The Ancient Greeks regarded the olive tree as sacred and a symbol of peace, prosperity and wisdom – hence the modern phrase of “offer an olive branch”.
Black olives are not a specific variety, rather they are olives which have been left on the tree to ripen, turning from green to black and becoming sweeter and softer as they do so. Black olives have even more of the health benefits of all olives, including heart-friendly fats, antioxidants, fibre and vitamin E.
So, here’s a simple picnic dip or starter that both tastes good and does you good!
Ingredients
- 290g jar of pitted kalamata blck olives (160g dried weight)
- 1 tbsp capers
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 50ml olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- sprig fresh thyme - leaves only (optional)
- Nice Crusty bread
Method
- Blitz all the ingredients except the thyme, ideally in a small food processor.
- Season with black pepper then transfer to a jar or serving dish and scatter over the thyme leaves if using. Keeps in the fridge for 3 days.
- Serve on nice crusty bread or toast.