Black olives are fruits from the olive tree which are picked when fully grown and fully ripe while the green ones are not ripe yet. Black olives are sweeter in taste than the green ones (which are salty and bitter) and both have a seed inside them. Even though it was first used only in the Mediterranean belt, it is not used all over the world. As fresh olives are not available easily, we use pickled olives that are a little sour in taste.
1. Black Olives were first mainly used in Mediterranean food which includes countries like Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia.
2. The first and foremost use of olives that comes to mind is to use them to make olive oil.
3. Sliced or halved black olives are a common favorite as toppings on many pizzas and sandwiches like Mediterranean Pizza or a Veg Sub Sandwich.
4. Black Olives are often found as a classic accompaniment to cheese boards. They pair especially well with salty cheeses like feta cheese and cheddar. You can even combine it with cheese and other ingredients and make it a Salad.
5. Pastas get an extra zing when this ingredient is added. Since it does not require cooking, it can be added into the sauce or onto the pasta right at the end.
6. A very famous spread called Tapenade is made with olives. It is a French dish made by finely chopping, blending or grinding olives. It can be made flavored with garlic, olive oil and other seasonings as well.
7. Olives are a great addition to many kinds of dips. You can make a simple yogurt and black olive dip or just add a few chopped black olives on fresh hummus to lift its taste.
8. Focaccia is a type of Italian bread that is served as a side dish and olives are usually added on it as well while baking it.
9. Indian dishes are also perked up with olives. They provide a nice tang to the recipes and some sort of innovation as well. They can be added as a topping on uttapams and even as a stuffing in Parathas along with cheese and chilli.
10. Olives, especially black olives, are sprinkled as toppings on a variety of canapes and toasts with different ingredients like parsley, mushrooms, tomatoes and many other.
11. Olives are a big deal in the Lebanese and Mexican cuisines as well. They are added to hummus, over falafels, over nachos, even enchiladas and salads.
To know about Recipes using Black Olives, check out our collection.