What You Will Need
- 1 cup of pitted olives
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of water
- A small saucepan
- A wooden spoon
Step 1: Crushing the Olives
Start by placing the pitted olives into a bowl or a mortar. Use the back of a spoon or a pestle to crush them until they are roughly chopped. You want to maintain some texture and small pieces.
Step 2: Preparing the Sweetening Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir it gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Adding the Olives
Add the crushed olives to the saucepan with the sweetening mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the olives are coated in the syrup.
Step 4: Simmering the Mixture
Keep the saucepan on low heat and allow the olive and syrup mixture to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the olives from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Letting it Cool
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sweetened crushed olives cool down to room temperature. The olives will continue to absorb the syrup and develop a delightful sweetness as they cool.
Step 6: Storing the Sweetened Crushed Olives
Once cooled, transfer the sweetened crushed olives to an airtight container or jar. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Use Sweetened Crushed Olives
Now that you have your sweetened crushed olives ready, it’s time to enjoy them in your favorite dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add them to salads for a burst of sweetness and texture.
- Spread them over a fresh baguette or sandwich for a unique twist.
- Top off grilled chicken or fish with a spoonful of the sweetened olives.
- Use them as a topping for homemade pizzas or flatbreads.
- Try incorporating them into your pasta dishes for a delightful flavor combo.
With this simple step-by-step guide, you can easily sweeten crushed olives at home. Experiment with different olive varieties and enjoy the added dimension of sweetness they bring to your culinary creations!