Lemon Olive Tapas Recipes

LEMON OLIVE TAPAS

Steps:

• If using brine-packed olives, drain them.
• If you wish, you may whack them with a (clean) hammer or rolling pin to "crack" them so the seasonings penetrate further.
• In a medium bowl, combine the olives, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, herb sprigs, fennel seeds, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Zest the lemons in whatever size zest you like: a mix of finely grated zest for the brightest flavor and larger strips for color is nice.
• Add the zest and oil to the olives and mix well. Pour and scrape into a covered jar and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to let the flavors mingle.

PASTA WITH LEMON AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until the shallot is tender, about 3 minutes. Add the cannellini beans and olives and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pasta, lemon zest and juice and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Toss well, gradually adding the remaining cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Stir in 1/4 cup each Parmesan and parsley. Divide the pasta among bowls and top with the remaining Parmesan and parsley.

LEMON OLIVE OIL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line a greased 8-in. round baking pan with parchment. In a large bowl, beat eggs on high speed 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar, beating until thickened. Gradually beat in oil. Beat in milk, lemon zest and lemon juice., In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; fold into egg mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pan 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack; remove parchment. Cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

SPAGHETTI WITH LEMON & OLIVES

Steps:

• Put a large pan of water on to the boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, put the oil and nuts in a small pan and warm over a low heat. Crush the garlic into the pan and sprinkle in the chilli. Continue warming until the nuts are lightly toasted, checking to make sure the garlic doesn't burn.
• Finely grate the zest from both lemons then cut one in half and squeeze out the juice. Roughly chop the parsley. Once the pasta water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt and the spaghetti and cook, according to packet instructions.
• Drain the spaghetti and tip into a serving bowl. Pour over the garlicky oil and toss well with the lemon zest and juice, parsley, olives, Parmesan and plenty of salt and pepper. Add more lemon juice to taste - it should be fresh but not overly lemony. Serve with extra Parmesan.