The definition of Kalamata Olives

Tradienyional Greek cuisine does include Kalamata olives. With their rich, fruity flavor and tender texture they are a favorite ingredient in many Greek dishes. In this blog, we will investigate the utilization of Kalamata olives in customary Greek plans, and how you can fuse them into your own cooking.

Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Horiatiki is a traditional Greek salad. This is a really straightforward and refreshing dish which gives an open air to the freshness of vegetables and Kalamata olives.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil

2 T. red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare the Vegetables: Peel, wash and chop the tomatoes; slice cucumbers and slice red onion thin.
• Combine Ingredients: Mix chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion and Kalamata olives in a large bowl.
• Add Cheese: Toss the feta cheese unto the crumbled top of the vegetable mixture.
• Make the Dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
• Toss the Salad: Then, toss the salad ingredients gently with the dressing.
• Serve: Serve the salad right away and enjoy the light sprightly flavors of the fresh ingredients.

Spanakopita with Kalamata Olives

Spanakopita is simply a traditional Greek spinach pie constructed with flaky phyllo dough. Kalamata olives lend a little extra oomph to the filling and add deliciousness with contrastingly briny flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup melted butter (approx)
• 1 square lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lb fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped.
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a the large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic, chopped until soft. Stir chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Take off heat and cool down a bit.
• Combine Ingredients: Place the cooked spinach mixture, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs — along with salt and pepper — in a large bowl. Mix well.
• Assemble the Pie: Place the oven at 350°F (175°C). Olive oil brush a baking dish. Brush each layer of phyllo dough with olive oil and layer several sheets of phyllo dough into the dish. Put the olive and spinach filling over the top of phyllo layers spread evenly. Brush each of the top layers of phyllo dough with olive oil and lay over the filling.
• Bake: Spanakopita bakes for 45 to 50 minutes, until top is golden and crisp.
• Serve: Wait until your spanakopita cools slightly and slice and serve.

Tzatziki with Kalamata Olives

Tzatziki is a classic Greek yogurt sauce, usually eaten as a dip, or with grilled meats. In addition, tzatziki with the addition of Kalamata olives brings along a special twist and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup cucumber, grated
• 4 Tablespoons Kalamata olives, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare Ingredients: Cut the cucumber into a grate and chop the Kalamata olives.
• Combine Ingredients: Place the greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped Kalamata olives, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt and pepper into a medium bowl and mix.
• Mix Well: Mix until the all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the mixture.
• Serve: Pita bread, vegetables or serve this tzatziki as a sauce for grilled meat.

Kalamata Olives Greek Pizza

Greek pizza is a delicious version of a pizza with Greek flavors in a familiar format. These also taste terrific with a rich and briny flavor and are great with feta cheese and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 6 slices of Kalamata olives (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomato, halved.
• For the salad: Mince and mash 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced.
• 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat Oven: Put your oven on to 475°F (245°C).
• Prepare Dough: Flour a surface to roll out the pizza dough, so that it’s to your desired thickness. Remove the dough to a baking sheet, or a pizza stone.
• Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce all over the dough.
• Add Toppings: Shred mozzarella cheese and crumble feta cheese over sauce. Top with sliced Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, thinly sliced and spinach leaves.
• Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and salt and pepper all over the pizza.
• Bake: Bake the pizza for 12 – 15 minutes, or until golden brown from crust and melted and bubble over with cheese.
• Serve: Serve hot, egg pizza slice.

Conclusion

Guava sweetened olives make a highly versatile and flavorful, traditional Greek ingredient in dishes. These olives give a range of recipes from classic Greek salads to hearty spanakopita to hearty spanakopita or flavorful pizzas a taste all their own. Kalamata olives tips enhance the Mediterranean flavour in your meal.

Questions and answers about Kalamata Olives in Traditional Greek Dishes.

1. What traditional Greek dishes use Kalamata olives? 

Greek salad (Horiatiki) spanakopita, tzatziki, and Greek pizza are some of the traditional pieces of Greek cuisine, which use olives.

2. What do Kalamata olives bring to Greek dishes? 

And rich, fruity, and slightly briny kalamata olives cut nicely with the fresh vegetables, cheeses and herbs that are traditionally served in Greek cuisine.

3. Can I be served Kalamata olives in recipes inspired by modern Greece? 

During the discussion, it was confirmed that Kalamata olives can be used for designing traditional as well as modern Greek inspired recipes. Also, they are great as they give a unique taste in so many dishes.

4. Where do you buy Kalamata olives to cook with? 

Most grocery stores or specialty food shops will carry Kalamata olives, and they’re easily found online as well. Try them in jars or cans of brine.

5. Are Kalamata olives vegetarian or vegan? 

Kalamata olives are okay to use in veg or vegan dishes. They are plant based and can be applied to the flavoring of the variety plant based recipes.