Want an easy way to add more extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to your diet? One of the simplest tricks is to substitute EVOO for other cooking oils in recipes you already make.
Many baked goods, dressings, and breakfast recipes call for a culinary fat such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or butter. In many cases, extra virgin olive oil can be used instead, bringing both flavor and versatility to everyday meals.
Breakfast is a great place to start. Homemade granola is a pantry staple that's easy to prepare in large batches and pairs perfectly with yogurt, fresh fruit, smoothie bowls, or milk. By making your own granola, you can choose exactly what goes into it while incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your morning routine.
One of the benefits of using EVOO in granola is the texture it creates. The oil helps the oats and nuts toast evenly, resulting in a crisp, crunchy granola. Depending on the olive oil you choose, EVOO can also contribute subtle fruity, nutty, or peppery notes that complement ingredients like cinnamon, maple syrup, nuts, and dried fruit.
Another advantage of homemade granola is flexibility. Prefer almonds over pistachios? Raisins instead of cranberries? Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your tastes.
Adding more extra virgin olive oil to your diet doesn't have to mean changing everything you eat. Sometimes it's as simple as swapping one ingredient for another in recipes you already know and love.
Whether sprinkled over yogurt, added to a smoothie bowl, or enjoyed by the handful, this extra virgin olive oil granola recipe is an easy and delicious way to bring more EVOO to your breakfast table.
Homemade granola also makes a thoughtful and inexpensive gift. Pack it in a mason jar, add a ribbon and a handwritten tag, and you have a homemade treat that's perfect for holidays, teacher appreciation gifts, housewarmings, or simply sharing with friends and family. Since the recipe can be customized with different nuts, dried fruits, and spices, it's easy to make each batch feel personal.