New Year’s Eve Dinner: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Takes Center Stage

New Year’s Eve is a special occasion, perfect for celebrating the year gone by and welcoming the new one with enthusiasm. In this context, extra virgin olive oil (EVO) can become the true star in the kitchen, enhancing every course with its unique flavor and health benefits. Let’s explore three menus—traditional, vegetarian, and vegan—where EVO plays a central role.

Traditional Menu: The Taste of Tradition

Appetizer: Tuna Tartare with EVO Oil
A refined starter where fresh tuna is finely chopped and dressed with high-quality EVO oil, enhancing its delicate flavor and adding a touch of elegance to the dish.

First Course: Tagliatelle with Ragù and Raw EVO Oil
A drizzle of raw EVO oil added just before serving enriches the ragù with intense aromatic notes and lends creaminess to the dish.

Main Course: Roast Pork with EVO Oil and Rosemary Sauce
Here, extra virgin olive oil is used both in cooking and in the accompanying sauce. Its ability to bind the aromas of rosemary and spices elevates the dish to a higher level.

Dessert: Orange and EVO Oil Cake
Soft, fragrant, and surprisingly light, this cake demonstrates how EVO oil can also shine in desserts, providing an unparalleled texture.

Vegetarian Menu: Lightness and Flavor

Appetizer: Salad of Raw Artichokes with Parmesan Shavings and EVO Oil
EVO oil, with its intense flavor, balances the delicacy of raw artichokes and the bold taste of Parmesan, creating a burst of flavor.

First Course: Lemon Risotto with EVO Oil
EVO oil replaces butter in the final stirring, giving the risotto a velvety consistency and a hint of freshness that pairs perfectly with lemon.

Main Course: Baked Vegetable Flan with EVO Oil Sauce
A simple yet refined dish where EVO oil is used in the accompanying sauce to bind the flavors of the vegetables.

Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream with EVO Oil and Sea Salt Crystals
An unusual but irresistible combination: the sweetness of the ice cream meets the fruity and slightly spicy notes of EVO oil, creating a unique contrast.

Vegan Menu: Creativity in the Kitchen

Appetizer: Chickpea Hummus with EVO Oil
EVO oil is the key ingredient that provides creaminess and depth of flavor to this versatile appetizer.

First Course: Spaghetti with Vegetables, EVO Oil, and Chili Pepper
Here, raw EVO oil is the true star, enhancing the freshness of the vegetables and the hint of chili pepper.

Main Course: Lentil Burgers with Vegan Mayonnaise Made with EVO Oil
The vegan mayonnaise prepared with EVO oil makes this dish flavorful and enveloping, showing how the oil can be central even in vegan preparations.

Dessert: Vegan Brownie with EVO Oil
Extra virgin olive oil replaces traditional fats, giving these treats a soft texture and an intense, rich flavor.

Why Choose EVO Oil as the Star?

Extra virgin olive oil is not just an ingredient but a true ally in the kitchen. Rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and healthy fats, it can enhance any dish, providing both flavor and health benefits. If you want to delve deeper into the characteristics and benefits of EVO oil, we recommend visiting this guide by Slow Food.