With winter in full swing, few things are as comforting as a hot dish that embraces us from the first bite. Soups and stews are the stars of this season, and when prepared with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), they not only gain in flavor but also in nutritional value. In this article, we share delicious recipes and tips to make the most of EVOO in your winter dishes.

1. EVOO: The perfect ally for your winter recipes

Extra virgin olive oil is not only a basic ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, but also a source of essential nutrients that benefit health. In the cold months, its ability to enhance flavors and provide warmth to dishes makes it a must-have.

• Provides healthy fats: Ideal for combating the cold as a source of energy.
• Resists high temperatures: Perfect for sautéing, roasting, or adding at the end as a finishing touch.
• Enhances aromas: In soups and stews, a tablespoon of EVOO can completely transform the dish.

2. Soup and stew recipes with EVOO

a. Roasted tomato soup with EVOO

Ingredients:

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Vegetable broth (approximately 500 ml)
• Salt, pepper, and fresh basil

Preparation:

1. Roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with a drizzle of EVOO in the oven at 200°C for 30 minutes.
2. Blend the roasted ingredients together with the vegetable broth.
3. Heat the mixture in a saucepan and adjust the salt and pepper.
4. Serve with a drizzle of EVOO and chopped fresh basil.

Tip: The EVOO gives the soup a silky texture and a spectacular aroma.

b. Chickpea stew with spinach and fried garlic

Ingredients:

• 400 g cooked chickpeas
• 300 g fresh spinach
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Heat the EVOO in a pot and fry the sliced garlic until golden. Remove them and set aside.
2. In the same oil, add the cooked chickpeas and spinach. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
4. Decorate the dish with the fried garlic on top before serving.

Tip: This stew is nutritious and quick to prepare. EVOO enhances the flavor of garlic and spinach.

c. Pumpkin cream with spices and EVOO

Ingredients:

• 1 kg peeled and cubed pumpkin
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric and another of ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Sauté the onion in EVOO until golden.
2. Add the pumpkin, spices, and vegetable broth. Cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth and adjust the salt and pepper.
4. Decorate with a drizzle of EVOO and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.

Tip: The EVOO at the end gives it a velvety touch and enhances the flavors of the spices.

3. Tips for using EVOO in your soups and stews

• Don't underestimate it as a finishing touch: A drizzle of EVOO when serving enhances the aromas and flavors of the dish.
• Use different varieties: A milder EVOO for delicate dishes (like pumpkin cream) and a more intense one for stews with strong flavors (like chickpea stew).
• Take advantage of its healthy properties: In addition to flavor, EVOO provides antioxidants and healthy fats that complement the nutritional value of the dish.

4. Benefits for your health in winter

EVOO is a food rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that strengthen the