If you find yourself with an abundance of olives, you may be wondering what to do with them all. Whether you’ve harvested too many from your own tree or bought in bulk, there are a number of ways to use up those olives before they go bad.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Make Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade is a delicious spread that can be used on sandwiches, crackers, and even pizzas. To make your own, simply blend olives, garlic, capers, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
2. Infuse Olive Oil
Infused olive oil is a great way to add flavor to dishes, and it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is heat up some olive oil with your desired spices or herbs (such as rosemary, garlic, or chili flakes) and let it cool.
Then strain out the solids and store the oil in a bottle or jar. You can use infused olive oil for cooking or as a dipping sauce for bread.
3. Preserve Them
Olives can be preserved in a variety of ways, including curing, brining, and pickling. Curing involves soaking olives in a salt solution for several weeks to remove their bitterness.
Brining involves soaking them in a saltwater solution, while pickling involves adding vinegar and spices to the mix. Different types of olives require different methods, so be sure to do your research before attempting to preserve them.
4. Make Olive Bread
Olive bread is a delicious and savory twist on traditional bread. To make your own, simply add chopped olives to your bread dough before baking. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
5. Use Them in Salads
Olive salads are a classic Mediterranean dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Simply mix together chopped olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and easy salad.
You can also add other ingredients like roasted red peppers or chickpeas for extra protein.
6. Make Olive Pesto
Olive pesto is a delicious alternative to traditional basil pesto. Simply blend together olives, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
You can use olive pesto as a spread on sandwiches or as a sauce for pasta dishes.
7. Use Them as a Topping
Olives make a great topping for pizzas, salads, and even baked potatoes. Simply chop them up and sprinkle them on top of your dish for a burst of flavor.
8. Make Olive Tapas
Olive tapas are a popular dish in Spain, and there are countless ways to prepare them. One simple recipe involves stuffing olives with cream cheese, wrapping them in prosciutto, and baking them until crisp.
Another recipe involves marinating olives in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for several hours before serving as an appetizer.
9. Use Them in Cocktails
Olives are a classic garnish for martinis, but they can also be used in other cocktails. Try using them to garnish a Bloody Mary or a gin and tonic for a unique twist.
10. Give Them Away
If none of these ideas appeal to you, consider giving your excess olives away to friends or family. They may be able to use them in their own recipes, or they may simply appreciate the treat.