Olive dish with meat

Olive and meat dish: a traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

The olive and meat dish is a recipe that combines the rich flavors of olives with the juiciness of meat, offering a tasty and comforting meal. This is a recipe I learned with love alongside my mother-in-law during a time when I was not yet part of her family. Therefore, every bite brings pleasant memories and beautiful moments.

The history of this recipe is rich in tradition, with origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where olives are a staple ingredient. They are appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits, being rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. This dish can easily be adapted according to personal preferences, and I decided to use pork instead of tongue, which requires a longer cooking time. Additionally, chicken breast would be an excellent alternative for those who prefer leaner meat.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork tenderloin (or chicken breast)
- 300 g black olives (make sure they are firm)
- 300 g green olives (blanched to remove bitterness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50 ml white wine (choose a good quality wine for a refined taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Approximately 100 ml water
- 3 large onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Peel the onions and bell pepper, cutting them into julienne strips. The onion will add sweetness and flavor, while the bell pepper will bring a touch of freshness.
- Cut the pork tenderloin into cubes, making sure to wash it well beforehand to remove any impurities.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes. This process will help release the flavors and juices from the vegetables.

3. Adding the meat:
- Once the onion becomes translucent, add the meat cubes. Continue to stir and let the meat sweat for about 5 minutes until it changes color.

4. Boiling:
- Add water to the pot and cover with a lid. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. During this time, the flavors will combine, and the meat will tenderize.

5. Preparing the olives:
- Meanwhile, blanch the green olives for a few minutes, then rinse them under cold water. This process will help remove the bitterness.
- The black olives should only be rinsed with cold water to remove excess salt while preserving their flavor.

6. Adding the wine:
- After 20 minutes, add the white wine to the pot. This will bring a deep flavor and a hint of acidity, balancing the dish. Put the lid back on and let it simmer for another 15 minutes.

7. Finalizing the dish:
- Add the tomato paste, previously dissolved with a little sauce from the pot, and mix well. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Finally, add the olives and sliced garlic. These will provide an intense flavor and irresistible aroma. Let it simmer on low heat with the lid on for 15 minutes until the meat is well cooked.

8. Seasoning:
- At the end, add salt and pepper to taste. It is important to adjust the seasonings at the end to avoid overdoing the salt at the beginning.

9. Serving:
- We served this delicious dish alongside warm polenta, but it can also be paired with rice or simply with a slice of fresh bread. A green salad on the side will add a touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- The olives should be very firm; otherwise, they will disintegrate in the dish. Choose high-quality olives for the best result.
- The white wine can be replaced with red wine, but the taste will be different. Experiment to discover your preferred combination.
- You can also add some herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to intensify the flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in protein from the meat, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and antioxidants from the olives. Olives contain healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use chicken breast or even beef, adjusting the cooking time based on the type of meat used.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian? You can replace the meat with tofu or seitan and add more vegetables for a rich flavor.

This olive and meat dish recipe is simple yet full of flavor, perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. So gather your ingredients and start your culinary adventure. Enjoy your meal!