Ultimate Tuna Burgers
To make this recipe, I used canned tuna in olive oil.
You can also use canned tuna in water if you like. However, I did use
the reserved olive oil from the tuna to fry the patties. I topped the burgers off with some sliced tomato, red onion, shredded
lettuce, and a simple homemade tzatziki that truly elevates the tuna
patties. To add some heat to this burger, just add a dash of chili
powder or hot smoked paprika.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: Once you have the tuna mixture well mixed, make sure to push down on it until you get a paste-like texture. This is to ensure all the ingredients are well bound. That way, once you cook your patties, they hold their shape and won’t fall apart.
Watch Albert making this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGAgy1KDSqA
Ultimate Tuna Burgers
Ingredients
FOR THE TUNA PATTIES
- 2 cans tuna in olive oil 4 oz / 110 grams each
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs 35 grams
- 2 cage-free organic eggs
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley 8 grams
- sea salt & black pepper
FOR THE TZATZIKI SAUCE
- 5 oz plain Greek yogurt 150 grams
- 1/4 cup grated cucumber 35 grams
- 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
- 1/2 tsp dried dill 1 gram
- 2 tsp lemon juice 10 ml
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 8 ml
- sea salt & black pepper
EXTRAS
- 3 hamburger buns (lightly toasted)
- 1 tomato (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- handful shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Drain the cans of tuna into a fine sieve with a bowl underneath, gently flake the tuna to remove any excess oil, then transfer into a large bowl, along with the breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped shallot, grated garlic, chopped parsley, and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then mash down on the mixture until you get a paste-like texture
- Transfer the mixture over a clean flat surface, cut into 3 evenly sized pieces, then shape each one into a ball, making sure to squeeze the mixture in your hand, this is to ensure everything is well bound, then gently mash down on each ball to shape the patties, about 1 1/2 cm (5/8 inch) thick
- Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the reserved olive oil from the canned tuna
- After a couple of minutes add in the tuna patties, fry for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden fried
- In the meantime make the tzatziki, add the Greek yogurt into a bowl, then add the grated cucumber over some paper towels and squeeze the water out, transfer the cucumber into the bowl with yogurt, then add in the grated garlic, dried dill, lemon juice, and olive oil, then season with sea salt and a generous portion of black pepper, and whisk together until well mixed
- Once the tuna patties are cooked through and golden fried, about 5 minutes per side, remove from the pan
- To assemble the burgers, add some of the tzatziki over the bottom bun, then add one of the tuna patties, some sliced tomato, sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce, then add another dollop of the tzatziki over the top bun and place over the burger, enjoy!
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Small is Beautiful
Small is Beautiful
Germany’s national consumer watchdog, Stiftung Warentest, conducted tests on 19 brands sold in popular supermarkets labeled as extra virgin olive oil and found that six did not meet the required standards, exhibiting defects such as rancidity. An additional 11 samples barely met the minimum criteria for extra virgin classification. Only two samples were comfortably within the acceptable parameters. These findings suggest a decline in olive oil quality, which the watchdog attributes to factors like climate change affecting olive harvests and large scale production.
In response to these quality concerns, the watchdog encourages consumers to seek out small, privately owned olive oil producers. These smaller producers often focus on quality over quantity, offering products that are less likely to be compromised by the challenges facing larger-scale operations. By choosing olive oils from these small-scale producers, consumers can enjoy higher-quality products and support sustainable agricultural practices. To learn more about Stiftung Warentest’s olive oil testing visit this article.
Shakshuka with Chickpeas & Feta
This Shakshuka with Chickpeas & Feta is what healthy comfort food is
all about. We’re talking a ton of Mediterranean flavors, simple
everyday ingredients, and all done in under 30 minutes using just one
pan. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and always next to a
crunchy baguette for a great meal.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: It took me about 5 minutes to perfectly cook the eggs. With the egg whites set and the yolks slightly creamy. It might take you more or less. Just keep an eye on the eggs as they are cooking.
Watch Albert making this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzAwLI2lnm0
Shakshuka with Chickpeas & Feta
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 35 ml
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin 2 grams
- 1 can tomato sauce (passata) 15 oz / 425 grams
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz / 425 grams
- 1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) 15.5 oz / 440 grams
- 4 cage-free organic eggs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 35 grams
- sea salt & black pepper
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the olive oil
- While the oil is heating, finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, and finely chop the red bell pepper
- Add the chopped ingredients into the hot fry pan, mix together, then mix every minute so it all evenly sautes
- After 4 to 5 minutes and the onions are translucent, add in the paprika and cumin, quickly mix together, then add in the canned tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed), and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then simmer on a medium heat for 10 minutes
- After 10 minutes and the tomatoes have slightly thickened, crack in the eggs, all evenly spaced out, just create little pockets so the eggs perfectly sit in there, season the eggs with sea salt & black pepper, then place a lid on the pan and lower to a low-medium heat, simmer for 5 minutes or until the egg whites are set but you still have slightly creamy yolks, then remove from the heat
- Sprinkle the feta cheese over the skillet and some chopped parsley, serve at once enjoy!
