Name: Garlicky Olivada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Olives; 1 tbsp capers; 2 cloves small garlic; ½ tsp red pepper; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

This garlicky olivada is a delightful Mediterranean spread perfect for appetizers, sandwiches, or as a dip. The blend of briny olives, tangy capers, and aromatic garlic creates a rich and flavorful experience.

Photos of Garlicky Olivada Recipe

While most of the ingredients are common, capers and red wine vinegar might not always be in your pantry. Check your local supermarket's condiment aisle for capers, which are small, pickled flower buds. Red wine vinegar can usually be found among other vinegars and salad dressings.

Ingredients For Garlicky Olivada Recipe

Olives: These form the base of the spread, providing a rich, salty flavor.

Capers: Small pickled flower buds that add tanginess and a burst of saltiness.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the olives.

Red pepper: Provides a hint of heat to balance the other flavors.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and tang to brighten the dish.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Smooth and rich, it helps to blend all the ingredients together seamlessly.

One reader, Kristi Seitz says:

This garlicky olivada recipe is a flavor explosion! The combination of olives, capers, and garlic is divine. The red wine vinegar adds a perfect tang, and the extra-virgin olive oil brings it all together. It's a must-try for any olive lover!

Kristi Seitz

Techniques for Preparing Garlicky Olivada

How to mince garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves into small pieces. How to combine ingredients: Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

How To Make Garlicky Olivada

Serve this delicious Garlicky Olivada, a delightful side dish simply made with brine-cured olives combined with garlic, capers, and red pepper.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupolives,brine-cured, mixed, pitted
1tbspcapers,chopped
2clovessmall garlic
½tspred pepper,crushed
3tbspred wine vinegar
½cupextra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a bowl, combine all of the olives, capers, garlic, red pepper, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.

Recipe Notes

Make-Ahead: The olivada can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 1126.94kcal
Fat: 122.46g
Saturated Fat: 16.84g
Monounsaturated Fat: 89.41g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.63g
Carbohydrates: 10.54g
Fiber: 4.70g
Sugar: 0.15g
Protein: 1.65g
Sodium: 1196.33mg
Calcium: 133.73mg
Potassium: 54.02mg
Iron: 5.47mg
Vitamin A: 29.92µg
Vitamin C: 5.19mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Garlicky Olivada

When preparing the garlic, make sure to finely mince it to ensure it evenly distributes throughout the olivada. This will help infuse the olive oil with a robust garlicky flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Garlicky Olivada Recipe

Use a food processor: Quickly blend the olives, capers, garlic, red pepper, red wine vinegar, and olive oil together for a smooth olivada.

Pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of peeling and chopping fresh cloves.

Pre-pitted olives: Opt for pre-pitted olives to avoid the hassle of removing pits yourself.

Measure ingredients in advance: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start mixing.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of olivada and store it in the fridge for up to a week for quick use.

Substitute Ingredients For Garlicky Olivada Recipe

olives - Substitute with artichoke hearts: Artichoke hearts provide a similar briny and savory flavor, making them a good alternative for olives.
capers - Substitute with green peppercorns: Green peppercorns offer a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor, which can mimic the taste of capers.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to garlic but still add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
red pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar heat level and can be used in smaller quantities to achieve the desired spiciness.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar offers a sweet and tangy flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in place of extra-virgin olive oil.

Presentation Ideas for Garlicky Olivada

Select high-quality ingredients: Use the finest olives, capers, and extra-virgin olive oil to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Finely chop the ingredients: Mince the garlic and capers finely to blend seamlessly with the olives. This ensures a smooth and cohesive olivada.
Balance the flavors: Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar and red pepper to achieve a perfect balance of acidity and heat, enhancing the overall taste.
Use a food processor: Pulse the mixture in a food processor to achieve a slightly chunky yet spreadable consistency. Avoid over-processing to maintain some texture.
Presentation on a slate board: Serve the olivada on a sleek, dark slate board to contrast with the vibrant colors of the spread.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Pair the olivada with thin slices of toasted artisanal bread or crostini for a sophisticated touch.
Drizzle with extra olive oil: Finish with a light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to add a glossy sheen and enhance the flavor.
Serve in a small, elegant dish: Present the olivada in a small, elegant dish or ramekin to maintain a refined and professional appearance.
Add a touch of sea salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to add a subtle crunch and elevate the flavors.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Olivada

Mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the ingredients together.
Garlic press: This will help you mince the garlic cloves finely.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the capers, red pepper, and red wine vinegar.
Measuring cup: Use this to measure the olives and extra-virgin olive oil.
Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Chef's knife: Useful for chopping the olives if they are not already pitted and chopped.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the olives and garlic.
Serving dish: Use this to present the finished olivada.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlicky Olivada

Once the olivada is prepared, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
Store the container of olivada in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature will slow down the growth of bacteria and preserve the flavors of the olives, garlic, and other ingredients.
If you wish to keep the olivada for an extended period, consider freezing it. To do this, spoon the mixture into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Once the olivada is frozen solid, remove it from the ice cube trays or containers and transfer the cubes or portions to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag or container with the date of freezing for easy reference.
Frozen olivada can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you're ready to use it, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Keep in mind that the texture of the olivada may change slightly after freezing and thawing, as the olive oil may solidify and separate. However, a quick stir or whisk should help restore its original consistency.
To enjoy the best flavor and quality, consume the thawed olivada within a week of thawing and do not refreeze it once it has been thawed.

