The art of curing olives has been practiced for centuries, resulting in a myriad of delectable and versatile culinary creations. Whether you prefer the briny tang of green olives, the buttery smoothness of Kalamatas, or the rich complexity of black olives, there is a cured olive out there to tantalize your taste buds. While the process of curing olives can seem daunting, with a little patience and the right ingredients, you can easily transform ordinary olives into extraordinary culinary delights. From simple salt-cured olives to more elaborate brine-cured varieties infused with herbs, spices, and citrus, the possibilities are endless. The rewards of your efforts will be a pantry stocked with a flavorful assortment of cured olives that can be enjoyed as a snack, used as a colorful garnish, or incorporated into your favorite recipes. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your workspace, and embark on a culinary adventure that will take your taste buds on a journey of flavor and delight.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
ROASTED STRIPED BASS WITH FENNEL, TOMATOES, AND OIL-CURED OLIVES
Provided by Donatella Arpaia
Categories Fish Olive Tomato Roast Low Cal High Fiber Dinner Bass Fennel Healthy Bon Appétit Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Boil wine in medium saucepan until reduced to 1 cup, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and reserve.
- Generously brush 18x12x1-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange fennel slices in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Top with onion slices in single layer. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle 4 tablespoons oil over vegetables.
- Rinse fish inside and out; pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle fish inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dust outside of fish with flour. Pour enough olive oil into extra-large skillet to reach depth of 1/4 inch; heat over medium-high heat until oil is very hot. Working with 1 fish at a time, add fish to skillet and fry until golden crust forms on skin, about 3 minutes per side. Carefully place fish atop vegetables on baking sheet. Gently stuff cavity of each fish with 2 crushed garlic cloves, then 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Pour reserved wine over vegetables on baking sheet.
- Roast fish uncovered until vegetables begin to soften, 35 to 40 minutes. Scatter tomato halves and olives around fish; bake until fish is just cooked through, about 15 minutes longer. Transfer fish to large platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Increase oven temperature to 475°F. Continue to bake vegetables uncovered until tender and tomatoes are very soft and beginning to color in spots, about 15 minutes longer.
- Arrange vegetable mixture around fish on platter. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle chopped fennel fronds over fish and serve.
ARUGULA AND MINT SALAD WITH OIL-CURED BLACK OLIVES, ORANGES, AND RICOTTA SALATA
Provided by Suzanne Goin
Categories Salad Fruit Juice Olive Onion Side No-Cook Ricotta Orange Mint Arugula Bon Appétit Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Whisk first 6 ingredients in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before using.
- Place onion in large bowl. Add 1/3 of dressing; toss. Let marinate 20 minutes.
- Cut off peel and pith from oranges. Cut each orange crosswise into 8 slices.
- Add arugula, mint, and olives to bowl with onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss. Add remaining dressing; toss. Divide salad among 6 plates. Tuck orange slices and ricotta salata slices into salads.
LEEK TART WITH OIL-CURED OLIVES
Provided by Elaine Louie
Categories side dish
Time 1h
Yield 6 small servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- To make the ricotta base, preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine ricotta with egg yolk and olive oil; whisk until well blended. Stir in sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- To make the pastry, cut pastry into six four-inch squares, and lightly score a border about 1/4 inch from the edge. Lightly score a criss-cross pattern in the inside of the square. Place on a baking sheet and bake until puffed and lightly browned, 10 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and poke the center with a fork to allow steam to escape. Cool for 10 minutes.
- To make the topping, place a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Melt butter, add leeks and thyme, and sauté until leeks are soft and lightly caramelized, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
- Brush the edge of the puff pastry with beaten egg yolk. Spread scored area of pastry with the ricotta base, and sprinkle evenly with Gruyére. Top with leeks and olives. Bake until the edges are golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling, 10 to 14 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 657, UnsaturatedFat 30 grams, Carbohydrate 38 grams, Fat 50 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 435 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Select Fresh, High-Quality Olives: Choose plump, firm, and blemish-free olives for the best results.
- Use Unrefined Salt: Coarse sea salt or kosher salt is preferred for curing olives as they provide a more even and flavorful cure.
- Cure Olives in a Cool, Dark Place: Maintain a consistent temperature between 55-65°F (13-18°C) to ensure proper curing.
- Monitor Olive Brine Regularly: Regularly check the brine solution and adjust the salt concentration if necessary to maintain the desired flavor.
- Be Patient: Curing olives takes time, typically several weeks to months. Allow the olives to cure fully for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Different Herbs and Spices: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, and spices like garlic, chili flakes, or citrus zest to create unique flavor combinations.
- Store Properly: Keep cured olives submerged in brine in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can be stored for several months.
Conclusion:
Curing olives at home is a rewarding process that allows you to create delicious and flavorful olives customized to your taste preferences. By following these tips and experimenting with different curing methods and flavor combinations, you can enjoy a variety of cured olives that add a delightful touch to your meals and snacks. Whether you prefer traditional green olives, savory black olives, or unique flavored olives, homemade cured olives are a delicious and versatile addition to any pantry.
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