Crushed Green Olives: A Simple and Flavorful Side Dish
Crushed green olives are a wonderfully tangy and aromatic side dish, perfect for accompanying a variety of main courses or served as an appetizer at your next gathering. The process of macerating and crushing the olives results in a dish that is bursting with bold flavors, making it an easy yet impressive addition to any meal. This recipe for olive schiacciate, or crushed green olives, is simple yet full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green olives | 850g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Oregano | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Maceration Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Instructions:
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Macerate the Olives:
- Begin early in the morning as the olives need to be macerated over the course of the day. The maceration process involves changing the water multiple times, once in the morning and again in the evening.
- Start by selecting large, plump green olives. For the best texture and flavor, choose fresh olives that are firm and full of pulp.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently crush the olives. You want them crushed, not broken into pieces—this step helps release their natural oils and flavors.
- Place the crushed olives into a large bowl and cover them with water. Make sure the olives are completely submerged. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel.
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Macerate and Change Water:
- Every few hours, discard the water and replace it with fresh water. This process helps to remove the bitterness from the olives. You’ll want to repeat this process at least twice during the day, in the morning and again in the evening.
- After the final water change, allow the olives to rest in their fresh water for a few more hours.
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Prepare the Olive Mixture:
- Once the maceration process is complete, carefully drain the olives and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel to dry.
- Place the olives in a serving bowl and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves, then add them to the olives.
- Slice the fresh chili pepper in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cut it into thin strips. Add this to the olive mixture.
- Finally, sprinkle dried oregano over the olives for an extra burst of flavor.
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Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the olives, garlic, chili, and oregano together to mix the flavors.
- Let the olives sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Serve as a delightful side dish or as an appetizer. These crushed olives make for an excellent addition to a Mediterranean-themed meal, pairing beautifully with fresh bread, cheeses, and meats.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a refreshing and zesty side dish alongside grilled meats, Mediterranean salads, or roasted vegetables.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and herbs.
- These olives also make an excellent topping for pizzas or as part of an antipasto platter.
Tips for Success:
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the water maceration process, but it will reduce the bitterness of the olives and help enhance the flavors.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili pepper.
This simple yet flavorful recipe for crushed green olives is a great way to enjoy the rich, earthy taste of olives in a fresh and vibrant way. The combination of garlic, chili, and oregano gives it a bold Mediterranean flavor that will enhance any meal.
