Extra virgin olive oil has gained worldwide fame, ranking as one of the best cooking oils in India and across the globe. Olive oil is a popular cooking oil, used widely in the Mediterranean diet, which includes green vegetables and fish. With these in daily meals, coupled with olive oil, one can get maximum health benefits. The nutrients of vegetables and fish, along with olive oil’s high monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and antioxidants, together help improve heart health. Indian families too can enjoy the real benefits of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the healthiest oils and can be used in preparing different Indian recipes. However, one should know which recipes to select and how to cook using the best olive oil in India – EVOO.
Also Read: Purity in 7 Steps: How the Best Olive Oil in India Is Made
Why Use the Best Olive Oil – EVOO, for Indian Cooking?
Extra virgin olive oil is considered a health-protective food in the Mediterranean diet. It earns this reputation owing to the presence of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that help support heart health. When used in cooking, EVOO infuses its health-beneficial and protective properties, making meals healthier. It also enhances the flavour of dishes and imparts a fruity and peppery kick. You get the real taste and health benefits only if you buy the best olive oil in India from reputed oil brands.
15 Recipes Using the Best Olive Oil in India
Here are the top 15 healthy recipes that you can prepare using the best olive oil in India – EVOO.
1. Aloo Gobi with the best olive oil – EVOO
Aloo Gobi is a common and nutritious recipe popular in India. One can get real nutrients from this recipe if it is not deep-fried. Using less oil and minimal heating ensures nutrition retention. Extra virgin olive oil is best for low- and medium-heat cooking. Preparing dry aloo gobi with EVOO ensures the desired crispness inside out, and low-temperature cooking prevents nutrients from depleting. To prepare healthy aloo gobli, best olive oil for cooking is extra virgin olive oil by reputed oil brands in India
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, sliced
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Half tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a kadai over medium heat.
- Once warm, add cumin seeds and let them crackle and release their aroma.
- Add the potatoes and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they start to turn slightly golden.
- Add the cauliflower, turmeric, chilli powder, and salt. Mix gently so the spices coat the vegetables evenly.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender and lightly crisp on the edges.
- Finish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
2. Palak Paneer Sautéed with the Best EVOO in India
Palak Paneer is a soft and creamy dish which is loved by most Indian families. It is usually enjoyed with roti or rice. Cooking it in extra virgin olive oil gives the spinach a fresh taste and keeps the paneer soft without making the gravy too heavy. EVOO blends quite well with spices, infusing it beneficial nutrients. Palak paneer made with olive oil gives you protein, iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and B12, along with healthy fats. Cooking palak paneer with the best olive oil in India from reputed oil brand is a wise option. EVOO is the best olive oil for cooking palak paneer and paneer-related recipes in low heat.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh spinach
- 200 g paneer cubes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Half tsp coriander powder
- Salt and green chilli to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Boil the spinach for 2–3 minutes, then let it cool and grind it into a smooth spinach paste.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan on medium heat and cook the chopped onion until soft.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilli, and cook for a minute.
- Add cumin powder and coriander powder, and mix well.
- Pour in the spinach paste, add salt, and let it cook on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add the paneer cubes and mix gently. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with roti or jeera rice.
3. Tempering Dal Tadka with the Best Olive Oil – EVOO
Dal Tadka is preferred by most Indian families as it makes meals tastier. Using extra virgin olive oil instead of ghee for the tadka gives a light, pleasant flavour. The garlic and chillies cook nicely in the oil, adding a fresh taste to the dish. Dal tadka made with extra virgin olive oil gives you protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins, along with healthy fats (MUFA). It is simple to make and perfect for a regular meal. The best olive oil for cooking low heat recipes, including tempering dal, EVOO is the perfect oil.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arhar or moong dal
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 dry red chillies
- A few curry leaves
- Half tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Pressure cook the dal with turmeric and salt until it becomes soft and well-cooked.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a small pan for the tadka.
- Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
- Add garlic, red chillies, and curry leaves, and cook until the garlic turns light golden and you get a nice aroma.
