Herbed Kalamata Olives Recipes

HERBED OLIVES

Steps:

• In a bowl stir together the olives, the herbs, the lemon juice, the zest, and the oil and let the olives marinate, covered and chilled, for 3 days. The marinated olives may be made 2 weeks in advance and kept covered and chilled. Serve the olives at room temperature.

WARM MARINATED OLIVES

Steps:

• Drain the green and black olives from the brine or oil that they're packed in and place them in a medium bowl. Add the orange zest, garlic, fennel seeds, thyme leaves, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Pour the olive oil over the mixture, add the thyme sprigs and toss to combine.
• Transfer the mixture, including the olive oil, to a medium (10-inch) sauté pan. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to sizzle. Lower the heat and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the olives and garlic are heated through and fragrant. Serve warm right from the pan or transfer to a serving dish. Offer a small dish for the pits.

HERBED KALAMATA OLIVES

Steps:

• In a dry small heavy skillet toast seeds over moderate heat, shaking skillet, until fragrant, about 1 minute, and cool. With a mortar and pestle or with bottom of a heavy skillet coarsely crush seeds. Drain olives and thinly slice lemon. With flat side of a large knife lightly bruise thyme and in a bowl stir together all ingredients. Marinate olives, covered and chilled, at least 3 days and up to 1 week. Bring olives to room temperature, about 15 minutes, before serving.

WARM CITRUS-MARINATED OLIVES

Steps:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Blanch the olives for about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the olives to a medium bowl. Toss with the tangerine pieces and lemon zest.
• In a small skillet, combine the olive oil, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, garlic and red pepper flakes. Warm gently over medium heat until small bubbles form around the herbs and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer gently until the garlic is beginning to brown and the bubbles start to subside, about 7 minutes. Pour the hot oil over the olive mixture and toss well to coat.
• Allow the olives to marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days; warm gently before serving.

KALAMATA OLIVE AND GARLIC BREAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. To proof yeast, stir in yeast and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes in a warm place.
• Preheat oven to 105 degree F (40 degrees C). Warm an oven-safe bowl in the oven.
• Place flour in bowl of food processor. Add salt and pulse for a few seconds.
• Start food processor. Pour proofed yeast into flour through hole. Immediately add the additional 3/4 cup warm water, then the olive oil. Process for about 1 minute or until dough ball cleans the sides of the processor bowl. If dough is too wet add a little flour through the top while processing, or if too dry, add a little more water.
• Turn off food processor. Remove lid and transfer dough to the heated bowl. Cover with a plate or plastic wrap.
• Let rise for a half hour in a warm place, like the lukewarm oven.
• In a small bowl, combine minced garlic and chopped olives. Set aside.
• Once dough has risen, transfer dough to a lightly floured board. Make an indentation in the dough and place olive mixture inside. Knead dough 10 times. Bulk of mixture should remain in middle of dough. Form dough into a log or round loaf shape.
• Grease a pie pan (for a round loaf) or a baking sheet (for a log) and dust with cornmeal. Place loaf on prepared pan, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake bread in preheated oven until browned and loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

SMASHED KALAMATA OLIVE DIP WITH GARLIC AND HERBS

Steps:

• Put all ingredients except olive oil in food processor and pulse until it is fairly finely chopped up but not mushy.
• If you don't have a food processor, just use a knife and finely chop.
• Add olive oil to cover.
• Serve with slices of hearty bread or crackers.
• It will keep for 3 days.

KALAMATA OLIVE TAPENADE

Steps:

• Place the garlic cloves into a blender or food processor; pulse to mince. Add the olives, capers, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil Blend until everything is finely chopped. Season to taste with salt and pepper.