Olive paste is a puree made from ground olives and is a common condiment in Mediterranean cuisines. It can be made at home with different ingredients and is often paired with bread, used as a dip, or added to broths and sauces. It should be allowed to marinate for 24 hours but can turn bitter if left too long. Shoppers should taste or read packaging before buying.
Olive paste is a smooth puree made from ground olives. There are many uses for this condiment, and as a result it is a frequent feature in Mediterranean cuisines. Many delis and markets carry it, and it’s also possible to make it at home. Cooks making their own can control the ingredients to create a specific desired flavor and can also ensure that it is as fresh as possible, as it can turn acrid and bitter if left to sit too long.
To make olive paste, the olives are pitted and then ground. While any type of olive can be made into a paste, pickled varieties tend to be preferred. A small amount of olive oil is usually added to lubricate the paste as it is ground and to enhance the olive flavor. The paste can also be mixed with herbs, and many people add garlic for a spicy flavor; garlic is also a good preservative. Shoppers can find versions packed with other pickled or pickled ingredients, which can make it into a hot or sweet dish, depending on the elements used.
Many regions have their own version of olive pasta, such as olivada and tapenade. It is often taken on picnics and used as a spread, pairing well with a number of loaves. This puree can also be laid out on a buffet, paired with crackers, breads, or even vegetables, and used as a dip. It can inject a rich olive flavor into broths and sauces and can be used as a garnish to some foods as well.
As a general rule, this puree is best when it has been allowed to soften and marinate for about 24 hours. This allows the flavors to mix, creating an evenly blended flavor. If it sits too long, however, it can start to turn bitter or sour, developing strange and unpleasant flavors. Canned goods are usually pasteurized and stabilized to avoid this.
Consumers may want to buy olive paste at a deli, as staff usually let shoppers try it first. Pastas can come in a range of flavors, so it’s a good idea for shoppers to know what they’re getting into, as no one wants to be unpleasantly surprised by the flavors. If it’s not possible to taste it first, consumers should read the packaging and try using the ingredients to gauge whether it will be sweet, tangy, or heavily herbal. This product pairs particularly well with a wide range of cheeses.
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