Crushed Olives Recipe: A Mediterranean Delight
Picture yourself seated in a cozy bistro, where the scent of olive oil and fresh herbs mingles with the warm chatter. This is where you might discover the perfect dish to kick off your meal: a simple yet flavorful appetizer that awakens the senses and invites conviviality.
We’re talking about a classic in Mediterranean cuisine, the Crushed Olives, a traditional preparation that turns the humble green olive into a true gastronomic treasure. With just a few genuine ingredients—green olives, pungent garlic, spicy red chili for that lively kick, coarse sea salt, and the unmistakable extra-virgin olive oil—you’ll create something extraordinarily simple yet unforgettable.
By following precise and essential steps such as selecting the best olives and their curious “crushing,” to the skillful marinating that enhances their flavor and texture, you’ll end up with a dish full of character. And if you want to add that personal twist? A handful of aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme during the seasoning can make all the difference. Get ready to impress your guests with this rustic and flavorful appetizer!
Recipe Notes
- SIMPLICITY: Easy and quick to prepare.
- PROS: A rustic and flavorful recipe, perfect as an appetizer.
- CONS: Requires a few days of brining.
- PREPARATION: Simple, with just a few steps and common ingredients.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 150 calories per serving.
Notes on the Recipe’s Ingredients
- Green Olives: go for good quality ones, preferably firm to the touch
- Garlic: finely chopped for an intense flavor
- Red Hot Chili Pepper: adds a touch of spiciness
- Coarse Salt: used to prepare the brine
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil: covers the seasoned olives in the jars
Nutritional Aspects
Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of Smashed Olives, a tasty and healthy appetizer.
- Green olives: packed with monounsaturated fats, great for the heart.
- Garlic: known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
- Red chili pepper: boosts metabolism and improves circulation.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: a source of vitamin E and antioxidants.
- Low calorie content: about 150 calories per serving, perfect for a light snack.
Recipe for Crushed Olives: Rustic and Flavorful Appetizer
Ingredients
- Olives Green
- Garlic
- Chili Pepper Red Hot
- Salt Coarse
- Olive Oil Extra-Virgin
Instructions
- Start by selecting good quality green olives, preferably firm to the touch.
- Use a meat tenderizer or a clean rock to gently crush the olives, being careful to break the pits without shattering them.
- Carefully remove all pit fragments from the crushed olives.
- Prepare a brine with water and coarse salt in a large bowl and immerse the crushed olives in it.
- Cover the olives with an inverted plate and place a weight on top to keep them submerged.
- Let the olives rest in the brine for a few days, changing the water daily.
- After the brining time, drain the olives well and lightly boil them in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, finely chop the garlic and cut the red hot chili pepper into small pieces.
- Drain the olives from the cooking water and season them with the chopped garlic and pieces of red hot chili pepper.
- Place the seasoned olives in sterilized jars and completely cover them with extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
Rustic and Flavorful Smashed Olives: A Tasty Appetizer
Enhance the recipe with these deliciously creative variations:
- Add thin slices of lemon during marination for a fresh and citrusy touch.
- Swap the red chili for green chili for a more delicate note.
- Include orange slices for an unexpected flavor explosion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe
If you have any questions about making Smashed Olives, you’re in the right place! Here are some answers to the most common questions.
How to choose the right olives for this recipe?
Choose good quality green olives, preferably firm to the touch.
How long should the olives rest in brine?
Let the olives rest in brine for a few days, changing the water daily.
How to best store Smashed Olives?
Store the Smashed Olives in sterilized jars and completely cover with extra-virgin olive oil for the best preservation.
