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!
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!
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!
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.
Algerian Orange Blossom Mouskoutchou
Algerian Orange Blossom Mouskoutchou
Mouskoutchou is a type of genoise cake, made with both flour and cornstarch, that is typically Algerian. This is our version of that cake, made with olive oil.
YOU WILL NEED:
VANILLA CAKE MIX
2 tablespoons corn starch (20g)
WET INGREDIENTS
4 large eggs (about 252g, weighed with shell)
1 cup plus one tablespoon mild extra-virgin olive oil (212g)
½ cup milk (120g)
2 tablespoons juice and zest from one small orange
2 teaspoons orange blossom water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 or 10-inch tube pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix vanilla cake mix and corn starch together until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Beat eggs at high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. With the mixer still running, gradually add the olive oil in a thin drizzle and beat until thick and creamy.
- Add the milk, orange juice and zest, orange blossom water and vanilla cake mix-corn starch blend, then mix on low speed for one minute or until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in baking pan for 5-10 minutes before unmolding.
- Just before serving, dust cake with powdered sugar.
New Approach to Olive Oil and Baking
New Approach to Olive Oil and Baking
A new cake mix from Flour & Olive, designed to use extra virgin olive oil, challenges conventional baking methods. Winning a Sofi award, the mix shows that olive oil can enhance cakes, providing health benefits and unique flavors. Founder Estelle Sohne emphasizes a delicate approach, using subtle olive oil flavors to complement the cake.
On the other hand, culinary director Regina Woods of Dos Olivos Market advocates for robust olive oils and lower baking temperatures to achieve optimal results in cakes imbued with citrus flavors. Both methods highlight the versatility and advantages of incorporating olive oil into baking.
For more details, visit the full article.
Spanish Lentils with Rice | Lentajas con Arroz
These Spanish Lentils with Rice, known as Lentejas con Arroz, are filled with flavors, made with simple heart-healthy ingredients and done in a little over 40 minutes. Serve this dish next to a crunchy baguette and a bottle of Spanish red wine for an amazing meal.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: For the liquid, I used homemade vegetable broth. But you can also use chicken broth, beef broth or even water. The lentils and rice will hold for up to 3–4 days in the fridge and freeze for up to 3 months.
Spanish Lentils with Rice | Lentajas con Arroz
Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhnS6IRwD0I
Ingredients
FOR THE LENTILS
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 35 ml
- 1 small onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar 15 ml
- 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1.50 grams
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cup dried green lentils 130 grams
- 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1050 ml
- 1 bay leaf
- sea salt & black pepper
FOR THE RICE
- 3 cups vegetable broth 720 ml
- 1 cup Spanish round rice 190 grams
- sea salt
EXTRAS
- handful chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
TO MAKE THE LENTILS
- Heat a stock pot with a medium heat and add in the olive oil
- While the oil is heating, finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic, finely chop the green bell pepper, cut the carrots (peeled) into small bite-size pieces and finely grate the tomatoes
- Add the chopped ingredients (except the tomato) into the stock, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the sherry vinegar, paprika and cumin, quickly mix together, then add in the grated tomato, mix and then simmer
- In the meantime, add the dried lentils into a fine sieve and rinse under water
- Once the grated
tomato has slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes, add in the rinsed
lentils, along with the vegetable broth and bay leaf, raise to a high
heat, once it comes to a boil, place a lid on the stock pot and lower to
a low heat
TO MAKE THE RICE
- While the lentils are simmering, add the broth into a sauce pan, season with sea salt and heat with a high heat
- Once it comes to a boil add in the rice, mix together, then place a lid on the sauce pan and lower to a low-medium heat, cook until the rice is done and all the broth has been absorbed (15 minutes in my case, make sure to check package instructions on the rice you are using), then remove from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes with the lid, then remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork
- Move back to the lentils, after 20 to 25 minutes and the lentils are cooked through, season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then remove from the heat
- To assemble the dish, add some of the rice into a shallow bowl, then add in some of the lentils next to the rice, garnish with chopped fresh parsley inbetween the rice and lentils, enjoy!
Olive Oil Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
A new Harvard University study found that consuming half a tablespoon of olive oil daily is linked to a lower risk of dementia-related death. Researchers analyzed data from 92,383 U.S. adults over 28 years and discovered that consuming at least seven grams of olive oil daily was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death.
This study builds on established links between olive oil consumption and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. WHO data shows that over 55 million people had dementia worldwide in 2023, with rates expected to triple by 2050. Scott Small from Columbia University noted that dementia in its final stages affects brain functions crucial for heart rate and breathing.
The study highlighted the importance of olive oil regardless of adherence to the Mediterranean diet or the Alternative Healthy Eating Index. Replacing five grams of mayonnaise with olive oil was linked to a 14% lower risk of dementia-related death, while replacing margarine showed an 8% reduction.
Researchers acknowledged limitations, including the study’s observational nature and a non-representative sample mostly comprising older, white healthcare professionals. Future studies should provide olive oil to participants to assess its direct impact on cognitive function.