Black Olive Butter

Indulge in the savory and salty goodness of Black Olive Butter, a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes. This delectable butter combines the rich taste of black olives with the creamy texture of butter, creating a condiment that’s perfect for enhancing your meals. Whether you spread it on bread, melt it over grilled vegetables, or use it to season meats and seafood, Black Olive Butter is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Yields 8 1 tablespoon servings

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup Kalamata, Niçoise, or other black olives, pitted
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a food processor, pulse the pitted black olives until they are finely chopped. Be careful not to over-purée; you want a finely chopped texture.
2. While the food processor is running, gradually add the room-temperature butter, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you desire a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
3. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl with a rubber spatula and give the mixture a final mix by hand to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Place the black olive butter mixture onto a piece of plastic food wrap. Roll it into a log shape, about 1″ in diameter, and twist the ends of the plastic wrap to tighten the roll.
5. Chill the rolled Black Olive Butter in the refrigerator or freeze it for future use. When needed, simply cut the roll crosswise into “coins.”

USES:

Black Olive Butter is a versatile condiment that can enhance a wide range of dishes with its salty and savory flavor profile. Here are some popular uses:

• Bread Spread: Spread Black Olive Butter on fresh bread or baguette slices for a delightful and flavorful appetizer or snack.
• Grilled Vegetables: Melt a coin of Black Olive Butter over grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus to add a burst of flavor.
• Steaks and Seafood: Top cooked steaks or seafood, such as grilled shrimp or fish fillets, with a coin of Black Olive Butter for a gourmet finishing touch.
• Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a spoonful of Black Olive Butter for an easy and delicious pasta sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Mix Black Olive Butter into mashed potatoes for a flavorful and unique twist on this classic side dish.
• Rice Dishes: Enhance the taste of rice dishes, like risotto or pilaf, by stirring in Black Olive Butter.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms in Black Olive Butter for a savory side dish or topping.
• Omelets and Scrambles: Add a coin of Black Olive Butter to omelets or scrambled eggs for a burst of flavor.
• Crostini Topping: Use Black Olive Butter as a topping for crostini, along with cheese or other ingredients, for a gourmet appetizer.
• Roasted Chicken: Rub Black Olive Butter under the skin of a whole roasted chicken for a juicy and flavorful result.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Include Black Olive Butter as a filling or topping for stuffed bell peppers.
• Grilled Cheese: Spread a coin of Black Olive Butter on the inside of a grilled cheese sandwich for an elevated twist.

Black Olive Butter is a culinary gem that can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. Experiment with its uses to discover your favorite combinations and savor the savory richness it brings to your meals.