- Pour this hot tadka over the cooked dal and mix well.
- Serve hot with rice or fresh phulka.
4. Mixed Vegetable Curry Stir-Fry with the best EVOO
Mixed Vegetable Curry, particularly fresh, is prepared every day in India kitchen. Cooking it in extra virgin olive oil helps keep the vegetables slightly crisp while allowing the spices to coat them well. The oil keeps the dish light and retains natural taste of the vegetables. Mixed vegetable cooked in extra virgin olive oil provides fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals and healthy fats. The best olive oil for cooking mixed vegetable curry is EVOO because it adds its nutritional goodness naturally.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, 100 g beans, half cup peas, 2 potatoes (chopped)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Half tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a wide pan on medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add chopped carrots and potatoes first, and cook for about 3 minutes while stirring.
- Add beans, peas, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
- Once the vegetables are soft but still slightly crisp, switch off the flame and serve hot.
5. Rajma Curry Cooked with the Best Olive Oil in India
Rajma curry is a North Indian delicacy, preferred with rice. The best olive oil for cooking rajma curry is EVOO. Cooking the onion-tomato gravy in extra virgin olive oil gives a mild, rich taste without making the dish too heavy. The oil blends well with the spices and keeps the curry light while still full of flavour. Rajma curry cooked with extra virgin olive oil gives you protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins, along with healthy fats. EVOO is the best olive oil in India to prepare rajma curry, owing to its nutritious content.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rajma, soaked overnight
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, ground into a paste
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- Half tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Pressure cook the soaked rajma with a little salt until soft.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan on medium heat and cook the onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Then add the tomato paste and cook until the mixture thickens and oil starts to separate slightly.
- Add red chilli powder, garam masala, and the cooked rajma. Mix well.
- Let it cook on low heat for about 10 minutes so the flavours blend nicely.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
6. Baingan Bharta with the best EVOO in India
Smoky Baingan Bharta is a once-a-week preferred recipe in India. Once coat brinjal with EVOO and roast it over fire to ensure the aroma of oil blend well with crispy layer. EVOO helps onions and tomatoes cook well without making the dish too heavy. Baingan bharta made with extra virgin olive oil gives you fiber, antioxidants, vitamins B6 and C, along with heart-healthy fats from the best olive oil in India – EVOO. The best olive oil for cooking baingan bharta is the naturally extracted EVOO, which retains nutrients, making meals healthy.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- Green chillies to taste
- Half tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Roast the eggplants on an open flame until the skin is fully charred and the inside becomes soft.
- Let them cool, then peel off the skin and mash the pulp well.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan on medium heat and cook the onion until soft.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, and green chillies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft.
- Add cumin powder and salt, and mix well.
- Add the mashed baingan and cook for about 6–7 minutes, stirring gently.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with roti.
7. Biryani cooked with the Best Grade Olive Oil
Biryani is a traditional recipe, quite popular in India. The best olive oil for cooking is extra virgin olive oil, as it helps keep the layers of rice light while keeping the natural aroma of rice intact. The oil allows the flavours to come through gently and keeps the rice soft and fluffy. It works well for both veg and non-veg versions. Biryani cooked in extra virgin olive oil gives you carbs for energy, some protein, vitamins and minerals from the spices, along with heart-healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, half-cooked
- Vegetables or chicken pieces as preferred
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom)
- 1–2 onions, sliced
- Half cup yogurt
- 1–2 tsp biryani masala
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a heavy pot on medium heat. Add whole spices and sliced onions, and cook until the onions turn light golden.
- Add vegetables or chicken, then mix in yogurt and biryani masala. Cook until the vegetables are tender or the chicken is fully cooked.
- Spread a layer of this mixture, then add a layer of half-cooked rice on top.
- Cover the pot and cook on very low heat for about 15 minutes so the flavours come together.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
- Gently fluff the rice and serve hot.
