Basil Olives Recipes

SUN-DRIED TOMATO & BASIL OLIVE TAPENADE (5 MINUTES!)

Steps:

• Add olives, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, olive oil (starting with lesser amount), and lemon juice to a food processor and mix/pulse to achieve a dip with some texture. Scrape down sides as needed.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more sun-dried tomatoes for tomato flavor, basil for fresh herb flavor, lemon juice for acidity, olive oil to thin, or garlic for bite. Optional: Add a pinch of salt and pepper, though we didn't find it needed it.
• Serve immediately. This makes a great dip on its own or for pairing/layering with hummus. We also love it as a sandwich spread on a veggie sandwich like the Trashy Vegan Sandwich from our Everyday Cooking Cookbook, or our Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich.
• Store in the refrigerator up to 7-10 days. Freeze for long-term storage, though best when fresh.

OLIVES MARINATED IN CHILLI, BASIL AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Finely chop garlic,chilli and basil.
• Mix these ingredients with olives, mustard seeds and oil
• Store in sealed jar and keep in fridge.

SAUTEED ASPARAGUS WITH OLIVES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the asparagus, 1/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper and cook, stirring, until the asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the olives, basil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss well. Serve.

MEDITERRANEAN BEEF STEW WITH OLIVES, SUN-DRIED TOMATOES, BASIL

Steps:

• Pat the meat dry. In a large flameproof casserole, heat the olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the meat in 2 batches and cook, turning, until nicely browned, about 5 minutes per batch. As the meat is cooked, remove it to a plate.
• Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and beginning to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour int he vermouth and boil until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes with their juices, the vinegar, black pepper, hot pepper, and 1-1/2 cups water.
• Add the meat to the sauce, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer 1-1/4 hours. Add the olives and simmer 20 to 30 minutes longer, or until the meat is tender.
• Add the sun-dried tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes. (The stew can be made to this point up to 2 days in advance.) Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil.

BASIL OLIVES

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in a jar or container with a lid, add olives and mix.
• Refrigerate at least 12 hours or until flavors have melded.
• Line a plate with lettuce leaves and serve.