Why Dress Olive Leaves with Spinach?
Olive leaves make an excellent alternative to the traditional wraps or tortillas. They possess a slightly bitter taste that complements the earthy flavors of spinach beautifully. By using olive leaves instead of traditional wrapping methods, you’ll give your dish an exotic and Mediterranean touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Olive leaves (available in Mediterranean stores or online)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fillings: cheese, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or quinoa
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by blanching your fresh spinach leaves. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the spinach leaves for about 30 seconds. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the leaves well.
2. Lay out an olive leaf on a flat surface, smooth side down. Place a blanched spinach leaf in the center of the olive leaf.
3. In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to emulsify the dressing.
4. Drizzle a small amount of the dressing over the spinach leaf on the olive leaf. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much dressing can make the leaves soggy.
5. If desired, add your choice of additional fillings on top of the spinach leaf. Be creative and experiment with different options like cheese, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or quinoa.
6. Gently fold the olive leaf, enclosing the spinach and filling inside. The dressing will help seal the leaf, keeping everything together.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining olive and spinach leaves until you have prepared enough wraps for your dish.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Consider marinating the olive leaves in the dressing for a few hours before assembly to infuse them with additional flavors.
- Chill the prepared wraps in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- These dressed olive leaves with spinach are perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light lunch option.
- For an extra touch of freshness, garnish the wraps with chopped herbs such as parsley or basil.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding spices or herbs to the dressing.
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unique and delicious twist on spinach recipes. Dressing olive leaves with spinach will elevate your culinary skills and add a touch of sophistication to your next meal. Now, go ahead and create your masterpiece!