Olive
Vine Leaf-Wrapped Sheep's-Milk Ricotta with Fennel and Olives
Although we prefer the taste and texture of sheep's-milk ricotta, this recipe can be made using (whole-milk) cow's-milk ricotta, which should first be drained overnight in a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl. The grapevine leaves make for a beautiful presentation, but, because they haven't been softened in water, they should not be eaten.
Sauteed Fennel, Capers and Arugula
A lovely side dish with big flavors‑and only a single teaspoon of oil.
Ripe Olive and Goat Cheese Toasts
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Cream Cheese Spread with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prepare this one day ahead to allow the flavors to blend.
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza "Pie"
This pie uses pizza toppings as a filling. Serve it with a tossed green salad.
Braised Veal Shanks with Green Olives and Capers
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Couscous and Chicken Salad with Orange-Balsamic Dressing
Currants, roasted peppers, chick-peas, olives, green onions and cilantro add color and flavor to this portable salad. To start, dip wedges of pita bread into store-bought hummus (a creamy puree of chick-peas and sesame paste, available at Middle Eastern markets). A slightly chilled Beaujolais or lemonade is a refreshing beverage choice.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This meatless salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper and leeks. Cooked sausage may be added to make it heartier. Serve with rolls or baguette slices and iced tea or white wine.
Lamb with Black Olives (Agnello con Olive Nere)
The olives used in this traditional recipe are fresh, black, uncured, ripe olives, but wrinkled, salt- cured black olives will do just as well. If you do have ripe black olives from an olive tree in your backyard, drop a handful in rapidly boiling water for about 20 minutes, then drain and use in the reicpe. This is often served with soft polenta.
Sauteed Cod Provençale
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Focaccia with Olives and Rosemary
This recipe was inspired by one from olive oil expert Lidia Colavita. You can make a meal around the bread by offering it as an accompaniment to bean soup.
Cooked Carrot Salad with Toasted Cumin Dressing
Carrots, red onion, cilantro, Kalamata olives and a fragrant cumin dressing make a lovely summertime salad.
Vegetable Salad with Goat Cheese
(SALADE DE LEGUMES AU FROMAGE DE CHEVRE)
This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Green Olive, Lemon, and Garlic-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Potatoes and Pan Gravy
Roasting the potatoes with the lamb gives them a wonderfully rich, meaty flavor.