You’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of using oils on your skin lately, but did you know that they are also great for cooking with? Well, now you do! Oils are one of the most versatile cooking ingredients we have. They can be used for everything from frying an egg to making a sauce for pasta. And what better way to use oils in your cooking than by incorporating them into your favorite recipes? We’ll admit it—it can sometimes be hard to find new recipes that we like. We tend to stick to our favorites, but when you add something as simple as adding oil into your recipe, suddenly there are so many possibilities. The key is finding the right combination of oils and spices for your personal taste and diet needs. Read on for some helpful hints for cooking with oils at home…
## What Is a Good Combination of Oils for Cooking?
This is the most important step in the whole process. There are oils to use for every meal and occasion. And even within these categories, you can find a combination that works best for you.
Vegetable oil is perfect for cooking with as it has a low smoke point and can easily be used for frying.
For sautéing, use canola oil as it has a high smoke point and is relatively neutral in flavor. For this purpose, it is also relatively inexpensive.
To sauté in a sauce or with herbs and spices, choose olive oil as it has a mild flavor and is healthier than other oils because it is a monounsaturated fat.
For baking, choose coconut oil as it has a medium smoke point and has a mild flavor.
For drizzling or serving as a condiment, use olive oil as it has a relatively neutral flavor.
## Choose the Right Oil for Your Recipes
When you’re deciding on the right oil for a recipe, look at the ingredients and what the recipe is asking for in terms of flavor. For example, if it’s asking for a sauce, you’d want to use a slightly oilier oil, such as canola or coconut. Then, when you’re making a recipe, consider how you want to use the oil. Is it a sauté? For a drizzle? Baking?
Also, remember that oil has a fairly short shelf life and will go bad quickly if it is not stored properly. If you’re storing it in the fridge, make sure it is in a container with a lid and separated from other foods. And again, if you’re not sure how long it has been sitting around, throw it out!
## Don’t Overlook Solid Oils
We’re often asked about solid oils, and while they are much more difficult to incorporate into your cooking, they do have their uses. They are great for drizzling over salads or soups as they won’t give you the same amount of calories or fat as other oils would.
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to olive oil for drizzling and for use in baking, don’t forget about peanut oil. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are very healthful. While it doesn’t have the strong olive oil flavor, it is still a great addition to many recipes.
## Utilize Expeller-Pressed and Cold-Pressed Oils
These are high in polyunsaturated fats, which are generally healthier than saturated fats. While they can be substituted for one another, they can also be used as an accent to each other—for example, in a salad dressing where the two oils are mixed together.
You might be wondering why these oils are put into the mix. They are important to help you get the right balance of nutrients. They also have a much longer shelf life than the other types of oils, so they are a better choice for storing.
The most common pressed oils are olive, rapeseed (canola), and macadamia. Expeller-pressed oils, such as olive and macadamia, are much healthier for you and have a much longer shelf life.
Cold-pressed oils have been extracted by being left to sit in the sun for several months to extract the oil from the olives. While they are also a good option for many dishes, they are not as healthy as expeller-pressed oils.
## Choose Fresh and Dried Herbs and Spices for Cooking with Oils
Choosing fresh herbs and spices is important as they will have a much healthier taste compared to spices that have been sitting in the cabinet for a while.
Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, basil, and parsley, are much more healthful and flavorful than dried herbs. Fresh herbs also have a much shorter shelf life, so make sure you use them as soon as possible.
Fresh spices, such as turmeric, curry powder, and cinnamon, also have a much shorter shelf life and are much more flavorful when used fresh.
Finally, be sure to buy your spices from a reputable spice company so you know they are good quality and not old.
## Summary
There is no denying that oils are a great addition to any kitchen. They can be used for everything from frying eggs to sautéing vegetables, making a salad dressing, or even adding a little flavor to your morning oatmeal. In addition, they can also be used for baking, drizzling over a dish, and even as a moisturizer for your skin. The benefits of oils are endless, and they are definitely one of the most versatile cooking ingredients we have. After all, there’s no better way to improve your health than by incorporating oils into your diet!
