TLDR;
This video explores the uses of extra light olive oil, particularly for frying, and contrasts it with extra virgin olive oil. It clarifies misconceptions about using extra light olive oil for high-heat cooking, highlighting its suitability for frying, baking, and grilling due to its high smoking point and neutral flavour. The video also provides a simple recipe for frying eggplant using extra light olive oil, demonstrating its practical application.
- Extra light olive oil is suitable for frying due to its high smoking point and neutral flavour.
- It's a refined oil, unlike extra virgin olive oil, which is unrefined and better suited for dressings and cold dishes.
- The term "light" refers to the flavour, not the calorie content.
Introduction to Olive Oil Varieties [0:00]
The video introduces olive oil as a kitchen favourite with numerous health benefits. It explains that olive oil comes in various forms, including extra virgin, virgin, refined, pure, and extra light. Extra virgin and virgin olive oils are unrefined, while pure olive oil is a blend of extra virgin and refined oils. Extra light olive oil is a refined type suitable for frying due to its higher smoking point.
Suitability of Extra Light Olive Oil for Frying [0:43]
Extra light olive oil is suitable for frying, baking sweets and savouries, sautéing, and grilling because of its neutral flavour and high smoking point. The "light" in its name refers to its flavour, not calorie content; it's high in monounsaturated fats. Despite misconceptions, it's safe for deep frying when used correctly. Many people mistakenly believe that using light olive oil for deep frying is dangerous or unhealthy.
Contrasting Extra Light and Extra Virgin Olive Oils [1:40]
Extra virgin olive oil is best for salad dressings, drizzling over warm and cold dishes, marinades, sauces, and vinaigrettes. Extra light olive oil, being a processed form, has a lighter colour, lasts longer, and can be heated to high temperatures. The video emphasises using the correct type of olive oil for different cooking methods.
Recipe: Frying Eggplant in Extra Light Olive Oil [2:02]
The video provides a recipe for frying eggplant using extra light olive oil. The ingredients include sliced eggplant, egg white, salt, black pepper powder, extra light olive oil, and chopped coriander leaves. The method involves coating the eggplant slices in a mixture of egg white, salt, and pepper, then frying them in extra light olive oil over medium heat until tender. The dish is then garnished with coriander.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Olive Oil [3:36]
The video concludes by reiterating that refined or extra light olive oil should be used for high-heat cooking, while extra virgin olive oil is more suitable for cold and warm preparations. This distinction ensures the best use of each type of olive oil based on its properties.
