Green Olive Relish
Green Olive Relish Recipe - Vegetarian Food from New Zealand
Introduction
Green Olive Relish is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. This recipe combines the briny taste of green olives with fresh herbs, nuts, and capers for a delicious spread that is perfect for serving with bread or cheese.
History
The origins of Green Olive Relish can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where olives are a staple ingredient. This relish is a modern twist on traditional olive tapenade, incorporating additional flavors and textures to create a more complex and interesting condiment.
Ingredients
- 500 g green olives, pitted and roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 2 lemons, zest and juice
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 0.5 tsp dried chili pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp capers, chopped, rinsed and dried
- 80 ml extra virgin olive oil
How to prepare
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Serve with bread and ricotta.
Variations
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- Mix in some anchovies for a brinier taste.
- Use different herbs like mint or cilantro for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use high-quality green olives for the best flavor.
- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the relish will enhance their nutty taste.
- Adjust the amount of chili pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Green Olive Relish with crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables. It also pairs well with creamy cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires no cooking, simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use black olives or a mix of olives for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pine nuts.
- Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a brighter taste.
Make Ahead Tips
Green Olive Relish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Green Olive Relish in a small bowl garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. It can also be served in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Green Olive Relish with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer. It also goes well with charcuterie boards or antipasto platters.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Green Olive Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Green Olive Relish contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Green Olive Relish contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Green Olive Relish contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Green Olive Relish contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Green olives are a good source of vitamin E and iron, while parsley and basil provide vitamins A and K.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.
Summary
Green Olive Relish is a flavorful condiment that is relatively low in carbohydrates and proteins, but higher in fats due to the olive oil and nuts.
Summary
Green Olive Relish is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. With its combination of olives, herbs, nuts, and capers, this relish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first discovered the deliciousness of Green Olive Relish. I remember it like it was yesterday, the way the tangy, salty flavor burst in my mouth and left me craving more.
It all started when my family took a trip to visit my aunt in a small coastal town. My aunt was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our visits because she would always whip up something amazing in the kitchen. This particular trip, she had prepared a platter of various appetizers for us to snack on before dinner. Among them was a small bowl of Green Olive Relish.
I had never tasted anything like it before. The mixture of chopped green olives, garlic, parsley, and olive oil was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I immediately asked my aunt for the recipe, and she chuckled and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations.
Determined to learn how to make this delicious relish, I begged my aunt to teach me. She agreed, on one condition - I had to promise to never reveal the recipe to anyone outside of our family. I eagerly agreed, and that afternoon, she took me under her wing and showed me how to make the Green Olive Relish from scratch.
We started by chopping up a jar of green olives and mixing them with freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley. Then, we added a generous amount of olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar to give it a tangy kick. My aunt explained that the key to a good Green Olive Relish was in the balance of flavors - not too salty, not too garlicky, but just right.
As we mixed and tasted and adjusted the seasonings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I was learning a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and I was determined to master it.
After an hour or so of stirring and tasting, my aunt declared that our Green Olive Relish was ready. She scooped some onto a slice of crusty bread and handed it to me to try. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dish.
From that day on, Green Olive Relish became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself when I needed a quick and tasty snack. Every time I made it, I would think back to that day in my aunt's kitchen and smile, grateful for the knowledge and skills she had passed down to me.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own touches here and there to make it my own. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. But no matter how I change it up, the core flavors of green olives, garlic, parsley, and olive oil always shine through.
Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, chopping up green olives and mincing garlic for a fresh batch of Green Olive Relish, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This recipe has been a constant in my life, a reminder of family and tradition and the joy of cooking. And as I take a bite of the finished relish, I know that I will continue to make it for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations and keeping the tradition alive.
Categories
| Green Olive Recipes | New Zealand Appetizers | New Zealand Recipes | Relish Recipes | Spread Recipes | Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes |