Olive-Caper Spread Recipe 🫒
Description:
Indulge in the delectable Olive-Caper Spread, a savory delight perfect for spreading on French baguettes or crispy croutons. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients to create a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for gatherings or as a flavorful snack, this spread is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3/4 cup
- Calories: 1554.7
- Fat Content: 87.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 20g
- Cholesterol Content: 39mg
- Sodium Content: 2967.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 165.9g
- Fiber Content: 12.6g
- Sugar Content: 0.9g
- Protein Content: 28.4g
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 French baguettes
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
For Olive-Caper Spread:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather the Kalamata olives, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, capers, and garlic clove.
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Puree Mixture: In a food processor, combine the Kalamata olives, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, capers, and garlic clove. Pulse until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
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Transfer to Bowl: Once the mixture is well blended, transfer it to a serving bowl, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the processor to capture all the flavors.
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Refrigerate: The Olive-Caper Spread can be prepared ahead of time. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to four days to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Before serving, let the spread stand at room temperature for about an hour to enhance the flavors.
For Croutons:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s adequately heated for baking.
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Prepare Bread: Slice the French baguettes into thin slices and arrange them evenly on a baking sheet.
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Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of the bread slices with melted unsalted butter.
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Bake Croutons: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bread slices until they turn crisp and golden brown, typically around 10 minutes.
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Cool: Once baked, allow the croutons to cool slightly on the baking sheet to ensure they crisp up evenly.
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Storage: The croutons can be prepared a day in advance. Once cooled completely, store them in a plastic bag at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Olive-Caper Spread alongside the freshly baked croutons for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Pair with your favorite cheeses, cured meats, and antipasto platters for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps to add a burst of flavor to your lunchtime routine.
- Enjoy as a dip for fresh vegetables or crunchy breadsticks for a healthier snacking option.
Tips:
- For a smoother consistency, ensure the Kalamata olives are pitted before adding them to the food processor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your personal preference for a milder or more robust flavor.
- Experiment with different varieties of olives, such as green or black, to customize the spread to your liking.
- To make the spread vegan-friendly, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Olive-Caper Spread, a versatile condiment that adds a taste of the Mediterranean to any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to your favorite dishes, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the bold flavors and simple preparation of this delightful spread! 🫒🥖
