Festive quick snacks (olive paste)

Olive paste: Quick and festive snack

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Introduction

At every festive meal, appetizers play an essential role, bringing a touch of elegance and flavor. Olive paste is a perfect choice to impress your guests, as it is not only quick to prepare but also full of intense flavors. This simple recipe for a quick snack will add a splash of color and taste to your table, and the combination of black olives and fish roe creates an explosion of flavor. It is a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your preferences, as well as an excellent way to bring a classic ingredient to the forefront.

Necessary ingredients

- 400 g large black olives (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for a smoother consistency)
- 2 tablespoons fish roe cream (tarama recipe)
- 2 slices of smoked salmon (optional for decoration)
- A few whole olives for decoration
- 6 slices of toast bread, cut into quarters
- A few slices of lemon for serving

Preparing the olive paste

1. Preparing the olives: Start by removing the pits from the olives and rinsing them lightly under cold running water. This step is important as it helps reduce the saltiness of the olives, making them more suitable for your paste.

2. Blend the ingredients: Place the rinsed olives in the bowl of a food processor. Add the olive oil and, if you want a creamier consistency, you can also add the two tablespoons of water. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous paste. You can adjust the amount of water according to your preferences, but make sure the texture is creamy enough to spread on bread.

3. Add the roe cream: Once you have obtained the olive paste, carefully incorporate the roe cream. This will add a marine flavor note and an interesting texture. Mix gently so that the ingredients combine without losing the aeration of the paste.

Assembling the appetizer

1. Preparing the bread: Cut the toast slices into quarters. You can choose to lightly toast them if you want a crunchy texture, but fresh bread slices are also delicious.

2. Decorating: On each piece of bread, place a teaspoon of olive paste. For an attractive appearance, you can decorate some portions with a slice of smoked salmon and a lemon wedge on top. The remaining portions can be decorated with whole olives and also lemon.

Serving suggestions

- Serve the olive paste on a beautifully arranged platter, alongside lemon slices and a few whole olives. This will not only look appetizing but will also add a touch of freshness.

- You can accompany the appetizer with a glass of dry white wine or a fruit cocktail, which will perfectly balance the intense flavors of the olives and roe.

Nutritional benefits

Olives are rich in healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help maintain cardiovascular health. They also contain powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress. The roe cream adds a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for brain and cardiovascular health.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment with the recipe, you can try adding ingredients such as:

- Crushed garlic for a more intense flavor.
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add freshness.
- Roasted bell peppers for a touch of sweetness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use green olives instead of black olives?
Absolutely! Green olives will provide a different but equally delicious flavor.

2. What other ingredients can I add to the paste?
You can also add some nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture, or even some hot peppers for a spicier flavor.

3. How can I store the olive paste?
If you have leftover paste, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

In conclusion, olive paste is a quick, delicious, and flavorful appetizer, ideal for any festive meal. Whether you serve it with smoked salmon or just with some toasted bread, it will surely become a favorite among your guests. So, experiment, enjoy, and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!