Interesting Fact About Garlicky Olivada

Random Fact

The olives used in this olivada recipe are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Is Making Garlicky Olivada at Home Cost-Effective?

The garlicky olivada recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like olives, capers, and garlic, it offers a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The use of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar adds a gourmet touch while remaining affordable. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $8-$10 USD.

Is Garlicky Olivada Healthy or Unhealthy?

The garlicky olivada recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to its use of nutrient-dense ingredients like olives, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil. These ingredients offer a range of benefits:

Olives are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds
Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties
Extra-virgin olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be tweaked to make it even healthier:

The high sodium content from the olives and capers may be a concern for those watching their salt intake
The recipe lacks fiber and other essential nutrients found in vegetables and whole grains

To enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olives and capers to lower the overall sodium content
Incorporate more vegetables into the mix, such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts, to boost fiber and vitamin intake
Serve the olivada alongside whole grain crackers or bread to add complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
Use the olivada as a topping for grilled fish or chicken to create a well-rounded, protein-rich meal
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like fresh basil or oregano, to add depth of flavor without relying on salt

Editor's Opinion on This Garlicky Olivada Recipe

This garlicky olivada recipe is a delightful blend of robust flavors. The combination of olives and capers provides a briny, savory base, while the garlic adds a pungent kick. The red pepper introduces a subtle heat, balanced by the acidity of the red wine vinegar. The extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together with its rich, fruity notes. This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, perfect as a spread for crusty bread or a topping for grilled meats. A touch of fresh herbs like parsley or basil could elevate it even further.

Enhance Your Garlicky Olivada Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Imagine the crispiness of grilled asparagus paired with a zesty hint of lemon. The slight char from the grill adds a smoky depth that complements the garlicky olivada perfectly.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup: A velvety roasted red pepper soup with a touch of cream can be a delightful companion. The sweetness of the peppers and the richness of the soup create a harmonious balance with the bold flavors of the olivada.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: For a burst of sweetness and savory delight, consider prosciutto-wrapped melon. The juicy melon contrasts beautifully with the salty prosciutto, making it a refreshing side to the garlicky olivada.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delve into the earthy flavors of stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and perhaps a hint of breadcrumbs, these bite-sized delights offer a rich and satisfying complement to the olivada.

Citrus Arugula Salad: A citrus arugula salad brings a refreshing and tangy twist. The peppery arugula combined with segments of orange or grapefruit adds a bright and lively contrast to the robust flavors of the garlicky olivada.

Similar Recipes to Garlicky Olivada

Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade: Dive into the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean delight. Roasted red peppers blend seamlessly with capers, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice. Perfect for spreading on crusty bread or serving with vegetable sticks.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: A rich and tangy spread that combines the intense flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. This pesto is a versatile addition to pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip for crackers.

Artichoke and Spinach Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip that pairs the earthy taste of artichokes with the fresh flavor of spinach. Enhanced with cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of garlic, this dip is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Classic Hummus: Smooth and creamy, this Middle Eastern staple is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Serve with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for a healthy and delicious snack.

Recommended Main Courses and Desserts to Serve with Garlicky Olivada

Main Courses:

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Elevate your dinner with Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Imagine juicy chicken breasts filled with a delightful mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The garlicky olivada adds a burst of flavor, making each bite a Mediterranean delight. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a complete meal.

Lamb Chops with Olivada Crust: Transform your dinner table with Lamb Chops with Olivada Crust. Tender lamb chops are coated with a savory garlicky olivada crust, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The olives and capers in the olivada complement the richness of the lamb, while the red wine vinegar adds a subtle tang. Pair with rosemary roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus for an unforgettable meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth. This decadent treat combines velvety dark chocolate with a hint of espresso to enhance its depth of flavor. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a sophisticated gathering, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.

Lemon Tart: Delight your taste buds with a zesty lemon tart that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. The buttery shortcrust pastry provides a crisp base for the smooth and tangy lemon curd. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries to add a pop of color and freshness. This refreshing dessert is ideal for a summer brunch or a light after-dinner treat.

Why trust this Garlicky Olivada Recipe:

This garlicky olivada recipe is a must-try for any food lover. The combination of olives, capers, and garlic creates a rich, savory flavor that is perfectly balanced by the tangy red wine vinegar. The addition of red pepper adds a subtle kick, while the extra-virgin olive oil ensures a smooth, luxurious texture. This recipe is simple to make, yet delivers complex flavors that will impress any guest. Trust in the quality of these ingredients and the straightforward preparation for a delicious result every time.

Share your thoughts on this Garlicky Olivada Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

What kind of olives should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of olives you like, but I recommend a mix of Kalamata and green olives for a nice balance of flavors.

Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.

How long will this olivada keep in the fridge?

It should keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I make this recipe without the red pepper?

Absolutely, you can leave out the red pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.

Do I need to chop the olives and garlic before mixing?

Yes, it's best to roughly chop the olives and finely mince the garlic to ensure everything combines well.