Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious recipe for Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli. If you’re a fan of olives, you’re in for a treat! This dish takes the humble olive to a whole new level by adding a crispy fried coating and serving it with a tangy garlic aioli dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique appetizer, or simply craving a savory snack, these fried olives are sure to impress. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup pitted green olives

– 1 cup pitted black olives

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 eggs, beaten

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– Vegetable oil, for frying

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Olives

Start by draining the olives from any excess liquid. Pat them dry using a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station

In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and garlic powder. Season each bowl with salt and pepper to taste. This coating station will make the breading process easier.

Step 3: Coat the Olives

Dip each olive first into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the olive into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the olive with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process for all the olives.

Step 4: Fry the Olives

In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated olives into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried olives from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Aioli

While the fried olives are cooling, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors according to your preference.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fried olives have cooled slightly, transfer them to a serving plate. Serve them alongside the garlic aioli dipping sauce. These fried olives are best enjoyed while still warm and crispy. Dip each olive into the aioli and savor the explosion of flavors.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations you can try:

– Stuffed Olives: Instead of using plain olives, use stuffed olives such as blue cheese-stuffed or jalapeno-stuffed olives for an extra burst of flavor.

– Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.

– Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs in the coating mixture. Try adding dried thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the aroma and taste.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your fried olives turn out perfectly:

– Use pitted olives to make it easier to enjoy the fried olives without worrying about pits.

– Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the olives. The ideal temperature is around 350°F (175°C).

– Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry the olives in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.

– Serve the fried olives immediately to enjoy their crispy texture. They may lose their crispiness if left to sit for too long.

Conclusion

There you have it – a delectable recipe for Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli. This dish is a unique and irresistible way to enjoy olives as a snack or appetizer. The combination of the crispy fried coating and the creamy garlic aioli dipping sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a savory treat, these fried olives are sure to impress your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and elevate your olive experience!

FAQs

Can I use different types of olives?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of olives to suit your preference. Green and black olives work well for this recipe, but you can also try using Kalamata olives or any other variety you enjoy.

Can I make the garlic aioli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic aioli ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container and consume it within a few days.

Can I bake the olives instead of frying them?

While frying gives the olives a crispy texture, you can also bake them if you prefer a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated olives on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Fried Olives with Garlic Aioli

Introduction

Ingredients