Argan Oil Is Loaded with Beautiful Benefits

One of the hottest trends for skin and hair care products, argan oil, has a little secret – this powerful anti-aging oil goes way beyond beauty when it comes to being healthy, effective and useful.

Argan oil is from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows almost exclusively in Morocco.  You’ve probably seen a variety of skin and hair products that contain argan oil, because it’s known for its effective moisturizing properties. There’s been research that suggests the fatty acids in argan oil support healthy, hydrated skin, reduce hair damage and contribute to glossiness.

What’s surprising about argan oil is that it also has culinary purposes. It’s used in many of the same ways as cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. With its sweet, nutty flavor, it’s used most frequently to finish dishes rather than for cooking. For example, the most common way Moroccans use argan oil is as a dip for bread. It’s also an ingredient in salad dressing, drizzled over roasted vegetables, stirred into soups, roasts and tagines. It’s even poured over ice cream.

Argan oil has many of the same healthful properties as olive oil and, like olive oil, it loses many of those when it’s heated to high temperatures. Argan oil contains generous amounts of vitamin E, phenols, carotenes and 80% unsaturated fatty acids. Research published in 2010 found that argan oil contains higher levels than other oils of γ-Tocopherol, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Other compounds present in argan oil, such as CoQ10, melatonin and plant sterols, also add to its antioxidant properties, to help repair cells.

If you’re thinking of trying argan oil in your recipes, be warned! It’s very pricy—about $50.00 for two seven-ounce bottles. You can get it in smaller quantities, like a two-ounce bottle for about $19.00. Look for it online as ‘culinary argan oil.’ A little bit drizzled over a salad or a freshly made soup is a unique touch for a memorable dish. Just make certain you purchase culinary argan oil.

Go ahead—splurge! Below are a variety of recipes to try with this delicious, healthful oil.

Amlou   

Amlou (also known as amalou) – is a Moroccan dip made from culinary argan oil, toasted almonds and honey. Think of a super-deluxe peanut or almond butter spread, packed with protein, vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s easy to make and will keep in a tightly covered jar for up to two months, best under refrigeration. Moroccans eat amlou on bread, but you could also try it spread on celery, crisp apples or whole grain crackers.

Ingredients (makes about 2 cups)

1 ½ cups (6 oz.) whole almonds (or a mix of almonds and walnuts)
¾  cup culinary argan oil
Note: Argan oil is expensive, so a 50/50 blend of argan/sunflower seed oil is often used. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a strong, grassy flavor.
4 Tbs. honey
1 Tbs. sugar
Dash of salt
Dash of ground cinnamon

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F.
2. Toast the almonds (and walnuts, if using) on a baking tray for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove when lightly browned—be careful not to burn!
4. Allow the nuts to cool.
5. Grind them to a very fine texture in a food processor.
6. Slowly add the oil in with the nuts.
7. Gradually add the honey, sugar, cinnamon, salt and continue to blend until smooth.

Arugula Salad with Feta Cheese, Pine Nuts and Argan Oil

It’s summer and here’s a cool, easy salad to serve to special guests on those hot nights. The feta cheese provides a good amount of protein and calcium, while the pine nuts are a good source of B-vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, B-6 and folates. Pine nuts provide minerals that help the body fight infection, including manganese. They also contain potassium calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Serves 4

Ingredients

½ cup argan oil (divided)
½ tsp. dried oregano
8 oz. (approximately 8 cups) arugula
1 cup Greek feta cheese, cubed
2 Tbs. fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ cup toasted pine nuts
½ cup summer fruit (blueberries, figs, strawberries) – optional
Fresh ground black pepper (or pepper blend) to taste

Preparation

1. Place the cubes of feta cheese in a bowl.
2. Pour ¼ cup of the argan oil over the cheese; add the oregano.
3. Marinate for 20 minutes stirring occasionally to coat evenly.
4. Place the arugula in a large bowl.
5. Add the lemon juice, the remaining argan oil, the marinated feta, fresh ground black pepper and toss gently.
6. Divide the salad into 4 shallow bowls or plates.
7. Sprinkle the pine nuts onto each dish and serve.

Moroccan Carrot and Red Lentil Soup with Cumin

The lentils in this flavorful soup provide plant protein and fiber, while the carrots are loaded with vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. The spices make for a deliciously exotic flavor. 

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 ½ Tbs. argan oil
1 ½ Tbs. butter
2 small onions, peeled and chopped
2 lb. carrots, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground coriander
½ tsp. chili powder
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 dry oz. red lentils
1 ½ qt. chicken stock
Juice ½ lemon
¾ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 Tbs. argan oil to serve

Preparation

1. Heat 1 ½ Tbs. argan oil and 1 ½ Tbs. butter in a 6-qt. pot (or Dutch oven) over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and carrots.
3. Cover and cook over a low heat until soft, about 15 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon and chili powder; stir for 1 minute.
6. Add the lentils, stir, then add the stock.
7. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
8. Cool a little, then grind in a food processor or with an infusion blender, then return to the pot.
9. Season with lemon juice, salt and fresh ground pepper to taste and reheat.
10. Stir in the fresh coriander; reserve a few sprigs for the garnish.
11. Drizzle the argan oil over the soup just before serving.

Chocolate Sauce with Argan Oil Over Ice Cream with Toasted Nutty Topping

You’ll wow guests with this one! The lusciousness of chocolate with the heat of cayenne powder is unforgettable. The argan oil makes the chocolate especially silky.
Serves 4

Ingredients

2 scoops ice cream per person
4 Tbs. argan oil
6 oz. high-quality semi-sweet chocolate
Pinch of ground cayenne pepper
¼ cup toasted sliced almonds

Preparation

1. Place chocolate in a double boiler and melt.
2. Once the chocolate is melted, add the argan oil.
3. Add the pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then pour over the ice cream.
5. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds.