Olive Spread with Walnuts
On a trip to Chicago, my daughter and I enjoyed a memorable meal at Pane Caldo downtown. Everything was terrific, especially the black olive and walnut spread served with the bread. Offer this flavorful spread with French-bread baguette slices that have been brushed with olive oil and toasted in a 350°F oven until golden.
On a trip to Chicago, my daughter and I enjoyed a memorable meal at Pane Caldo downtown. Everything was terrific, especially the black olive and walnut spread served with the bread. Offer this flavorful spread with French-bread baguette slices that have been brushed with olive oil and toasted in a 350°F oven until golden.
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 3/4 cups pitted kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives (about 1/2 pound pitted)
- 3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped
- 2 teaspoons coarse-grained dijon mustard
- Carbohydrate 5 g(2%)
- Fat 24 g(37%)
- Fiber 3 g(11%)
- Protein 2 g(4%)
- Saturated Fat 3 g(15%)
- Sodium 414 mg(17%)
- Calories 231
Step-by-step
- Finely chop black olives and 3 tablespoons toasted walnuts in processor.
- Add olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, oregano, sage, and cayenne pepper and process until coarsely pureed.
- Stir in remaining 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts.
- Spread can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Cover with plastic and refrigerate.
A Taste of Chicago: My Homemade Olive and Walnut Spread
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for delicious and easy recipes that don't require hours in the kitchen. This olive and walnut spread is a perfect example – it's incredibly flavorful, requires minimal cooking time, and can be made ahead of time, a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. The inspiration? A truly memorable meal at Pane Caldo in Chicago. My daughter and I were captivated by the ambiance, the service, and of course, the food. But it was this simple olive and walnut spread that stole the show. It was served alongside perfectly toasted baguette slices, creating a taste sensation that I knew I had to recreate at home.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated technique or obscure ingredients. Just a handful of everyday staples – olives, walnuts, olive oil, herbs, and a touch of spice – come together to create a flavor explosion. The texture is wonderfully chunky, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft bread. The robust, slightly salty flavor of the olives blends beautifully with the earthy richness of the walnuts, creating a harmonious balance that's both savory and subtly sweet. The addition of fresh herbs – thyme, oregano, and sage – adds layers of complexity and freshness, while a pinch of cayenne pepper provides a delightful kick.
I've found that this spread is incredibly versatile. It's perfect as an appetizer, served with crusty bread or crackers. It can also be used as a flavorful addition to sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. The possibilities are endless! The best part? You can make this spread well in advance. I often prepare a batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator, ready to be enjoyed throughout the week. It's a perfect addition to a quick and easy lunch or a delightful snack when you need a burst of flavor. And the leftovers? They're just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day. It's one of those recipes that gets even better with time.
Beyond its culinary merits, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's a reminder of a wonderful mother-daughter trip to Chicago, a city that's rich in culture, history, and undeniably delicious food. Each time I make this spread, I'm transported back to that cozy restaurant, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with my daughter. It's more than just a recipe; it's a treasured memory, carefully preserved in every bite.
So, if you're looking for a simple, yet incredibly flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire, give this olive and walnut spread a try. It's guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends, and it just might become a new family favorite, too. And who knows? Maybe it will inspire your own cherished memories, creating a legacy of delicious moments that you'll cherish for years to come.
Ingredients you'll need:
- 1 3/4 cups pitted Kalamata olives (or other brine-cured black olives)
- 3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons coarse-grained Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions: (Remember, I've made it ahead of time!)
Enjoy!
