Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Crushed Green Olives: A Sicilian Classic Starter
Discover how to make delicious crushed green olives, a traditional Sicilian starter that truly captivates the palate!
📖 What is it
Discover how to make delicious crushed green olives, a traditional Sicilian starter that truly captivates the palate!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg large green olives, not overly ripe
- ✓ 6 garlic cloves
- ✓ 1 red chilli, hot
- ✓ 3 carrots
- ✓ 2 celery sticks
- ✓ a small bunch of parsley
- ✓ white wine vinegar, to taste
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- ✓ salt, to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the flavours of Sicily with these crushed green olives, a starter that tells tales of rustic countryside and time-honoured tradition. The scent of extra virgin olive oil, the heady aroma of fresh herbs, and the hearty texture of the olives will transport you straight to sun-drenched olive groves and old-fashioned kitchens.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently crush the olives with a pestle, taking care not to break the stones.
- 2
Soak them in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours.
- 3
After three days, drain and place them in a jar with a brine made from 2 litres of water and 300g of salt.
- 4
Four days later, drain and rinse them under running water for a full day.
- 5
Drain thoroughly and season with finely chopped garlic and parsley, sliced carrots, chopped celery, chilli, extra virgin olive oil, and a splash of vinegar.
- 6
Allow the flavours to meld for a few hours before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a more pronounced aromatic touch, try adding a few bay leaves or swapping some parsley for wild fennel, a hallmark of the Sicilian maquis.
- •
If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the garlic and chilli to highlight the natural sweetness of the olives.
- •
For a richer version, enhance the dressing with grated lemon zest and a drizzle of wildflower honey, lending a delightful sweet-and-sour note.
- •
Use a stone mortar and pestle to crush the olives; this traditional tool brings out the texture and releases essential oils beautifully.
- •
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the green olive, with its bold, slightly bitter character that pairs perfectly with olive oil and herbs.
- •
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those dietary preferences.
- •
To boost the umami flavour, add a pinch of chopped capers or a few desalinated anchovies if you’re feeling adventurous.
- •
The secret lies in the slow marination of the olives in oil and herbs, allowing the flavours and aromas to blend harmoniously.
📦 Storage
- • Store the crushed olives in clean glass jars, ensuring they are completely covered with extra virgin olive oil to preserve freshness and aroma.
- • Keep the jar in a cool, dark place to prevent heat from spoiling the flavour.
- • Best enjoyed within seven days to savour the freshness and maintain the olives’ delicate qualities.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the Mediterranean character of these crushed green olives, opt for a Sicilian white wine such as Grillo or Catarratto, both fresh and fragrant. A Contea di Sclafani Bianco pairs beautifully with its elegance and crispness. Alternatively, a Ligurian Vermentino or a Friulian Sauvignon Blanc offers a lovely aromatic contrast.
Making these crushed green olives brings a genuine slice of Sicily to your table, bursting with simple yet intense flavours. They’re perfect for kicking off a meal with friends or adding a touch of rustic charm to a local deli board. Do give this recipe a go at home, and don’t forget to share this little taste of tradition with your loved ones – it’s sure to be a hit!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate