Mediterranean Magic: Homemade Black Olive Infusion 🫒✨

Black Olive Paste 🫒

🕒 Times:

Prep Time	Total Time
20 mins	20 mins

📝 Description:

This delightful Black Olive Paste is a versatile spread that adds a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your dishes. Originally inspired by Jeff Smith’s The Frugal Gourmet, it’s perfect for serving on bread, roasts like lamb or pork, polenta, or even stirred into pasta for a flavorful twist!

🥖 Serving Ideas:

Spread generously on a slice of warm, crusty bread.
Use as a savory topping for roasted lamb or pork.
Dollop onto creamy polenta for a burst of briny goodness.
Toss through freshly cooked pasta for an easy and flavorful sauce.

🏷️ Recipe Category:

Spreads

🌟 Keywords:

European
Low Protein
< 30 Mins
Small Appliance

📋 Ingredients:

1/3 cup olive oil 🫒
2/3 cup garlic cloves 🧄
3/4 cup lemon juice 🍋
3-5 sprigs flat leaf parsley 🌿
1 yellow onion 🧅
1 tsp sugar 🍬

📝 Instructions:

Prepare the Olives:
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- To pit the olives, there are a couple of methods you can try.
  - Cherry/Olive Pitter Method:
    - If you have a cherry or olive pitter, that’s ideal. However, watch out as olives might slip through the holes!
  - Kitchen Towel Method:
    - Alternatively, place the olives inside a folded kitchen towel and give them a gentle bang with a mallet or any heavy object. This might bruise the olives a bit, but it works!
Garlic Infusion:
- Raw garlic and olive oil make a delightful combination but can be a concern for botulism.
  - If you plan to store the paste for a few days, consider this step:
    - Mince the garlic finely, then add it to the olive oil.
    - Heat the mixture in the microwave until it reaches 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
    - This helps to reduce any risk and infuses the oil with garlic’s aromatic essence.
Combine Ingredients:
- Now, it’s time to bring all the flavors together!
  - In a food processor, combine pitted olives, garlic-infused olive oil, lemon juice, parsley leaves, sliced yellow onion, and a touch of sugar.
  - Pulse the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. Some prefer it smooth, while others like it a bit chunky for texture.
  - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or more lemon juice for brightness.
Store and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Black Olive Paste to clean, airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for up to a week to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- Serve alongside your favorite dishes, like the suggested rustic sourdough focaccia or get creative with your culinary adventures!

🍴 Serving Suggestions:

Rustic Sourdough Focaccia with Caramelized Onions:
- This Black Olive Paste shines as a spread on this flavorful focaccia. Check out the recipe here!
Charcuterie Boards:
- Include it on a Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie board with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread.
Pasta Delights:
- Stir into a bowl of hot pasta for an instant burst of Mediterranean flavors. Add some cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a complete meal!
Grilled Meats:
- Serve alongside grilled lamb chops or pork tenderloin for a zesty accompaniment.

🌿 Tips & Tricks:

Olive Varieties:
- Experiment with different types of olives for unique flavor profiles. Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or Gaeta olives all work well.
Herb Substitutions:
- No parsley? Try using fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead for a different herbal twist.
Make It Vegan:
- This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, perfect for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Gift Idea:
- Package the paste in small jars, tie with a ribbon, and gift to friends and family. It makes a lovely homemade present!

This delightful Black Olive Paste is not just a condiment; it’s a flavor-packed addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you spread it on a slice of warm bread, stir it into pasta, or use it to elevate your favorite roasts, its savory, briny goodness will have you coming back for more. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every dollop! 🫒✨