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Understanding Oleuropein’s Role in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Understanding Oleuropein’s Role in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
At
Apollo, we do not specifically test for oleuropein because all
polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil contribute to its remarkable
health benefits. However, we believe it is always valuable to explore
and understand the unique properties of each polyphenol individually.
Oleuropein, a key polyphenol in extra virgin olive oil, significantly influences both its sensory characteristics and health benefits. This compound contributes to the oil’s bitterness and pungency, serving as a natural defense mechanism in olive trees and indicating high-quality oil. The concentration of oleuropein varies based on olive variety, milling techniques, and storage conditions.
Research has shown that oleuropein and its derivatives activate specific bitter taste receptors, enhancing the distinctive flavor profile of extra virgin olive oil. Beyond taste, oleuropein exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in disease prevention and overall health promotion. Studies suggest its beneficial effects on conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and heart diseases.
In summary, oleuropein is integral to the unique taste and numerous health advantages associated with extra virgin olive oil, underscoring the importance of this compound in both culinary and medicinal contexts. For more information visit this article.
Spanish-Style Tuna and Potato Stew
This Spanish-Style Tuna and Potato Stew, known as Guiso de Atún en Conserva con Patatas, is what simple and delicious food is all about. We’re talking a ton of flavors, easy to make and all done in a little over 40 minutes. Serve it next to a crunchy baguette and a bottle of Spanish red wine from Ribera del Duero for a complete meal.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: This stew will hold for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just add in some liquid when reheating if it’s too thick.
Spanish-Style Tuna and Potato Stew
Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRgRDS_p8Wo
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna in olive oil 4 oz / 110 grams each
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 15 ml
- 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
- 1/2 tsp hot smoked Spanish paprika 1.25 grams
- 2 tomatoes (finely grated)
- 3 potatoes (peeled) 1 1/2 lbs / 750 grams
- 3 cups vegetable broth 720 ml
- 1 bay leaf
- sea salt & black pepper
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the cans of tuna into a fine sieve with a bowl underneath, gently flake the tuna to remove any excess oil, roughly chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic and cut the red & green bell peppers into small bite-sized pieces
- Heat a stock pot with a medium heat and add in 3 tbsp (45 ml) of the reserved olive oil from the canned tuna
- After a couple of minutes add in the chopped vegetables, mix every 1 to 2 minutes so everything evenly sautes, after 4 to 5 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the vinegar, sweet smoked paprika and hot smoked paprika, quickly mix together, then add in the grated tomatoes, mix together and then simmer
- In the meantime, cut the potatoes into small bite-sized pieces that are 1/2 inch thick (1.25 cm)
- After 4 to 5 minutes and the grated tomato has slightly thickened, add in the chopped potatoes and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then add in the vegetable broth and bay leaf, turn it up to a high heat and give it a gentle mix
- Once it comes to a boil, place a lid on the stock pot and lower to a low-medium heat
- After simmering the stew for 20 minutes remove the lid, at this point the potatoes should be cooked through (you can always pierce them with a toothpick to ensure they are done), using a potato masher, gently mash down on the stew to break a couple of the potatoes apart, this is to help thicken the stew, then remove from the heat
- Transfer into shallow bowls, top off with some of the reserved canned tuna, black pepper and fresh parsley, enjoy!
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EVOO High Polyphenol Content and Heart Health
A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine linked adherence to the Mediterranean diet to a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Researchers found that people who closely followed this diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, and fish—had a significantly lower risk of developing AFib, a common heart rhythm disorder. The Mediterranean diet’s high content of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods coupled with high levels of fat based polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil is believed to improve heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of AFib.
The study highlights the importance of dietary patterns in preventing cardiovascular conditions. By focusing on heart-healthy nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids from fish and monounsaturated fats with high levels of polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil, the Mediterranean diet supports overall cardiovascular function. This dietary approach is also associated with better weight management and lower blood pressure, both of which are important factors in reducing AFib risk.
Given the diet’s proven benefits for heart health, medical professionals often recommend it as part of lifestyle interventions to prevent not only AFib but other cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke. This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the Mediterranean diet’s protective effects on heart health.
For more information on this recent study, visit this article.
COZY Pumpkin and Potato Soup
To puree the soup, I used a hand blender. But you can also use a food processor, stand-up blender or even a nutribullet. Either way, if you see your soup is too thick once it’s pureed, just add in some more broth until the desired texture.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: I topped the soup off with some Greek yogurt and roasted pumpkin seeds. You can easily veganize this recipe by omitting the yogurt or using your favorite plant-based yogurt.
