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Interiors at Le Meridian

Event- ‘Join the Olive Oil Revolution’ was organized at five star hotel Le Meridian in Delhi. This event was marked by the esteemed presence of Celebrity Chef- Kunal Kapur and renowned nutritionist Seema Singh.

The event was held to provide awareness about benefits of using Olive Oil in cooking.

Many of us are already using Olive Oil in cooking. However, I felt more educated and aware by knowing the scientific reasons and benefits of using Olive Oil by this event.

Join the olive oil revolution

Experience at Event ‘Join the Olive Oil Revolution’

After the warm welcome by the host, Kunal Kapur educated us on how Olive Oil is extracted and different types of Olive Oils. I would like to tell you as well. There are three types of Olive Oil.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

When olives are plucked from farms and crushed and mashed, they are pressed to produce first stage of olive oil. This is Extra Virgin Olive Oil 100% pressed olive juice, with an outstanding flavor and aroma. It has unique sensorial attributes and beneficial properties due to its minority components. Particularly recommended for use raw (in marinades, salads, sauces, etc.), in stews and in desserts.

Hall at Le Meridian

Olive Oil

100% pressed refined olive juice with a very good flavor and aroma. Recommended for the same uses as Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Extra Light Olive Oil

A blend of refined Olive Oils and Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Recommended for cooking at high temperatures, especially fried dishes. This oil can withstand the temperature at 201 degrees Celsius.

As per Kunal, most of the restaurants don’t heat oil beyong 180 degrees Celsius. Any oil that is heated more than this temperature looses its quality and is not fit to use. At homes as well, oils should not be heated till the smoking point.

Benefits of Olive Oil

Viharin.com- Chef Kunal Kapur and nutritionist Seema Singh

After Kunal Kapur, nutritionist Seema Singh took us through the nutritional values of Olive Oil. Ability of Olive Oil to resist high temperatures makes it easier to create a thin, golden and crunchy coating, which prevents the food from absorbing oil, keeping it juicy and appetizing. This feature makes it ideal for cooking Indian dishes without changing the taste and texture of the dish.

As per nutritionist Seema Singh,During a child’s first years, the energy requirement is very high. Some of the energy consumed comes from fat, either in milk, essential in childhood, or from other types of fat. Olive Oil is one of the most healthy Oils, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenols which have many health benefits. It has a high nutritional value and helps prevent and fights against many diseases. Antioxidants fight free radicals that are caused in the body due to infections. These free radicals create inflammation of arteries.

Antioxidants are also present in all kinds of dark coloured fruits and vegetables like blueberries, strawberries etc.

Olive Oil better withstands high temperatures ( upto 180 degrees Celsius) and is very stable due to its Oleic Acid. Any oil, unless it has a very strong flavor is suitable for Indian food. And Olive Oils don’t have any distinct flavor of their own, so is ideal as a cooking medium for all kinds of Indian foods. If used regularly, the consumption of monounsaturated fats that lowers cholesterol will help prevent cardiovascular diseases and may reduce the risk of some cancers, diabetes and anti thrombotic effect etc.

Cooking session with chef kunal kapoor

Live cooking show by Chef Kunal Kapur

Post the session, we went at the back side of Le Meridian which had a big open area and nice ambiance decorated with plants and tables placed strategically with sitting arrangement.

Kunal took us through the live preparation of Avocado chicken cutlets. He first checked the ripeness of avocado and also explained how to test it. Then Kunal cut cubicles of avocado and put some ginger, garlic along with spices and cheese. He then mixed everything and made flat balls. Greased the pan with Olive Oil and made lip smacking cutlets.

Chef Kunal Kapoor Cooking with Olive Oil

At the same time, Kunal also prepared pineapple chutney where he put a little Olive oil and rai in it and let it fry. After a few seconds, Kunal put small diced pineapples and other spices and ingredients to prepare a delicious pineapple chutney.

The third dish Kunal prepared was salad with Olive Oil. That was tasty as well.

Event- ‘Join the Olive Oil Revolution’ was overall a great experience from all aspects including the grand ambiance of fivevstar hotel Le Meridian, insightful information from Seema Singh and Kunal Kapur, last but not the least amazing live cooking sessions by Kunal Kapur.

Nidhi KM

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