Olive paste

Olive paste with vegetables - a simple, quick, and delicious recipe, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to any meal! This recipe is inspired by diverse culinary traditions, being a versatile dish that can be adapted to your tastes. Whether you serve it as an appetizer on a slice of toasted bread or as a side dish accompanying a main course, this olive paste will surely impress!

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Mixing time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 400 g mixed olives (green, black, and kalamata)
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 white onions (or red, depending on preference)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice from half a lemon (or more, to taste)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Dried basil (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Half a teaspoon of salt (optional, depending on how salty the olives are)

Instructions:

1. Desalting the olives: The first step in preparing this paste is to desalinate the olives. Place the olives in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes. This process will help remove excess salt and achieve a more balanced paste.

2. Preparing the ingredients: While the olives are desalting, peel the carrots and slice them into rounds. Peel the onion and garlic. If using red onion, it will add a touch of sweetness to the dish, but white onion is just as good.

3. Chopping the ingredients: Remove the olives from the water, drain them well, and remove the pits. Now, add the olives, carrots, onion, and garlic to the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency, adjusting the texture to your preference. If you like a finer paste, you can blend more.

4. Adding oil and lemon: While the blender is running, gradually add the olive oil and lemon juice. This will help emulsify the ingredients and create a creamy texture. Taste the mixture and adjust with more lemon juice if you desire a tangier flavor.

5. Seasoning the paste: Once you have achieved the desired consistency, add the chopped fresh parsley, basil, and pepper. Mix well with a spatula. I recommend using fresh herbs, but dried basil will work as well.

6. Serving: The olive paste is now ready to serve! You can serve it on slices of toasted bread, crackers, or even as a filling for vegetables. It’s an excellent choice for an appetizer or a picnic.

Practical tips:

- Choose quality olives: Olives are the main ingredient, so make sure to choose high-quality olives. Kalamata olives are known for their rich flavor, while green olives add a crunchy note.
- Vary the vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables. Red bell pepper or zucchini can add a different texture and unique flavor.
- Enrich with cheese: For a richer taste, you can add a bit of feta or parmesan cheese to the mixture.
- Storage: The paste can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days, but it certainly won’t last that long!

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use pitted olives? Yes, you can use pitted olives from the start to save time.
- What can I do with leftover paste? If you have leftover paste, you can use it as a filling for sandwiches or as a sauce for pasta.
- Can I adapt the recipe for vegans? This recipe is already vegan, but make sure all the ingredients used are vegan.

Nutritional benefits:

This olive paste is not only delicious but also healthy! Olives are an excellent source of healthy fats, rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene and fiber, while extra virgin olive oil contributes to cardiovascular health.

Calories:

A 100 g serving of this paste has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil added. It’s a good choice for a healthy snack!

Serving suggestions:

To make the meal more interesting, combine the olive paste with a fresh Mediterranean salad or a platter of assorted vegetables. An ideal drink to accompany this recipe would be a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Personal notes:

This recipe reminds me of evenings spent with friends, enjoying delicious appetizers and sharing stories around a table full of goodies. I encourage you to share this recipe with your loved ones! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the olive paste will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Enjoy the cooking process and don’t forget to experiment!

 Ingredients: 400 g mixed olives: green, black, and kalamata 3 carrots 2 white onions 2 garlic cloves 3 tablespoons olive oil A little lemon juice Basil Pepper Parsley

 Tags:  olive paste