COZY Pumpkin and Potato Soup
Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LueukwzvH9c
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 35 ml
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 carrots
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 1.25 grams
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme .50 grams
- 1 can pumpkin puree 15 oz / 425 grams
- 2 cups vegetable broth 480 ml
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- sea salt & black pepper
EXTRAS
- Greek yogurt
- toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces, roughly chop the onion, roughly chop the carrots (peeled) and roughly chop the garlic
- Heat a stock pot with a medium heat and add in the olive oil
- After a couple of minutes, add in the chopped onion, carrot and garlic, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes and the onion is translucent, add in the paprika and dried thyme, quickly mix together, then add in the chopped potatoes, canned pumpkin puree and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then add in the broth and raise to a high heat
- Once it comes to a boil, place a lid on the stock pot and lower to a low-medium heat
- After 15 to 20 minutes and the potatoes are just cooked through, you can always pierce them with a toothpick to ensure they are done, remove the pan from the heat
- Add in the lemon juice, then using a hand blender, puree the ingredients until you get a smooth creamy texture, if your soup is too thick, add in more broth
- Transfer the soup into shallow bowls, garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some toasted pumpkin seeds, enjoy!
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Olive Oil’s Connection to the Olympics
Olive Oil’s Connection to the Olympics
The olive tree has had a deep-rooted connection to the Olympic Games since their inception in ancient Greece. The tree symbolized peace, unity, and excellence, aligning with the values celebrated during the Games, which honored the Greek god Zeus. Athletes in the ancient Olympics did not compete for gold medals but were instead awarded a crown made from olive branches, symbolizing victory and honor. These crowns came from the sacred olive trees of Olympia, further emphasizing the cultural and religious significance of the tree.
In addition to the physical rewards, victors also gained social prestige and valuable gifts, such as amphoras filled with olive oil. Olive oil was not only a symbol of wealth and status but also served practical purposes in the athletes’ training and rituals, such as oiling their bodies before competitions. This connection between olive trees, the sacred Games, and the pursuit of personal glory reflects the broader cultural importance of the olive tree in Greek society.
The Olympic Games were also a time of truce among the often-warring Greek city-states. The Games fostered unity and cultural exchange, with olive branches and oil symbolizing peace and the shared values of the Greek world. This practice of awarding olive crowns to athletes persisted until the Games faded out, yet the olive tree continues to be a symbol of endurance and excellence, both in modern Olympic traditions and broader Mediterranean culture.
For more information on olive oil’s connection to the Olympics, visit this article.
Chickpea Salad Canapés
These Chickpea Salad Canapés are what simple and delicious food is all about. We’re talking a ton of great flavors, super easy to make and all done in about 10 minutes. Serve them at room temperature or even chilled. They will hold for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Chickpea Salad Canapés
Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PukxbXgLXxw
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 1 jar cooked chickpeas (same as canned) 25 oz / 700 grams
- 1 container plain Greek yogurt 5.3 oz / 150 grams
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard 15 grams
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion 40 grams
- 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley 8 grams
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 15 ml
- sea salt & black pepper
- handful chopped chives
Instructions
- Drain the jar of chickpeas into a colander and rinse under water, then shake off any excess water, transfer the chickpeas into a large bowl and using a potato masher or large fork, mash down on the chickpeas until they’re semi-mashed, meaning it’s ok if you have little chunks of chickpeas in there
- Once the chickpeas are mashed, add in the Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, chopped red onion, grated clove of garlic, chopped parsley and lemon juice, season with sea salt and a generous portion of black pepper, mix together until well mixed, then push down on the mixture until you end up with a creamy paste-like texture, add in more yogurt as needed
- Cut the cucumber (washed & patted dry) into rounds that are 1 cm thick (3/8 inch)
- Arrange the slices of cucumber in a flat layer, add spoonfuls of the chickpea salad over each slice of cucumber, top each one off with chopped chives, serve at room temperature or even chilled, enjoy!
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How Olive Oil Fraud Works
The olive oil industry in Italy is plagued by fraud and counterfeiting, where criminal organizations blend high-quality olive oil with lower-grade oils to produce counterfeit products. These illicit activities are highly profitable and often involve sophisticated techniques that make detection difficult, leading to risks for consumer health and economic damage to legitimate producers.
Specialized police units, like the NAS, are actively working to combat these crimes, using advanced technologies and international collaboration. In 2023, they seized 380 tons of illegal olive oil worth over €2 million, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Investigations reveal that criminal networks often manipulate the production process and falsify records to market counterfeit products as genuine extra virgin olive oil. These operations involve complex schemes that include international trade, blending, and advanced fraud techniques, making enforcement challenging and requiring ongoing efforts from both national and international agencies.
Buying
from local suppliers like Apollo Olive Oil, known for their short
supply chains, can help ensure you receive high-quality products. These
short supply chains reduce the risk of adulteration and fraud, as the
entire production process is more transparent and easier to monitor. By
supporting local producers, consumers can have greater confidence in the
authenticity and quality of the olive oil they purchase.
For
more detailed information on how olive oil fraud operates and the
methods used by Italian law enforcement to combat it, visit this article.