In the heart of the Mediterranean, Greek cuisine shines with an array of delectable dishes that showcase the country's culinary heritage. Among these gems, the harmonious blend of flavors in cauliflower and olives takes center stage. This article presents a delightful journey into the world of Greek cooking, offering three distinct recipes that capture the essence of this classic combination. From the aromatic simplicity of Cauliflower and Olives in Lemon Sauce, to the hearty goodness of Cauliflower and Olive Pie, and the vibrant flavors of Cauliflower and Olive Salad, each recipe promises a unique taste experience. Embark on this culinary adventure and discover the vibrant spirit of Greek gastronomy, where fresh ingredients and traditional techniques unite to create dishes that tantalize the palate and warm the soul.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH FETA, ALMONDS AND OLIVES
Roasted cauliflower is a pure delight, but tossing it with feta, toasted almonds and olives makes it even better. The additions come together while the cauliflower roasts, allowing you to assemble this side in no time. If almonds aren't available, walnuts or hazelnuts are good substitutions. This dish works well served warm, but it's equally good at room temperature if you want to make it ahead. Serve with grilled pork chops or pan-seared chicken thighs with lemon and herbs, or fold it into cooked grains, such farro or rice, for a hearty grain salad.
Provided by Colu Henry
Categories weeknight, vegetables, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil. Season well with the salt, pepper and red-pepper flakes, if using, and toss again. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large sheet pan and roast until crisp and golden, about 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure they don't burn, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, toss it in a large bowl with the feta cheese, olives, half the almonds and 1 tablespoon parsley until combined. Top with remaining almonds and parsley, and lemon. Season with flaky salt, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 277, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 795 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CAULIFLOWER AND OLIVES (GREECE)
This unusual cauliflower recipe comes from the 1995 cookbook Greek Cooking. Green olives can be substituted for the black ones, if desired.
Provided by Sydney Mike
Categories Cauliflower
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Trim leaves from cauliflower & remove the core, then cut into medium, even-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet heat oil & saute cauliflower 1-2 minutes, then remove cauliflower.
- To the skillet add onion & cook to soften.
- Add water & lemon juice to skillet, then bring to boil.
- Return cauliflower to skillet & cook until tender.
- Remove cauliflower to serving dish, then add tomato paste to liquid in the skillet, boiling to reduce.
- Pit olives, then chop them roughly & add to the skillet.
- Pour heated sauce over cauliflower & sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 204.6, Fat 16.1, SaturatedFat 2.2, Sodium 365.6, Carbohydrate 15.6, Fiber 5.9, Sugar 6.1, Protein 4
SICILIAN CAULIFLOWER AND BLACK OLIVE GRATIN
The affinity that cauliflower has with black olives is seen throughout the Mediterranean, from Tunisia to Sicily to Apulia to Greece. This simple gratin from Sicily is traditionally made with green cauliflower, but the result is equally delicious and almost as pretty with the easier-to-obtain white variety.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories weekday, side dish
Time 45m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Break up the cauliflower into small florets while you bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously and drop in the cauliflower. Boil 5 minutes while you fill a bowl with ice and water. Transfer the cauliflower to the ice water, let sit for a couple of minutes, then drain and place on paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin dish. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 3 minutes, and add a pinch of salt and the garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and translucent. Remove from the heat and stir in the olives.
- Place the cauliflower in the baking dish and add the onion and olive mixture, the remaining olive oil, the parsley and half the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir together well. Spread out in the dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is nicely browned. Serve hot or warm.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 163, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 491 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
MEDITERRANEAN ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH OLIVES
This cauliflower medley is a great way to perk up your menu. It can be served warm as a side dish, or at room temperature and tossed with romaine lettuce as a salad. Warming the herbs and garlic in the oil prior to tossing with the veggies helps their flavor bloom. When ready to serve, drizzle on as much or as little balsamic vinegar as you like.
Provided by Bibi
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a 12x18-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Combine olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 20 to 30 seconds. Watch carefully, and remove from the microwave when the oil bubbles. Set aside.
