savory baked items
To substitute olive oil for butter, use a 3:4 ratio. For instance, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, replace it with ¾ cup of olive oil. Not only does this reduce saturated fat intake, but it also makes baked goods softer and less greasy.
Shkrela Olive Oil’s smooth yet vibrant flavor makes it ideal for both sweet and savory baking applications.
Bonus: Preserving Food and Marinating Ingredients
Beyond the top five methods, extra virgin olive oil is also excellent for marinating meats, preserving vegetables, or creating infused oils. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it a natural preservative. Use it to:
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Marinate mushrooms, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes
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Soften grilled vegetables for mezze platters
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Create garlic- or chili-infused olive oils
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Store herbs in oil for longer shelf life
This traditional practice, widely used in Mediterranean households, demonstrates the multi-functional nature of quality olive oil in every aspect of food preparation.
Why Choose Shkrela Olive Oil for Everyday Use
Not all olive oils are created equal. Shkrela Olive Oil is made from native Albanian olive varieties, cold-pressed within hours of harvest, and bottled with care to ensure freshness and authenticity.
Our oil stands out for:
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Low acidity (below 0.3%)
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High polyphenol and antioxidant content
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No additives, chemicals, or artificial blending
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Sustainably managed groves and eco-friendly production
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Traceability from tree to bottle
When you choose Shkrela, you are choosing more than just an ingredient. You are choosing a lifestyle rooted in health, tradition, and purity.
Conclusion: A Simple Change That Makes a Big Difference
Integrating extra virgin olive oil in everyday cooking is one of the easiest and most beneficial changes you can make in your kitchen. It enriches meals with natural flavor, supports your health, and connects you with centuries-old culinary traditions. Whether you are dressing a salad, roasting vegetables, or baking a cake, extra virgin olive oil is a reliable, versatile, and superior choice.
For those who value quality and authenticity, Shkrela Olive Oil offers a premium option that brings the best of Albania’s olive-growing heritage directly to your table.