Review: Olives from Spain and Omar Allibhoy Recipes

A couple of months ago, I introduced you to Olives from Spain, Taste of Spain Review. Olives from Spain brings a taste of sunshine to your home.

It is Spain’s geographical location that is key to its success in producing some of the world’s most delicious olives. The country’s Mediterranean climate and soil structure is perfect for growing and ripening olives.

Olives are an essential component of Spain’s Mediterranean diet. Not only are they good to eat but they have excellent nutritional qualities, are very easy to digest because of their fibre content and contain a good proportion of minerals.

I was sent a jar of Olives from Spain, Fragatta Pitted Green Spanish Olives to try out simple sophistication with Olives from Spain and Omar Allibhoy.

Spanish chef, Omar Allibhoy has worked with Olives from Spain to develop a range of delicious, juicy and effortlessly stylish olive marinades that can be mixed up in no time at all.

With minimal cooking time involved, the recipes are sure to impress friends and family whether they are served on their own, as a starter or to jazz up a main course.

With endless flavour combinations, all you need are a few simple ingredients to create a truly special dish for all to enjoy.

Spanish Green Olives Marinated in Oregano and Chillies

A fiery way to serve Spanish olives, with cayenne peppers and sprigs of fresh oregano that will only take 10 minutes to prepare and will serve 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar or tin of green Spanish olives
• 100 ml mild olive oil
• 6 sprigs of fresh oregano
• 6 dried cayenne peppers

Method:

1. Drain the Spanish olives from the brine and place them in a bowl. Between your hands, rub the sprigs of oregano so they release their natural aromas, before sprinkling the sprigs over the olives in the bowl with the crushed chillies.
2. Drizzle over the olive oil and then turn everything together to mix. Leave to stand for 20 minutes then enjoy the freshly marinated olives, or keep in the fridge for up to a month in a tightly sealed container

Spanish Green Olives, Sesame Seeds, Lemon Juice and Mint

A fresh mix of green olives, olive oil (try and get Spanish), sesame seeds, lemon and sprigs of mint that will be ready to serve 4 people in only 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar or tin of green Spanish olives
• 100 ml mild olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 lemon
• 3 sprigs of mint
• 3 sprigs of thyme

Method:

1. Drain the olives from the brine and place them in a bowl with the olive oil. In a small pan, toast the sesame seeds over a high heat for one minute, stirring constantly.
2. Add the hot seeds to the bowl. Rub the herbs between your hands and add them to the bowl. Dress with the juice of the lemon (you can even use the zest – the most aromatic part).
3. Leave to stand for 20 minutes then enjoy the freshly marinated olives or keep in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for up to two weeks.

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Review: Olives from Spain – Taste of Spain

When I think of olives, I think of a gorgeous sunny day and a lovely Greek salad. Perhaps it’s because I am married to a Greek husband and we always have Greek salad with BBQ. Olives also remind me of my mum’s delicious salads and tapas in a vibrant Spanish restaurant. Yum!

Spain and olives share a rich history and in fact Spain remains the world’s top producer of the table olives. Spain has a long tradition when it comes to growing olive trees and harvesting their fruit, which is why olives are one of the most traditional and important foods in the Mediterranean diet and play a central role in the country’s gastronomic heritage.

This history combined with the warm Spanish climate, short winters and suitable soils make Spanish olives the most delicious in the world. Throughout Spain these delicious olives are traditionally enjoyed by the whole family, including children who begin eating the fruit at an early age.

My little boy’s first food was olives. I remember going to a wedding when he started eating solids and he ate a whole dish of olives on his own. Everyone was quite impressed that he knew he shouldn’t eat the stones and would put them on the side. He still loves olives.

It is Spain’s geographical location that is key to its success in producing some of the world’s most delicious olives. The country’s Mediterranean climate and soil structure is perfect for growing and ripening olives.

I would like to introduce you to Olives from Spain, bringing a taste of sunshine to your home.

I was sent Tesco Pitted Green Olives in Brine (RRP 0.79), gorgeous green olives, very tasty and perfect for salads and Waitrose Obregon Queen Olives in Brine (RRP 2.19), slow matured spanish olives, soft textured and full flavoured vintage olives aged for flavour.

Olives are often recognised in two popular forms, green and black. The colour of an olive doesn’t signify its variety but rather its level of ripeness at the stage when it is plucked from the olive tree. Spain is known for producing a vast array of olives – over 60 types in total – so whether whole, pitted, stuffed, marinated or sliced and diced there is sure to be a Spanish olive perfect for you!

Some popular types of stuffings and seasonings for Spanish olives include: garlic, anchovies, pimento or red pepper, almonds and cheese. I love olives stuffed with red pepper, it looks gorgeous and tastes even better.

Olives are an essential component of Spain’s Mediterranean diet. Not only are they good to eat but they have excellent nutritional qualities, are very easy to digest because of their fibre content and contain a good proportion of minerals.

Olives promote good health because they contain: Monounsaturated Fats, Vitamin E, Antioxidants,
Fibre, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iodine and Oleic acid. With an average of only 150 calories to every 100g serving, olives are fast becoming a healthy and tasty alternative to crisps, nuts and other savoury snacks.

Eating seven olives a day (25g) is the recommended daily intake. This can be increased or decreased depending on your lifestyle and health. Check out our seven reasons why seven olives a day can make a big difference.

1. Low in calories: 25 grams of olives contain 37 kcal.
2. Great source of fibre: 100 grams of olives contain 2.6 grams of fibre.
3. Antioxidants and minerals: Olives boast a high amount of polyphenols, calcium and magnesium, all essential for healthy body function.
4. Healthy fat: The oleic acid found inside olives is important for a varied and balanced diet.
5. Gastronomy: As an essential ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine, olives are a key part of Spanish food culture.
6. Versatile: Olives are nutritious and bring flavour and colour to dishes, making them an excellent ingredient for any recipe.
7. Preservation: Spanish olives are easy to preserve at home and are always ready to be consumed.

Olives from Spain are easy to find, they are available at major supermarkets nationally, and in delicatessen and speciality food shops. When buying olives check the labelling to ensure you are getting true Olives from Spain. The label will be marked ‘Product of Spain’ and will sometimes name the region of Spain where the olives were grown.

How do you like your olives? In a salad or as a snack? There are lovely olive recipes at Olives from Spain such as Braised Andalusia chicken in Spanish olive sauce, Spanish tortilla with Spanish olives and chorizo and even Chocolate and Spanish olive truffles.

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