Elevate Your Cooking with Verde Azzura: International Recipes Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is more than just a cooking staple—it’s a versatile ingredient that brings out the best in countless international dishes. Verde Azzura Extra Virgin Olive Oil is crafted with care, rich in phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats, making it the perfect choice for any kitchen. Let’s explore how you can use Verde Azzura to enhance flavors in some of the world’s most beloved dishes.

1. Emirati Balaleet (Serves 4)

A traditional sweet-and-savory breakfast dish from the UAE, Balaleet combines spiced sweetened vermicelli noodles topped with an omelet. The richness of Verde Azzura olive oil adds depth to the flavors.

Ingredients:

• 200g vermicelli noodles
• 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons of rose water
• 2 tablespoons butter or Verde Azzura olive oil for the omelet
• 3 eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons Verde Azzura olive oil for cooking the noodles

Instructions:

1. Toast the Vermicelli: Heat the Verde Azzura olive oil in a pan over medium heat and lightly toast the vermicelli until golden brown.
2. Boil the Noodles: In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook the toasted vermicelli for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Drain the noodles.
3. Sweeten the Noodles: In the same pot, melt butter or olive oil and add sugar, cardamom, and saffron-infused rose water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the drained vermicelli and toss until well-coated.
4. Make the Omelet: Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, then cook in Verde Azzura olive oil until set.
5. Serve: Plate the sweetened vermicelli and top with the omelet. Drizzle more olive oil for extra richness.

2. Tunisian Lablabi (Chickpea Soup) (Serves 4)

Lablabi is a simple yet hearty Tunisian chickpea soup, perfect for a light, nutritious meal. Verde Azzura olive oil adds a smooth texture and enhances the rich, spiced flavors of the dish.

Ingredients:

• 500g cooked chickpeas
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons Verde Azzura olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Stale bread (optional for serving)
• 4 poached eggs (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, sauté the garlic in Verde Azzura olive oil until fragrant. Add the cooked chickpeas and cumin.
2. Add Water and Simmer: Add enough water to cover the chickpeas, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Season: Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add more olive oil for added richness.
4. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve with pieces of stale bread or top with a poached egg, and drizzle with more Verde Azzura olive oil for a silky finish.

3. Italian Caprese Salad (Serves 4)

This classic Caprese Salad relies on the simplicity of fresh ingredients and is elevated by the robust flavor of Verde Azzura olive oil.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 250g fresh mozzarella, sliced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• 4 tablespoons Verde Azzura olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Layer the Salad: Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving plate, tucking basil leaves between each slice.
2. Season: Drizzle with Verde Azzura olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired.

4. Greek Tzatziki Sauce (Serves 4)

A refreshing and creamy Greek Tzatziki, perfect for dipping or as a side dish. The smooth texture of Verde Azzura olive oil enhances the flavor of the yogurt and cucumber.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, finely grated and drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons Verde Azzura olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and Verde Azzura olive oil. Mix well.
2. Season: Add salt, pepper, and fresh dill if desired. Let sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Spanish Gazpacho (Serves 4)

This chilled Spanish tomato soup is perfect for summer days, and Verde Azzura olive oil adds a velvety texture and enhances the vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Verde Azzura olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, vinegar, and Verde Azzura olive oil. Blend until smooth.
2. Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold, drizzled with more olive oil and topped with croutons if desired.

6. French Ratatouille (Serves 4)

Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew that’s both hearty and healthy. Verde Azzura olive oil brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a layer of richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons Verde Azzura olive oil
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of Verde Azzura olive oil in a large pan. Add the garlic and onions and sauté until soft. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking until tender.
2. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining Verde Azzura olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Each recipe is designed to showcase the versatility and health benefits of Verde Azzura Extra Virgin Olive Oil, elevating the flavors of these international dishes.