olive oil substitute in cous cous dressing?

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songofserenity81
songofserenity81 Posts: 138 Member
in Recipes
I found a lovely spicy cous cous and chickpea recipe with a tasty dressing but I want to tweak it, why, it calls for 3 full tbsp's of extra virgin olive oil, now while I know its still healthier than normal oil its still well over 300 extra cals in the recipe.

the dressing consists of

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove crushed garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt

what types of things can I replace the olive oil with, any suggestions very much appreciated.

Replies

  • triciawebb78
    triciawebb78 Posts: 142 Member
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    I would just reduce the amount of oil....
  • sandislim
    sandislim Posts: 264
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    You could add 1 tlbs of oil instead of three - you could also add some chopped olives for flavour.
  • sandislim
    sandislim Posts: 264
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    You could add 1 tbsp of oil instead of 3. You could also add some chopped olives for flavour.
  • dogwhisperette
    dogwhisperette Posts: 177 Member
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    I would also reduce the amount of oil.
    Thank you for sharing, I am going to make this! sounds great!
  • russelljclarke
    russelljclarke Posts: 836 Member
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    No real alternatives, just reduce the oil - 3 Tbsps is ridiculous, I would only use a tsp (1/9 the amount!)
  • capriciousmoon
    capriciousmoon Posts: 1,263 Member
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    My question would be... How many servings is this supposed to be? I don't know how dressing works with cous cous or how many servings that recipe is supposed to be divided up into. Maybe you could use less dressing?
  • stroken96
    stroken96 Posts: 436 Member
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    Maybe try 1/2 oil and 1/2 water
  • MaMA_G_21
    MaMA_G_21 Posts: 6
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    Veggie oil?
  • coatsie79
    coatsie79 Posts: 187 Member
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    The oil is not really going to add anything other than flavour, so you'd be better off finely chopping a few green olives and throwing those in instead.
  • Strive2BLean
    Strive2BLean Posts: 300 Member
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    You can try cutting the portion size by mixing it with some low fat chicken broth or veggie broth. I wouldn't eliminate the oil completely cause then the texture of the dressing would be different.
  • FairyMiss
    FairyMiss Posts: 1,812 Member
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    yeah i agree with the above , there is really nothing healthier you can sub. just use a bit lss
  • PBJunky
    PBJunky Posts: 737 Member
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    I found a lovely spicy cous cous and chickpea recipe with a tasty dressing but I want to tweak it, why, it calls for 3 full tbsp's of extra virgin olive oil, now while I know its still healthier than normal oil its still well over 300 extra cals in the recipe.

    the dressing consists of

    3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    2 tbsp lemon juice
    1 clove crushed garlic
    1 tsp ground cumin
    1 tsp ground coriander
    1/2 tsp ground ginger
    1 tsp salt

    what types of things can I replace the olive oil with, any suggestions very much appreciated.

    3 tbsp EVOO = 14 grams of fat = 378 calories...quite calorie dense
  • floshideaway
    floshideaway Posts: 101 Member
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    I have been substituting with mineral oil for years, which can be found in the pharmacy dept of your grocery store. It is NOT absorbed by the body and has no accountable calories. This was recommended to me by the pharmacist while in France more than 20 years ago. There they do sell flavored mineral oil, here in the States you only find plain. I recommend only substituting half. Mineral oil is used as a laxative and still should be used sparingly but used wisely it will reduce you fat intake in salad dressing. You CANNOT cook with it or heat it up, use only in cold dishes.
  • songofserenity81
    songofserenity81 Posts: 138 Member
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    the whole recipe serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main, but for me the side is my main :)
  • kristen11joy
    kristen11joy Posts: 114 Member
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    I have a pasta salad that I make where I just reduce the oil and increase the vinegar -- it makes it a bit tangier, but it's pretty bland to start with, so I like that. I would do as ohters have suggested, and just reduce the oil. Or leave it out altogether. It may not change the taste too much (and if it does, add a little back in until it's how you like it)

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