Fried, breaded olives
A good meal in good company should begin with an appetizer; and what could be a better starter, maybe together with a good Prosecco, if not some tasty stuffed olives? Originally from the province of Ascoli Piceno - and recognized with a DOP accreditation – these ‘olive all’ascolana’ are prepared with succulent green olives that contain a minced meat filling, and are then covered in breadcrumbs and fried. The recipe for this delicacy is not very old, but neither is it contemporary: it is believed that it was created in the nineteenth century and its popularity such characters of that century Giuseppe Garibaldi, Gioacchino Rossini and finally Giacomo Puccini. Are you ready for this culinary challenge? With our recipe, you will be able to impress even the most discerning palate, paving the way to an unforgettable dinner!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Fry the chopped celery, carrot and onion and then add the minced meat. Add a little white wine and let it reduce. Combine in a large bowl the fried meat mixture, half an egg, the grated zest of one lemon, the Parmesan, coarsely chopped parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together with a blender. Make a cut on one side of the olives and with a teaspoon fill each olive with the stuffing. Coat the olives in flour, then dip them in the beaten egg and coat them in breadcrumbs. Put the olives on a tray as you make them, and then fry the breaded olives until they are golden brown.
Step by step
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Fry the chopped celery, carrot and onion and then add the ground meat. After a while, add a splash of wine and reduce.
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Combine in a bowl the cooked meat mixture, half an egg, the grated zest of one lemon, Parmesan, coarsely chopped parsley, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
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Blend the mixture together with an electric blender
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Make an incision on one side of the olives and with a teaspoon fill each olive with the stuffing
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Coat the olives in flour
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Dip the olives in beaten egg
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Dip the olives in the breadcrumbs
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Put the olives on a tray as you make them, then fry until golden brown
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Your olives are ready!
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Additional information
Stuffed and Fried Olives from Ascoli with Meat Filling
One of the tastiest variations of stuffed and fried olives from Ascoli is certainly the one that uses a ground meat filling. In this preparation, the meat is cooked with a sauté of celery, carrot, and onion, adding a rich and enveloping flavor. After deglazing with white wine, fresh ingredients like parsley and grated lemon zest are added. These olives, once stuffed and fried, become a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The combination of meat and spices makes the recipe irresistible, perfect for those who love the strong and traditional flavors of Marche cuisine. Each bite offers an explosion of taste, ideal to serve during a dinner or a buffet.
Stuffed and Fried Olives from Ascoli in a Vegetarian Version
For those who prefer a meatless version, it is possible to prepare stuffed and fried olives from Ascoli using a vegetarian filling. In this variation, ingredients such as fresh cheeses and finely chopped vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant, can be used to create a flavorful and light filling. A mix of aromatic herbs can also be added to enhance the flavor of the olives. This preparation maintains the crunchiness and typical taste of olives from Ascoli, but offers a tasty alternative suitable for those following a vegetarian diet. The result is a delicious appetizer, perfect for satisfying even the most discerning palates.
Light Stuffed and Fried Olives from Ascoli without Eggs
For those who are mindful of their diet, the light version of stuffed and fried olives from Ascoli can be made without eggs, replacing them with alternative ingredients such as mashed potatoes or Greek yogurt. These ingredients not only help maintain the cohesion of the filling but also reduce the calories and fats present in the original recipe. Additionally, one can opt for baking instead of frying, to have a lighter and healthier dish. These light stuffed olives still retain their rich and delicious flavor, making them perfect for a tasty appetizer that doesn't weigh you down.
Benefits of Stuffed and Fried Olives from Ascoli: A Nutrient-Rich Dish
Olives, the main ingredient of this preparation, are rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids, which help maintain heart health. They also contain vitamins E and A, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Although stuffed and fried olives may seem like a calorie-dense dish, a moderate portion offers significant nutritional value. On average, 100 grams of stuffed and fried olives contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. When consumed in moderation, they can be a great addition to a balanced diet, balancing taste with health benefits.
Can Stuffed and Fried Olives from Ascoli be Frozen?
Yes, it is possible to freeze stuffed and fried olives from Ascoli, but it is advisable to do so before frying. After preparing the olives and stuffing them, they can be arranged on a tray and placed in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container. When you want to enjoy them, simply fry them directly from frozen, without the need to thaw them beforehand. However, if you prefer to freeze already fried olives, it is recommended to consume them within a month to ensure maximum freshness and crunchiness at the time of consumption.