8. Best Olive Oil for Cooking Poha
Poha is a popular Western Indian recipe. It is light and preferred to prepare quick breakfast. Using extra virgin olive oil for the tadka gives it a fresh taste without making it oily. The mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric cook well in the oil, adding a nice flavour to the poha. Poha prepared with extra virgin olive oil gives you carbs for energy, iron, fiber, and B vitamins, along with healthy fats. It’s a light, easy meal that keeps you active and satisfied. All the nutrients are intact when the best olive oil for cooking poha is used – EVOO.
Ingredients
- 2 cups thick poha
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Mustard seeds
- Peanuts
- Curry leaves
- Half tsp turmeric
- Green chillies
- 1 onion, chopped
- Lemon juice
Step-by-step instructions
- Rinse the poha gently under water and drain it well. Let it rest for a few minutes so it softens.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop, then add peanuts and cook until they turn light brown.
- Add curry leaves, green chillies, and chopped onion. Cook until the onion becomes soft.
- Add turmeric and mix well.
- Add the poha and mix gently so it doesn’t break.
- Cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring lightly.
- Switch off the heat, add a little lemon juice, and serve fresh.
9. Upma Roasted with Healthy Olive Oil
Upma is a soft and filling South Indian recipe, preferred as light breakfast and meal. Roasting the rava in extra virgin olive oil gives it a light, nutty taste, while the tadka adds the usual South Indian flavours. The oil keeps the upma light and easy to eat. Upma roasted with extra virgin olive oil gives you carbs for energy, some protein, fiber, and B vitamins, along with healthy fats. Consider EVOO, the best olive oil for cooking upma, to ensure you get the maximum nutrients and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (rava)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Mustard seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal
- Curry leaves
- Green chillies
- Chopped vegetables (like carrot, beans, peas)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a pan and lightly roast the rava on low heat for a few minutes. Keep it aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Add mustard seeds and let them pop, then add urad dal and curry leaves.
- Add green chillies and chopped vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add 2 cups of water and salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously so no lumps form.
- Cook on low heat until the upma thickens and is fully cooked.
- Serve hot.
10. Pav Bhaji Made with India’s Best Olive Oil
Pav Bhaji is a favourite dish that many people enjoy at home. Making it with extra virgin olive oil instead of butter keeps it lighter, but the taste still stays rich. The masala mixes well with the vegetables, and the bhaji turns out smooth and flavourful. Pav bhaji made with extra virgin olive oil gives you fiber, vitamins A and C, some B vitamins, and healthy fats. It’s a tasty, filling meal that gives you energy and everyday nutrition.
Ingredients
- Mixed vegetables (potato, cauliflower, peas, carrot)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 onions, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1–2 tsp pav bhaji masala
- Pav buns for serving
Step-by-step instructions
- Boil the vegetables till soft and mash them properly.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan and cook the onions till soft.
- Add tomatoes and cook till they become soft and start to blend in.
- Add pav bhaji masala and mix well.
- Add the mashed vegetables and cook on low heat for around 10 minutes, stirring in between so it doesn’t stick.
- Lightly toast the pav with a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Serve hot with the toasted pav and some chopped onions on the side.
11. Grilled Tandoori Chicken Marinated with the Best Olive Oil
Tandoori Chicken is a non-vegetarian delicacy, and one of the popular recipes in India. Using extra virgin olive oil in the marinade helps keep the chicken soft and juicy while cooking. It also helps the masala stick well to the pieces. Grilled tandoori chicken marinated with extra virgin olive oil gives you high protein, iron, B vitamins, and healthy fats
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken pieces
- Half cup yogurt
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1–2 tsp tandoori masala
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover and keep it aside for at least 2 hours so the flavours soak in properly.
- Heat the oven or grill. Place the chicken pieces and cook for about 20–25 minutes.
- Turn the pieces once in between so they cook evenly from all sides.
- Cook until the chicken is fully done and slightly charred on the edges.
- Serve hot with onion rings and mint chutney.
