For a Nutty Cooking Experience, Try Georgia Pecan Oil
Imagine the aroma of fresh Georgia vegetables like sweet corn, crunchy peppers and spicy onions, being sautéed in a hot pan drizzled with oil. I know you’re thinking, "She must be talking about olive oil." Well, guess again. I’m talking about Georgia pecan oil from Oliver Farm. It’s full of antioxidants like vitamin E and flavonoids; it’s high in protein but also in oleic acid, which is the same type of healthy fat found in olive oil; and, as an added bonus, it is bursting with flavor.
When placed side by side with olive oil, Georgia pecan oil comes out the clear winner. It contains 9.5% saturated fat, which is less than in olive oil, is rich in monounsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats. Although pecan oil is nothing new in the word of healthy oils, it is new to most cooks. Pecan oil’s mild nutty flavor is neutral enough to take on the flavor of whatever seasoning is being used with it, has a high smoking point of 470 F, and is versatile enough to use for frying, baking, and as the base for salad dressings, marinades and infused oils, making this Georgia-grown oil the perfect every day oil for cooking.
To give you a little peek into how versatile Georgia pecan oil actually is, I’m including a Southern spin on hummus. Using black-eyed peas instead of chickpeas, cider vinegar instead of lemon juice, and - you guessed it - pecan oil instead of olive oil, this Black-Eyed Pea Hummus will make you a believer:
Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
Original recipe by Chef Jennifer Hill Booker
Yields: 5 cups
Ingredients:
2-14.5 ounce cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1-14.5 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup pecan oil, I like Oliver Farm Pecan Oil
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon chopped scallions
Pecan oil
Directions:
- Place all of the ingredients into a food processor with the blade attachment.
- Pulse for 2-3 minutes or longer for a smoother hummus.
- Adjust taste with salt and pepper and additional vinegar, as needed.
- Garnish with chopped pecans, scallions, and a drizzle of pecan oil.
- Enjoy with pita chips, crackers, or fresh-cut veggies!
