Green Olives with Spicy Bread Crumbs

Green olives with spicy bread crumbs is a delicious and flavorful appetizer or snack. Sunday lunch in Rome means big family gatherings at the neighborhood trattoria. The meal often begins with an assortment of antipasti, served family-style. Roasted peppers, baked eggplant, warm slices of frittata, sautéed zucchini, fresh mozzarella, marinated anchovies, little meatballs, and pickled vegetables are among the more common offerings. I can make a whole meal of them! One day at Sant’lgnazio, a favorite trattoria, the assortment included warm sautéed green olives with spicy bread crumbs. I loved the way cooking brought out the flavor of the mild olives, and the bread crumbs added a delicious crunch. I serve these with drinks before a meal or as part of my own antipasti tray when I have company.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• Pinch of crushed red pepper
• 2 cups imported green olives such as Sicilian, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
• ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the oil with the parsley, garlic, and red pepper over medium heat until fragrant. Add the olives to the pan, along with the vinegar, and cook, stirring, until the olives are warm and the vinegar has evaporated, about 3 minutes.
2. With a slotted spoon, transfer the olives to a serving bowl.
3. Add the bread crumbs to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until evenly toasted, about 3 minutes more. Toss the olives with the bread crumbs and serve warm.

SERVING OPTIONS:

Green olives with spicy bread crumbs can be served in various ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some serving options:

• Appetizer platter: Arrange the green olives with spicy bread crumbs on a platter alongside other appetizers like cheese, cured meats, and crackers. It makes for a flavorful addition to a charcuterie board.
• Party skewers: Thread the breaded olives onto skewers, alternating with other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, or roasted vegetables. This creates a visually appealing and easy-to-eat finger food for parties or gatherings.
• Salad topping: Sprinkle the green olives with spicy bread crumbs over a fresh salad to add a crunchy and savory element. They pair well with mixed greens, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Tapas or mezze platter: Include the olives as part of a larger spread of small dishes. Serve them alongside hummus, tzatziki, pita bread, marinated vegetables, and other Mediterranean-inspired bites.
• Pizza or flatbread topping: Scatter the breaded olives over a homemade or store-bought pizza or flatbread before baking. They add a burst of flavor and texture to the final dish.
• Snack bowl: Simply place the green olives with spicy bread crumbs in a bowl and serve them as a standalone snack. They’re perfect for munching on while watching a movie or entertaining guests.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when deciding on the serving options. Enjoy your green olives with spicy bread crumbs in whichever way suits your taste and occasion!