12. Healthier Butter Chicken Gravy with the Best Olive Oil in India
Butter Chicken is a creamy dish that many people enjoy with naan or roti. Choosing extra virgin olive oil over butter is a healthy option, as EVOO keeps the gravy light. The spices cook well in the oil and give a smooth texture to the gravy. Butter chicken gravy made with extra virgin olive oil gives you protein, vitamins A and B12, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 500 g cooked chicken pieces
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2–3 tbsp cashew paste or a little cream
- 1–2 tsp butter chicken masala
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan and cook the onions till they turn light golden.
- Add the tomatoes and cook till they become soft and start to break down.
- Let it cool a bit, then grind it into a paste.
- Put this paste back in the pan, add masala and salt, and let it cook for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and mix well. Let it cook together for 4–5 minutes.
- If you like, add a little cashew paste or cream at the end and mix gently.
- Serve hot with naan or roti.
13. Fish Curry or Prawn Pulao with the Best EVOO in India
Fish curry and prawn pulao are popular coastal recipe Using extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the onions and spices helps maintain the natural taste of the seafood without making the dish heavy. The oil blends well with the ingredients and supports even cooking. Fish curry or prawn pulao made with extra virgin olive oil gives you protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, and healthy monounsaturated fats.
Ingredients
- 300 g prawns or fish pieces
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Onions, ginger-garlic paste, whole spices
- Rice or coconut base as needed
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a pan and add whole spices and onions. Cook till the onions turn soft.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Add the prawns or fish pieces and cook till they change colour.
For pulao:
- Add soaked rice and water, then cover and cook till the rice is done.
For curry:
- Add tomato or coconut base and let it cook on low heat for a few minutes.
- Adjust salt and serve hot with lemon wedges.
14. Best EVOO for Fresh Chutneys & Dips Drizzled
Mint, coriander, or tamarind chutneys are commonly served with snacks and meals. Adding a small amount of extra virgin olive oil at the end helps improve the texture. The oil blends well with the herbs without affecting their natural taste. Fresh chutneys and dips drizzled with extra virgin olive oil give you vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves or tamarind pulp
- Green chillies, salt, and basic spices
- 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-step instructions
- Blend the fresh herbs or tamarind with green chillies, salt, and spices.
- Add a little water to get the required consistency.
- Transfer the chutney to a bowl.
- Add extra virgin olive oil and mix lightly.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve fresh with snacks or meals.
15. Crispy Aloo Katli or Parathas Fried Made with EVOO
Aloo katli and stuffed parathas are common recipe, usually preferred for breakfast. Mild and mid-heat frying them in extra virgin olive oil helps achieve a golden texture. EVOO supports even cooking and prevents excess oil absorption. Crispy aloo katli or parathas lightly fried in extra virgin olive oil give you carbohydrates for energy, some fiber, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat dough
- Boiled potato filling mixed with spices
- 3–4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for cooking
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the dough and the spiced potato filling.
- Roll small portions of dough and stuff the filling inside.
- Heat a tawa and add a little extra virgin olive oil.
- Place the paratha and cook on medium heat.
- Flip and apply a little more oil on the other side. Cook till both sides turn golden.
- Serve hot with curd or pickle.
Also Read: 10 Proven Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Choose the Best Olive Oil for Cooking Healthier Recipes
With the right oil, cooking can be healthy. Extra virgin olive oil is nutritious and suitable for low-heat cooking. The 15 healthy recipes using the best olive oil for cooking, EVOO, can make your meals more nutritious and wholesome. Since EVOO is cold-pressed, it retains the natural goodness of beneficial fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These nutrients remain in their pure form when the oil is of good quality.
Make sure you buy the right oil from a reputed cold-pressed oil brand in India, like Jivo. Jivo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil is imported from Spain and contains high levels of monounsaturated fats, along with PUFA and vitamin E. Using the best olive oil in India from Jivo in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, may help improve overall health and deliver a next-level cooking experience.
Choosing the best olive oil for cooking meals ensure you get the maximum goodness of real nutrition.