As a staple in many kitchens, pasta, and olive oil are a vital part of life. Whether you are gluten-free, banting, or sticking to old-school wheat-based pasta – there is truth to the word that pasta sounds better with Texas Olive oil. It adds unctuousness, a velvety mouth feel, and, more importantly, an unparalleled flavor. It is buttery, herbaceous, and divine. Here’s how you can create a love story in every bowl with the help of extra virgin olive oil from The Texas Hill Company.
The Passion – Texas Meets Italy
This love story is as old as the dawn of modern cooking. As a staple in Italian kitchens, EVOO is the lifeblood of the gastronomical kingdom. It beats through the veins that connect kitchens across the globe. This passion and love have begun to creep into the daily lives of Texans. As a state known for its love of food, it is quickly becoming a beloved ingredient here.
Olive oil has been produced in Texas for centuries, but in recent years, the industry has grown to include small-batch, artisanal producers such as The Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Locals are now benefiting from high-quality, top-notch EVOO. Sustaining the local economy has never tasted better!
Creating A Love Story – Texas Olive Oil And Pasta
EVOO is often used in pasta dishes to add flavor and richness. But did you know that Texas EVOO offers unique benefits that other fats can’t? It is full of flavor, and most importantly, its freshness gives you the best results when preparing your favorite pasta dishes.
Heritage Runs Deep
Another aspect of why EVOO imparts such an authentic Italian experience is the heritage. Texas is known for its Italian heritage and culture, which is reflected in the production of EVOO. Local producers Texas Hill Country Olive Co. embrace this as they are third-generation Italian immigrants. EVOO strongly connects to Italian cuisine’s traditional flavors and cooking methods.
Local IS Freshness
Texas EVOO is produced locally, which means it is fresher than imported oil. This enhances the flavor of pasta dishes, as the liquid gold has not lost any of its natural flavor or aroma during transportation. It supports local economies while providing locals with access to high-quality top-tier EVOO with a lower carbon footprint!
Finding The Right Kind of Texas Olive Oil For Pasta
With so many available options, knowing which EVOO to choose for your pasta dishes can be challenging.
- Robust EVOO: This type of fat is ideal for tomato-based pasta sauces, as it has a bold flavor that can stand up to robust sauce flavors. Try using it in a spaghetti, meatball dish, or penne alla vodka.
- Mild/Medium EVOO: This type of EVOO is perfect for delicate pasta dishes, as its mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients. Try using it in a linguine with clam sauce or pesto pasta.
- Infused Oils: Infused olive oils, such as garlic, basil, or chili pepper, can add extra flavor to pasta dishes. Try using a garlic-infused variety in a fettuccine alfredo or chili a pepper-infused version in a spicy spaghetti carbonara dish.
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar: Aged balsamic vinegar, combined with a mild variety of EVOO, can add a sweet and tangy flavor to pasta dishes. Try using it in pasta with grilled vegetables or a Caprese pasta salad.
- Truffle Oil: Truffle oil adds an earthy, luxurious flavor to pasta dishes. Try using it in creamy mushroom pasta or truffle risotto.
It’s important to remember that these are just guidelines, and you can mix and match different types of EVOO and vinegar to find the perfect pairing for your taste preferences.
Gluten-Free Pasta Pairings
Gluten-free options can be tricky to match with the flavors of these kinds of pasta; while the shape of the pasta is usually how you choose the sauce and proteins, it is more complex when it comes to matching the earthier flavors and different textures. Anyone who has walked a gluten-free life knows that finding the right combinations is tough and challenging. Here is a quick guide to striking a balance.
- Robust EVOO: For corn-based spaghetti or fettuccine with a tomato-based pasta sauce. The bold flavor of the robust oil will complement the corn pasta and stand up to the robust flavors of the sauce.
- Mild/Medium EVOO: Pair a quinoa or brown rice pasta with a delicate pasta dish, such as linguine with clam sauce or pesto pasta. The EVOOs mild flavor will complement the pasta’s mild flavor.
- Infused Oils: Try using chickpea or lentil pasta with infused EVOO, such as garlic, basil, or chili pepper. The infused oils will add extra flavor to the pasta, and the chickpea or lentil pasta will complement the oil flavors.
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar: Try using black bean or edamame pasta with mild Texas EVOO and aged balsamic vinegar. The sweet and tangy flavor of the balsamic vinegar will pair well with the pasta’s nutty flavor.
- Truffle Oil: Opt to use pea or mung bean pasta with truffle oil. The earthy, luxurious flavor of the truffle oil will complement the slightly sweet taste of the pea or mung bean pasta.
Ultimately, your choices don’t have to be set in stone; these are just guidelines. Experimenting between oil and gluten-free pasta varieties is vital to finding the right kind for your tastes.
Striking Balance Between Pasta and Texas Olive Oil
It is vital to remember that cooking is a journey; it is a love language made with the freshest ingredients, a little patience, and time. Learning to work the ingredients to make a marriage between them takes practice. Try your hand at experimenting with different recipes and ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, experiencing the marriage between pasta and EVOO is nothing short of magical. Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine, and Texas olive oil is the perfect ingredient to enhance its flavor. So, grab a bottle and get ready to experience pasta’s rich, delicious taste like never before.