- Combine cauliflower florets, red onion, and red bell pepper in a large bowl. Pour in the olive oil mixture and stir until all the vegetables are coated. Spread out vegetables on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven until vegetables reach the desired doneness, 20 to 25 minutes. Broil if you like additional color, carefully watching that the vegetables do not burn, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle sliced olives over the vegetables and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 123.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.9 g, Fat 8.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 142 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
GREEK CHICKEN STEW WITH CAULIFLOWER AND OLIVES
Chicken, cauliflower, olives, tomatoes, feta - this is a stew of extraordinary flavor and complexity, down to its hints of cinnamon and garlic. The recipe uses skinless chicken legs or thighs; you could substitute ones with the skin if you like. (But don't use chicken breasts, which will dry out.) You can use more or less chicken depending on your needs. And, important to note, you can freeze the finished dish, making it an excellent delivery to new parents or anyone in need of a home-cooked meal.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep, heavy lidded skillet or casserole and brown the chicken, in batches if necessary, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove the pieces to a plate or bowl as they're browned. Pour off the fat from the pan. Add the vinegar to the pan and scrape up all the bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan, and turn the heat down to medium. Add the onion and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan, until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low, cover and let the onion cook for 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it is lightly browned and very soft.
- Add the garlic and stir together for a minute or two more, until the garlic is fragrant, then add the tomatoes and their juice, the cinnamon, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and simmer 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the mixture is reduced slightly and fragrant.
- Return the chicken pieces to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated in the bowl. If necessary, add enough water to barely cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower and kalamata olives and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the chicken is just about falling off the bone. Stir in the parsley, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with grains, with the feta sprinkled on top if desired.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 498, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 33 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 1127 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ROASTED ROMANESCO CAULIFLOWER WITH OLIVES AND LEMON
Refreshing way to eat the nutty Romanesco cauliflower.
Provided by Di
Categories Roasted Cauliflower
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Trim cauliflower and cut into 2-inch florets and place in a large, shallow roasting pan. Add olives, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; toss until well mixed, then spread in a single layer.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven until cauliflower is browned and tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.7 calories, Carbohydrate 8 g, Fat 14.5 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 360.6 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
SPAGHETTI WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER, TOMATO SAUCE AND OLIVES
Perhaps because cauliflower is on the bland side and Mediterranean black olives have such a pronounced flavor, the two go beautifully together. In Italy, Greece and in North Africa, you find the triumvirate of cauliflower, tomatoes and olives in all sorts of dishes.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, pastas, main course
Time 1h10m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower. Blanch for two minutes and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain and blot dry. Cover the pot; you'll use the water again for the pasta. Quarter the cauliflower florets, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and salt generously. Transfer to a baking sheet, place in the oven and roast 30 minutes, stirring from time to time, until tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a wide, nonstick frying pan or a 3-quart saucepan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about one minute. Add the tomatoes, sugar, thyme and salt, and bring to a simmer. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thick, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cauliflower and the olives, and simmer a few minutes more. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Bring the water back to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until the pasta is al dente, usually about 10 minutes. Drain and toss with the cauliflower-tomato mixture. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and serve at once.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 482, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 73 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 677 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH PANCETTA, OLIVES AND CRISP PARMESAN
Studded with salty olives, pancetta and Parmesan that gets golden and crisp at the edges, this is roasted cauliflower at its brightest and most full-flavored. You can serve the caramelized florets either as a vegetable-based main dish or a hearty side to roasted meats or fish, or big bowls of pasta. The recipe calls for using a package of finely diced pancetta that practically melts into the sauce. But if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can dice it yourself into 1/2-inch cubes, and add them with the cauliflower. Or, to make this vegetarian, just leave the pancetta out.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories vegetables, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 2 main-dish servings or 4 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well coated. Roast for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olives, garlic, lemon juice, 1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes and a large pinch of salt. Drizzle in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, whisking well.
- After the cauliflower has roasted for 15 minutes, add pancetta and cumin seeds to pan and gently mix to combine. Sprinkle Parmesan on top and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, until cauliflower is tender, the pancetta rendered, and cheese is golden brown and crunchy.
- Spoon olive dressing all over roasted cauliflower while still hot and toss to combine. Taste, and add more salt, red-pepper flakes or lemon juice, if needed. Scatter parsley over the top before serving.
Tips:
- Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that your dish is flavorful and delicious.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many ways to make cauliflower and olives, so feel free to try different recipes and find one that you like best.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked cauliflower. This will save you some time and effort.
- Serve cauliflower and olives as a side dish or a main course. They're also a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Enjoy cauliflower and olives as part of a healthy and balanced diet. They're a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Conclusion:
Cauliflower and olives are a delicious and versatile combination that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're looking for a side dish, a main course, or a healthy snack, there's a cauliflower and olives recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed.
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