Puff pastry appetizer with olives

Puff Pastry and Olive Appetizer – A Savory and Aromatic Delight

Sometimes, the simplest recipes bring us the greatest joys. The puff pastry and olive appetizer is a perfect example of a delicious dish that will impress any guest. This appetizer from French cuisine is not only easy to make but also full of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Additionally, it is a wonderful choice for a relaxing evening at home or when you want to add a touch of elegance to a party.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients you need:
- 300 g olives (preferably green olives, but black ones are also delicious)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought for convenience)
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g grated Parmesan (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor boost)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the Olives: If your olives have pits, it is essential to remove them. This step is crucial not only to avoid unpleasantness while biting but also to achieve a smooth texture for the cream. If the olives are pitted, move on to the next step.

2. Making the Olive Cream: In a food processor, add the olives, crushed garlic, and olive oil. Mixing should take about 5 minutes. If you achieve a smooth paste, fantastic! If not, don’t worry; the cream can remain a bit grainy but will still be just as tasty.

3. Spreading on the Sheet: Take the sheet of puff pastry and spread the olive cream evenly over its surface. Make sure to cover the entire sheet to achieve a uniformly savory appetizer.

4. Adding the Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the olive cream. This will add a note of umami and enhance the flavor of the appetizer. If you want an even more intense flavor, use high-quality Parmesan.

5. Rolling the Dough: Roll the sheet of dough with the olive cream and Parmesan into a tight cylinder. This step is important for obtaining beautiful and uniform slices. Make sure the roll is tightly wrapped to avoid unrolling during baking.

6. Chilling: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to cut into slices.

7. Cutting and Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the roll from the refrigerator and cut it into slices about 1-2 cm thick. Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

8. Serving: Let them cool slightly, then serve warm. These appetizers are excellent alongside a dry white wine or a light beer.

Practical tips:
- Choose Olives Carefully: Green olives have a more pronounced flavor, while black ones are sweeter. Experiment with different types to find the perfect combination for your tastes.
- Add Herbs: If you want to intensify the flavors, add fresh herbs like basil or dill during mixing.
- Ingredient Variations: You can also add other ingredients like roasted red peppers or nuts to create a uniquely flavored olive cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This appetizer is not only delicious but also nutritious. Olives are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fatty acids, while garlic provides additional benefits for the immune system. Parmesan, although high in calories, offers valuable proteins and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned olives? Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the cream.
2. What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with sun-dried tomato puree or pesto to bring a different note.
3. How can I store the appetizers? These slices are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered.

This puff pastry and olive appetizer is perfect for any occasion, bringing a touch of elegance and refinement. Whether you serve it at a party, a dinner with friends, or simply as a snack, it will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it. So gather the ingredients and let yourself be inspired by the simple yet powerful flavors of this dish!