Olive oil
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Which country produces the best olive oil?
Difficult to answer, this. The olives of each country have their own character and flavour, which will even vary from region to region: a Tuscan olive oil, for instance, is different to a Ligurian olive oil. If I were being a purist I would suggest that Provençal dishes should be made with oils made in Provence, and Italian, Greek or Spanish dishes made with the oil produced in that country. But unless you do masses of cooking it's best to find an olive oil you're happy with, and my recommendation is to have an extra virgin oil for special occasions, along with an everyday blended oil.
How to store oils: This has to be in the coolest-possible place, though not in the fridge, as oil solidifies when it gets too cold. Light is not good for oils, either, so a cool, dark corner would be the best place to store them. Most oils have date stamps, so watch these, and although it is more expensive to buy in smaller quantities, it is still cheaper than throwing out stale oil that never got used.
Serves 4Braised Steak with a Wild Mushroom and Madeira Sauce
Wintry comfort food at its best – and busy cooks will be pleased to hear that you can use a ready-made mushroom sauce to make it! Then just put your feet up while it bubbles away for a couple of hours.
Serves 4Marinated Mushrooms with Garlic and Smoked Pimentón Mayonnaise
Veggies will love this recipe – marinating mushrooms adds masses of flavour. Serve them with a sweet-spice pimenton mayonnaise for dipping.
Serves 2Chicken Paprika
With soured cream and paprika, this popular dish – one of your favourites on the site – owes more than a little to a Hungarian goulash. A real winner for those who love wintry, one-pot dishes packed with flavour!
Serves 2Thai Monkfish Lime and Coconut Stir-fry
Packed with classic Thai flavours of lime, coconut milk and fish sauce, this wonderfully fragrant stir-fry takes just 10 minutes to cook, once you’ve marinated the fish. Who needs ready meals or takeaways?
Serves 4Spanish Pork Stew with Potatoes and Chorizo
Pork, potatoes, olives, tomatoes and chorizo combine to brilliant effect in this quick-to-prepare one-pot treat!
